A Dying mother's advise

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A fictional story

My father's four room house began to dilapidate and mother sent for me to gather some money which would be used for the repairs. It was not easy because it was still six days to our payday. I fought tooth and nail to borrow money and gave it to my mother but I was sad with all these financial requests.

My mother at last succeeded in convincing me to marry. But But for me, I would not want to get married at this for now especially since my finance was at stake. She joined my hands in marriage with her friend's daughter since she was afraid I might marry from a different family if she tarried further. My wife showed me affection even though we did not know each other for long before courtship.

My mother only lived to witness the birth of my first child. She told me that she was happy to have reaped the fruit of her labour- the birth of my son. She called me to her room one night and told me the ways of this odd world using these exact words...

"My son, this is a wicked world. I am very happy that you have now given me a grandchild, so I won't depart here with sorrow. Beware of the evil-doers that eat with you and the enemies that cast their nets at the back of your bed. Don't be covetous, be contented with whatever you have. With children you are rich. A rich man with five houses and a poor man with only one are equal. The rich man could only live in one of the many at a time, while the poor man also lives in only one. At that point they become equal. A man with many shoes and a man with only a pair are equal too. It is only one pair he could wear one at a time and nobody would care to know if he has got extra at home.

Always crave for contentment. Some people yet complain when they eat meat, but I feel even healthy and happy when I eat cassava paste. Remember, not everyone can prosper. A big tree could be cut down by a small but sharpened Axe. Help those in need if you are in the position to. Look after your wife and take care of your children. Your road would be rough but success shall be the outcome. DO not be like a man who felt tired of this world, and packed his belongings and headed towards an unknown destination. He was for having only one meal a day and having a pair of worn-out shoes to cover his feet, But on reaching a place where he decided to settle down, he found out that hardly do the people eat twice in a week. He also saw men without feet. May God give you patience. May the spirit of our ancestors guide you through in all your undertakings".