I was in the market that day to buy wedding cards for a client when this man walked in, alone. I greeted him and focused on what I was doing. He saw me selecting cards, smiled and parted my shoulder, "I love your courage."
I was surprised as I threw up my face at him. I couldn't get the reason behind such statement.
"I don't understand what you mean, sir"
"I hope the card you're buying is for yourself"
"No sir, it's for someone"
"Oh, sorry, I thought it's yours. But are you married?"
"Not really sir." I responded, smiling.
"If you have anyone you love and she loves you too, I'll advice you marry her as soon as you can provided you have something doing."
"Why did you say that?"
"This is my 8th year looking for a wife. I lost the love of my life because I was chasing money even when she was ready to start small with me, and when I feel I got the money, I couldn't find my spec again. And you know, you have to at least date someone before marriage to ascertain if she's the right one for you. I dated some for few months, some over a year and none ever worked out.
The ones I love only came for my money, the ones that love me have bad character. It has been a tough ride for the past 8 years. I'm 42 now and just planning my wedding ." He was still talking when another person entered and distracted us, he just picked a card and left without spending more time.
I felt for him because I could see a man with regrets in his eyes. I wish I heard his full story.
2 weeks ago, while I was on tricycle (Keke, marwa) going from Corner stone to Nowas when this young man joined us. While the rider was trying to overtake a trailer, he joked saying "Take it easy o, you won't train my kids for me" and we all laughed.
"Are you married?" I asked, smiling.
"Yes, with two kids"
I expressed surprise.
"You really married early."
"I had to, else I may live to regret it."
"how? why?"
"My wife, then girlfriend was under pressure from her parents and she was having many other suitors too.
I was scared of losing her so I had to do the needful. It wasn't easy but I'm really happy I did."
"That's lovely, I love your courage."
"Thank you"
****
I wouldn't want to say the first man was wrong and the second right, neither will I say otherwise. I'll only say that you should do the right thing when you feel the time is right for you and when you can. The advice is for all of us singles...
Credit: Chukwu Ebuka noble
No comments:
Post a Comment