Now I Am

My aunt/mom

When I was twelve years old my parents died. I was sad, yes, but I felt guilty too because I was partially happy at the same time. Why? My parents were not nice to me. In fact, they were very abusive towards me but treated my siblings with kindness. I was made to feel like it was my responsibility to take care of the others because if I didn't- I was selfish and evil.

That's what my parents said anyway.

My father was busy with work and friends. "It's a woman's job to mind the household, "he used to say. He would beat me if he came home and there was nothing to eat.

My mother is worst. 

My mother would cook sometimes and often there was no food for me. She would say, "Well if you eat the smaller ones would stave. What kind of big sister is that?"

Often I would go to sleep hungry and in tears. The mornings would start with me making breakfast for everyone. My father would throw the tea at me if it wasn't warm enough. Once he burnt my leg with boiling water because I was taking too long with his coffee. 

I would look forward to school because it was seven hours away from them. Sometimes they kept me home, because I had to clean the house.

So that day when my cousin told me they had died in an accident, I opened my box and ate my dinner. My family called me names and said things about me, even years later because of that food I ate but nobody cared that I had not eaten in almost two days.

Except for my aunt.

My aunt clothed and fed me. She sent me to school and now I work at a reputable company. My salary is good.

My aunt cried when she saw my condition at the funeral. I smelled and my hair was- as she called it- rancid. My siblings did not care for a relationship with me.

My aunt taught me how to care. How to love. She cared for me just like one of her own. Her children became my new brother and sisters and treated me with love and respect. Often I would go to bed crying because of the love I received from them.

Sometimes, I tried to pay my way through chores but they won't have it. Instead, they taught me to be a good person that helped around with chores.

I remember my graduation speech where I thanked my family and my aunt cried. It went something like this; "And I'm most grateful for my family. I thank God that I was fortunate enough to have been part of your life. Without you guys, I would not be standing here today in this gown. My aunt mom- you are the greatest person I know-" and my aunt had covered her mouth then. Through my tears blurred vision, I knew she was in tears also.