All-November Series: MY 30 DEEPEST REGRETS! 8) That Better-Forgotten Colourless Childhood: 1.0 I cringe in envy when I see today children being chauffeur-driven to and from school. Most of them are so blessed they are dropped off and picked up by their parent(s) or such other close relative. In all the seven years of my primary education in Cameroon, not one day was I accompanied by anyone; not parent, not uncle, not aunt. And for all those years, I trekked to and fro, Monday to Friday. Well, Bekumu, a fishing suburb in Southwest Province, had no cars or bikes in my time. I understand there are bikes there now. Poor me; even bikes had to wait until after my time. At school and at home, I was the one that fainted and I was the one that resuscitated myself. I apologise if that line does not make sense. Actually, thats how my people in Akwa Ibom will describe my situation: at home, THERE WAS NOT EVEN ONE FAMILY MEMBER helping out with or supervising me in my homework. Stop wondering, mum and dad et al never went to school. Hmm. As a child, I never ever travelled out of the dingy peninsula on holidays. Today, children fly all over the place a-holidaying with family or family friend(s)! 2.0 I hope no one is laughing at me. But, seriously, I had a horrible childhood. Today, children engage in a thousand and one play types. In my time, all we had were beach soccer (how many times I had sand in my eyes; how many times I had open wounds on my legs); ekak, nsa (believe me, I dont know how they call those two in English); whot (cards) and udigbe (hide and seek) and ludo. Recreation was almost impossible. Gawd, how could I have grown up like that? Next, let me mention the part of this story you may have heard: I grew up not knowing about television, electricity, air conditioner, pipe-borne water, water cistern (toilet), motor car, train, let alone aeroplanes. What kind of childhood was that? As if things were not bad enough, at age 13 I was forced off to College by my parents. Ekondo Titi, still in South-western Cameroon, was the first time I had left home or rather my family. This was in September, 1984. Here now is my deepest regret in all of this chapter: I became a man too early. Staying alone (not in the dormitory), cooking my own meals (if I did) and taking every decision on my own must have raped or overawed my childhood! 3.0 SO? It really gets to me, sometimes when I remember. And, I always remember. The better-forgotten memory wont let me to be. The good thing, though, is that it has compelled me to vow that Winnie Adiahachi BUSH and Co. MUST enjoy all that I did not, and more. As for me (please dont laugh) I am still coaxing God to ensure that in my next life, I get a double portion childhood. Nothing else shall be commensurate compensation or consolation. God bless Nigeria! ...B
Posted on: Fri, 08 Nov 2013 22:01:24 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015