Stories of our life

The Love of a Mother

Undeniably, the love and care of parents is very crucial to the development of a child. It is very important that at least, one of the parents, if not both, ensure that their child is loved, appreciated and cared for. I write this piece with a heavy heart and forgive me if my organizational skills are out of line. As a kid, my father was out of the picture and I had only my mother. They met at a time when my mother was young and her education came out interrupted. She worked to cater for me and I spent most of my time with my grandmother and aunty. Not that I didn't appreciate my mother's efforts or my grandma and auntie's warm ambience but I grew to expect my mother's arms around me. I watched when other mothers dropped off their children at school amidst hugs and kisses. Well that's enough isn't it? Let's start this story.
Shortly after the President announced the lockdown on some parts of the country, my mother received quite a number of requests for goods and so I had to help her deliver the items after we were allowed to roam freely across the country. It was on one of these expeditions when I visited a law firm here in Kumasi with a parcel for one Mrs. Dorothy Owusu. Her secretary received me warmly and if only she was a little younger.... don't judge me. I was shown inside but seated in front of the damsel was a replica. Apparently, she was the wig's daughter. Looking adorable in her well ironed yellow and green, I could tell she was a proud student of the Wesley Girls' High School in Cape Coast.
I really wanted to deliver the item in my hand, have her sign and leave for my house but I was captivated not only by their beauty but also of their conversation. All those saying I like listening in other people's conversation, I won't mind you.
Mrs. Dorothy: Adwoa Owusuwaa Bridget, will you look at me while I speak to you? Please? Bridget: What is there to look at, mother?
Mrs. Dorothy: What in the seven hells did I do to you? Where from this cold behaviour? Strong language? I should definitely mind my own business right...
Mrs. Dorothy: I will have the driver pull up in front so he can take you to school. Have you bid your father farewell yet? Do we need to talk about what we all agreed to?
Bridget: Too many questions mother.
I'm like, 'you go girl!'
Mrs. Dorothy: Too many questions? They are two simple questions Adwoa. Bridget: No and no. Satisfied?
Mrs. Dorothy: Yes, thank you. I will bid your father on your behalf. Why are we not going to talk on the issue? You promised, Adwoa.
Bridget: I did. We will talk about it on the way to school.

Mrs. Dorothy: Adwoa, you know I don't have the time.
Bridget: Then we do have nothing to talk about. Shall I leave then?
She said, standing and straightening her dress. Mother looked at daughter long and hard and then turned to me.
Mrs. Dorothy: Kwame, please forgive me. How's your mother doing? Me: Erhm, I don't think we've met before. How's it you know my mom?
Mrs. Dorothy: I represented your mother a few years back. You were just a squeaky six-year-old. Your mother is a very dear friend. Please, do come meet my daughter.
Me: Right...I'm Patrick. Or Kwame. Whichever. Bridget: Adwoa. (we shook hands warmly)
Mrs. Dorothy led us all outside where I presumed we'd wait for the car. The driver was waiting, as expected. "Would you be a dear Kojo and give me the keys to the car and tell my secretary to cancel my appointments for the rest of the day?", the lawyer said kindly. "Sure ma'am", came the reply. The pair of beautiful ladies got in the car while I stood there item still in hand. I was like, "Ma'am, if you could just receive the package and sign off so I can leave", I said pleadingly. "Just give it to the secretary and come back here please", the lawyer said. Gladly, I literally run back and forth in a space of ten seconds. "That was fast", mother and daughter said in unison. "Get in the car Kwame and Adwoa join him at the back please", the woman commanded. I found myself seated at the back with the young dark girl before I could form the words 'I really need to get back home ma'am'.
The journey, weirdly, continued in silence for about two hours. Oh, a lot of things really run through my mind. What if they were kidnappers? You are a boy with two females. I'm sure you can knock out two females. But what if they are well trained? Don't worry, they don't look like the kidnapping type. What if they're disguised?
Mrs. Dorothy: Are we going to talk now?
Bridget: I suppose we are. It's no big deal. I'm dating our Senior Housemistress' son.
Mrs. Dorothy: What?! I mean, why? You're not old enough to date Adwoa. I taught you better than this.
Bridget: Yes, you did. But I have decided to take a different path.
Mrs. Dorothy: At least tell me why please.
Bridget: Well, he loves me very much. He appreciates me. He makes me feel wanted. He sometimes helps me with my studies and assignments, when he's not busy. He is also very charming, Mother.
Mrs. Dorothy: Your father and I love you very much too. Have we not given you everything you wanted? Don't we allow you to visit that friend of yours? Kimberly, is it? Don't you have that girl's bond with her? This boy won't do you any good my dear.

Bridget: It's Natalie. You and father love me very much? Right, let me see, you both see me like what twice in a week? Everything you have given me doesn't make me happy Mother!! I know what is good for me and the boy is one of them. As for Nat, she's my best friend but even best friends have limits.
I know, that was a mouthful! I looked at the mother to solicit a response but none came. We drove in silence for the rest of the journey and I wondered what was reeling through the minds of the adolescent daughter and the mother in her prime with such a tense atmosphere. We arrived finally and they both heaved a huge sigh of relief. The woman quickly opened the trunk and began to unload the luggage but before Bridget stepped out to help her, I grabbed her arm and said, "Adwoa, please. You have two great parents. They may have their flaws but I do believe they have your best interest at heart. They work hard and long so that you may not lack whatever you want in life. Please listen to them and just tell them how you feel about their being away for such long periods expecting you to rely on the love Nat provides for you." She watched me with keen eyes and said, "I'll get in touch with you when I vacate." Then we both stepped out and helped her to her room. I left them alone and stood by the car while they chitchatted. I returned with Mrs. Dorothy on a long silent journey.
We arrived at the firm. We both sat in the car for two awkward minutes. "Kwame, I wanted you to experience this because I know the situation with your parents. I'd hoped you will be able to advise her to be more loving to her father and I. But I think I know where we have erred her now. I am, nonetheless grateful for the words you said to her in the car. I'll make sure she contacts you when she gets back", the woman spoke with tears in her eyes. "Thank you ma'am, though I must to say that you and Mr. Owusu should do everything humanly possible to find the time to be with her lest she finds that attention elsewhere." I replied. "Thank you Kwame. I'll have the driver take you home.", she ended.
The driver took me home and handed me a shopping bag and a parcel which I admit never saw in the car. The bag contained some women stuff, for my mother, obviously. I got a bracelet with my named etched into it and a full package of apple devices. My mother called her and together, we said our many thanks.
As to why my mother sent me knowingly on a mission such as this, I guess that's a story for another day.