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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Aug 2007 : 12:04:06
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MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
By Amie Sillah
Part 1
Doctor and Mrs Robberts were blessed with three beautiful girls. Kate or Catherine was the eldest, followed by Charlotte then Monalisa shortened as Lisa. Mrs. Robberts yearned for a son but to no avail. Dr. Robberts is not worried to have a son. "A child is a child!" he consoled his wife. "God have given us three lovely daughters we should thank him for that. What about couples who are bless with none and they are still together and living happily. Children are abound who need care and support. One can always adopt any child you want." Mrs. Robberts responded. "What about your kinsmen? They are taunting you for lack of a son. They are urging you to marry a second wife. They are seeing me as useless. I am not holding you. You can marry a second wife who will bear you a son." Madame urged her husband. Did doctor marry a second wife? What happen to Mrs. Robberts. The girls grew up into beautiful damsels. What become of each of them after the demise of their parents?
Read to find out.
A Happy Family
The Robberts are a happy family blessed with three beautiful daughters. Catherine or Kate is the first daughter. She is followed by Charlotte. Monalisa is the last born (Chat). Their parents dotted on them especially their dad doctor Robberts. Mrs. Robberts or Mama Kate is obsessed with having a son. Whenever she thinks of it she becomes moody. Daddy asked the girls to make their wish after a thanks giving meal. Kate the eldest spoke. "Dad! Mum! I wish to become a doctor to take care of the sick and to give advice to people to live healthy." "That's excellent! I pray to God to grant your wish." Then came Charlotte's turn. "Mum! Dad! I wish to become a barrister at law. To defend people's rights and to ensure justice is done." "That's excellent! I Pray God grant your wish." Then came the Chat, Monalisa. "Mum! Dad! I wish to become a Business Administrator so that I'll carry on Dad's business acumen and takes the Robberts flag to higher heights." Dad was overwhelmed. He was excited. He jumped high up and embraced Lisa. "I am happy that my last born 'chat' will carry on my profession. I was a bit worried that my business empire would be left to rot. Thank you my abled colleague. Congratulations!"
Mama also made her wish. "I wish to have a son who would become a world leader." Dad made his wish. "I wish all my girls be blessed and God to grant them their wish Amen!" "What about my wish." Mama protested. "Let God grant you your wish but to me it makes no difference. God have blessed us with three lovely daughters. I thank Him for that. "They took a toast. There was fun, laughter, merriment and happiness. The thanks giving food was a delicacy and mouth watering. "We will all go shopping for Christmas tomorrow." Dad announced.
Shopping With Mum and Dad
They shopped at 'Banjul'. Everybody bought something for herself, himself. They also bought plenty of household items, clothes, shoes, jewelry and toys. A happy family indeed!
Children Playing, Riding by the Pool
The girls played around the pool. They rode their bikes and have fun while their parents watched and were part of the fun. Mama Kate called the girls to come and have their midday milk. They all declined with the exception of Monalisa. She came for her midday drink. "You are healthier than them. Your sisters hardly eat these days. They have to be dewormed." Mama Kate concluded.
Going to Church
Charlotte put on an excessive makeup. She delayed the family. Papa became impatient. "Go and get your sister. What is she doing in her room? We are already late for Church." Catherine went to call her. "Give me five minutes! Am coming." Said Charlotte. She finally came down. Papa criticize her make up. "You are vulgar. Just like a masquerade." Mama Kate rubbed off Charlotte's make up. She also criticized her. "Concentrate on your education and not on makeups. You are too young for it." Charlotte sulked and blamed her parents.
Aunty Beatrice
Aunty Beatrice fondly called Aunty Bea is Doctor Robberts' elder sister. She is Mama Kate's greatest adversary. She criticized her for not bearing a male issue for doctor and putting a spell on him not to take a concubine or to impregnate a woman outside. They are not on speaking terms. Whenever she visits, Mama Kate refuses to attend to her. During this visit she met her sibling Doctor Robberts. "Ayo! Where is your witch of wife? She still refuses to bear you a son. What sort of wife is she? I never supported you marrying her. My favourite was Maggie. She is now married with three sons and a daughter. Your witch gave you three useless girls who will marry away vanishing your father's name. You are bewitched. I wanted to break the spell but you would not let me.' "Stop sister Bea! I don't want to insult you. Leave my wife alone. I am a doctor for God's sake. I am the one carrying the male chromosome. If I don't release it to join my wife's female chromosome she cannot bear a male child. I love my children irrespective of their sex. Don't come to my home and cause harvoc. I love my wife; if it is your problem stop coming to my home. You are welcome only if you don't cause problem." "Are you driving me from your home because I tell you the truth?" Aunty Bea questioned. "Suit yourself! Don't break my peace! I need it badly after a hectic hospital work." The girls came from school. Mama Kate was at the family factory managing it.
The girls met a tense mood between their dad and his only sister and his elder for that matter. "Whats happening dad?" "Good afternoon Aunty Bea." "What is good about the afternoon with your stubborn dad ignoring my good advice?" The children were taken aback by Aunty Bea's nasty mood. "Go to your rooms. We will discuss later." Dad ordered. The girls raised their eyebrows and shook their heads. They rushed to their rooms.
Mama Kate Comes Home
The children narrated the experience to her. She cried and became very depressed. "She is trouble. She always come to my home to torment us about a male issue. She is not on speaking terms with me." Mama Kate lamented.
Mama Kate and Her Husband
Mama Kate asked doctor to take on a concubine to give him a son. "I am a Christian. I cannot marry a second wife. I cannot commit adultery in taking a concubine. Forget about negative comments from every angle. I don't care about them. They cannot influence me to run my home." "I am the woman. I care." Put in Mama Kate Robberts. "I value women darling! I value my daughters. I'll train them to any height. They'll surely make it God's willing." Doctor Robberts emphasized.
The Patriarchs Come To Doctor
His brothers were agitated by Aunty Bea to put more pressure on him. "Even though I am his eldest sister but I am a woman. You are his brothers and elders. Go to him and pressurized him to take in a mistress who will bear him a son." The brothers went to meet doctor. He quarreled with them and asked them out of his house. Mama Kate heard them. She is hypertensive. She collapsed.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 98/2007, 22 - 23 August 2007
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2007 : 12:06:47
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MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
By Amie Sillah
Part 2
Mama Collapses
Mama Kate collapsed and was taken to the family hospital where Doctor Robberts works as a heart specialist doctor and Chairman of his hospital board. The nurse on duty took her Blood pressure which was alarmingly high. Mama Kate was critically ill. She summoned her husband and kids and made a prophesy.
"I am going to die. I can feel it. Stay together and respect your dad. He stood by me throughout our marriage life. He never made me cry. Society and his clan tormented me but he gave me courage to stand my ground. I am weak. I was trained in the old school were the woman is a second class citizen, pronatalist. The woman is tormented for giving birth to only female children what is worst is if she is barren. The woman is always blamed for infertility. Take your education seriously. Kate, my first born wish to be a doctor. I pray to God that it happen. Charlotte wish to be a lawyer. I pray to God that it happen. My last born Lisa wish to be a Business administrator like dad and me. I pray to God that it happen. I wish to have a boy child to be a world leader but that cannot happen. God decided that our family be blessed with three beautiful girls I thank Him for that. I pray your dad lives to witness your dreams. Amen!" Mama Kate turned her head and died. The scene was pathetic. Doctor and his kids broke down and cried like rivers. He held his wife hard and gave him his last kiss on her forehead.
At Home
Relatives, friends, co-workers came in their hundreds to pay condolence to Dr. Robberts. He is a nice man of high repute and also a philanthropist. "I pray to Almighty God that he gives me the strength to take care of my kids as Mama Kate would wish me to." Doctor could not hold back his emotional tears. "You have to be strong if not for anyone but the kids. You are now taking the place of mum and dad. Be strong!" his co-worker Doctor Jobarteh urged him. The relatives came but took a low profile. They knew if they raised any controversy Doctor will throw them out. Now they nursed great hope. "He will now change his mind and remarry that his witch is gone." They soliloqued.
Doctor And His Kids
The relatives were disappointed. Doctor refused to remarry. He decided to raise up his children alone. "I'll not remarry at least until my kids are fully grown up to take care of themselves." He soliloqued. The children took their mum's advice at her dead bed. They did well and made their dad proud. Dad congratulated all of them. Kate completed her housemanship. Charlotte was at her last stage of becoming a barrister at law. Lisa was on her projects and would soon be done. Doctor threw a thanks giving party to praise the Lord. He invited family and friends. The scene was emotional as all minds focused back at Mama Kate. The family and friends shed emotional tears. Doctor spoke about his family. "My daughters have made me proud. They have proven the skeptics wrong." The family members stooped their heads. He narrated how his extended family taunted and laughed at his family. "Mama Kate died due to worries. She had a soft heart. I tried to encourage her to live to see the positive side of life but to no avail. But wherever she is our girls have made us proud and I thank God for that. The rejected stones have now taken the center stage." He called on the girls never to sit on their laurels. "Aim for perfection; excellence; shame the enemy within and without; the sky should be the limit. God have given me the means to make all of you reach your goals. Continue with good behaviour, with good names. Be good girls! Challenges would definitely come but the witty always wins." He finally asked the guests to drink to the toast of his family and everybody present.
The Sad News
Unknowing to the children dad was making a fare well exit. As he was traveling to Europe and Asia to renew his family business contacts he collapsed at the airport. He was rushed to his hospital. He died shortly after being admitted. He was also a hypertensive patient. The children were devastated. "Dad was bidding us fare well but we did not understand. That's why he took the pain to explain everything to us. Urging us to aim for perfection and excellence." Kate explained with emotion.
The Mourning Period
The mourning period was long and painful. The girls became orphans over night. The company lawyer invited them to his office. Together they went to visit Dad's company. The General Manager took them around and introduced them to company staff. Barrister Sarr was with Doctor Robbert's family for over thirty years. Before dad died he made Lisa the CEO of the company. He confessed to Barrister Sarr. "Monalisa has my business acumen. She read business admin in university. She is prudent in spending, smart and witty. I am growing old. I have handed over the family business to her while I stay behind and advice if necessary. Lisa is innovative. Since I made her CEO of our family business we experience success after success." Doctor once confided in Barrister Sarr.
Kate Protests
After the rounds, Kate called Barrister Sarr aside and protested. "I never agreed with dad making Lisa the head of the family business. I was never convinced of the argument that she read business admin as being the reason. For God's sake I am the eldest! Am I not?" She tried to reason with the barrister. Barrister Sarr refused to comment. He sensed conflict. He politely excused himself and left.
Charlotte With Fraudulent Boyfriend
Charlotte was dating Essa, a renown parasite, gold digger and fraudster. Lisa heard a lot of gossips about him. She gave him a cold shoulder. She called Charlotte and advised her. "Be careful! Don't forget Dad's advice. Essa is a renown parasite, gold digger and fraudster. He is also a womanizer. He pretends. He wants to suck you dry. Used and dumped you. Believe me! I cannot fool you. You are my elder and my blood sister. My spirit despise Essa. Am sorry if I hurt you." Charlotte sprang up from the settee and hailed nasty insults at Lisa. "Who made you our guardian angel? Dad spoilt you by making you run the family business. Remember! We are your elders. We should be the ones advising you not the other way round. Never invade my privacy again stupid girl!" Lisa shook her head and gently entered her room.
Lisa At Her Office
Lisa sat at her office doing her work. Kate came in and asked for a large sum of money. Lisa querried her. "But its only last week that you drew half a million. This week also you are asking for the same amount. What for? Dad advised on prudent spending." Kate became impatient. She hailed insults at Lisa. "Dad is dead! We are the living. I am your eldest. I need not explain anything to you. This is family business. Will you sign my cheque or not?" She said rudely to her sister. Lisa grumbled and reluctantly signed the cheque. Lisa is disappointed at Kate's sudden change of attitude. Lisa refused to be provoked.
Dad's Relatives
Dad's relatives came to inherit the family property. The eldest of the clan spoke. "Your dad was a stubborn fly. He refused to traditionally marry a second wife or take a concubine to give him a male issue. Your useless mum could only give birth to useless girls who will marry away and lose our family name or worse still made their husbands or boyfriends squander our brother's wealth. He is our brother. Tradition demands his empire be inherited by his brothers. We are ten from three different mothers." The elder concluded his speech. Charlotte behaved and acted maturely. She camouflaged them. "My elder sister Kate is out and also our last born (chat) Lisa. When they come I'll tell them your message. Give us two weeks to hand over the property." "Good girl! We are Africans. Our tradition is superb. We will always be here to help you solve your problems." The elder promised.
The Sisters Discuss
The three sisters discussed and contacted Barrister Sarr, their dad's lawyer. They hatched a plan for the elders.
Elders Entertain
The elders came with a traditional Chief to share the booty among themselves. The girls entertained them with food and plenty to drink. As they went outside to smoke their tobacco pipes the police came and arrested them. They were taken to the police station, tortured and detained for a night. A rich brother came and bailed them. Before they were released they were warned to keep the peace and never trespass into the girls' properties again. "Make your own property. Doctor Robberts properties belong to his children not to you. If you trespass again you'll be taken to court and jailed." They were happy to be released. They rushed back to the village.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No.99/2007, 24 - 26 August 2007 |
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Momodou
Denmark
11717 Posts |
Posted - 28 Aug 2007 : 12:09:39
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MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
A WOMAN OF SUBSTANCE
Part3
By Amie Sillah
Charlotte Dining With The Devil
Charlotte did not heed her sister's advice. She thought Lisa was trying to boss over them because of her position in the family business. She defied her. Charlotte continued to dine with the devil. She spent all her inheritance money on him. Essa gave Charlotte empty promises which she naively believed. Essa did not come directly. He pretended to take loans from Charlotte which he never have the intention to pay. At one occasion he asked for ten million bucks which Charlotte refused at first but he later cajoled and coaxed her to give it to him as a loan which he never paid.
Charlotte Asks For More Money
Charlotte pestered Lisa to give her more money. Her parasitic fiancé have swallowed all her money. She then went to her sister for more which she refused. The two elder sisters Kate and Charlotte or Lotty ganged against Lisa. She was coerced to give Lotty ten million bucks against her wish. Lisa protested. "Your actions are defrauding the company. It is not just sustainable to give such kind of money for nothing". Lisa argued. Lisa was given forty eight hours to give the money. "Don't bite more than you can chew!" Kate warned Lisa. They practiced elder tyranny on Lisa.
The Reading Of The Will
The two elder sisters knew about it but refused to inform Lisa. The barrister came and asked about her. They lied. "She was inform". "Then why is she not here?" The barrister questioned. "That is not Lisa. She is always punctual". Lisa came and saw the barrister and her positive uncle. Uncle Tunde who never joined the negative brothers who ganged against doctor and his family. He loved and respected Mama Kate. He paid tribute to her and prayed for her soul to rest in perfect peace. Lisa protested. "I am sorry. I was never informed. If I was, I would not keep you waiting". Kate and Lotty sulked and hissed at Lisa. "I knew something was wrong. You are so punctual. But its okay. We can postpone. I've come to read Doctor's will, but it already late. I have an appointment to catch". The guests left. The two sisters pushed Lisa aside and went out. Lisa was disappointed with her elder sisters. "Why are they so hostile? What have I done wrong?" Lisa questioned.
Kate Relieves The Servants
Kate called the servants and relieved all of them of their services. "We don't need all this retinue of workers". She drew a cheque for each of them to be paid for their services. The two sisters protested. "But we are not informed! Are we not part of the household? Kate! You have to stop your unilateral decisions! You are practicing elder tyranny which is unacceptable!" Lisa and Lotty went into the mansion frustratingly. The servants left with sadness. They have no prior knowledge of their fate. They blamed Kate insensitivity and arrogance. The eldest among them Aunty Marie said. "Lisa is the best of the three sisters. She is considerate, kind, generous and respectable just like her parents. I was with this family since the ladies were kids. I serve the family for twenty five years. This is my home. I am very sad to leave". Aunty Marie sobbed. Lisa called her aside. She gave her five thousand bucks. "Do something useful with it. You can start a petty trade. If you manage well, I am not promising but I can see what I can do". She gave her a box load of clothes. "Give to your children. They will find them useful". "Thank you! You are just like your parents. You'll never lack to give". They hugged each other and Aunty Marie left.
Barrister Read The Will
Barrister Sarr read the will to the girls. "Liquid cash is four hundred million (D400 million). Doctor had willed that you worked together and not sell any shares. Kate should continue with the hospital if she wish. The clinic is sustainable. Lisa can always help if cash is needed to refurbish or to buy specialist equipments. If she does not want to continue she can set her own clinic with Lisa's help. As for Lotty, she should set her Legal firm with Lisa's help. Lisa have my business acumen with her sisters assistance she will move the business to higher heights. That is doctor's will. Is there any bone of contention?" "No!" The girls answered. Barrister thanked them for their maturity. He then left.
The Sisters
As soon as barrister left, Monalisa wanted to go out. They dragged her back and Kate got her seated. "Listen carefully stupid girl! This is what we have decided. Forget about dad's will. It is not practicable. We cannot say this to barrister but we can amicably work it out. I don't want to practice medicine. I want to do my kind of business that brings quick bucks. This is my formula. As the eldest daughter I'll take D200 million (two million dalasis); Lotty will take one hundred and fifty million dalasis (D150 million) and you as the youngest will take D50 million (fifty million dalasis)". Lisa protested "But that is unfair! Dad did not say that. We have to share it equally or I go to Barrister, if you are unreasonable I'll take court action". "You can go to hell to all I care!" Kate said rudely. On second thought Lisa changed her mind. She has a plan. "Okay! It is unjust but I'll accept for the sake of family unity. I don't want our enemies to laugh at us. Our parents' souls will not rest in perfect peace. I'll take my unjust share and make the best out of it. I am asking for one favour!" "What is it!" The duo asked. "Leave me with the company to run!" The duo laughed heartily. "Oh! A dying company! Take it! You are welcome". They were happy that they cheated their last born. "Dad spoilt her but she now realized we are her elders!" Kate told Lotty.
Lisa Goes To Barrister
Lisa narrated her experience to Barrister. "Uncle Charles, I told you my experience because you are my dad's solicilor since the family company was initiated but I don't want to stir trouble. My sisters are greedy. They have cheated me but I don't want the enemies to laugh at our family. I'll accept it in good faith". "But where will you get the fund to run the company which is already in the red?" Lisa asked for help". Uncle! If you can loan me D100 million plus my D50 million I'll get the company started. I am keeping the goose that lays the golden eggs. My sisters might have the eggs but not the means to produce the eggs". "Well said! I'll see what I can do". Uncle Charles promised.
Lisa At Home
Lisa knew Uncle Charle cannot help. He was just being diplomatic. She came home discouraged and depressed. She talked to her dad's photography. It echoed what she wanted to hear. The voice urged her to struggle on. That everything would be alright. Kate came and found her crying and talking to the picture. She laughed at Lisa and called her a psychiatric case. Lisa ignored her.
Lotty And Essa
Lotty posted D10 million to Essa's overseas account. At first, Essa could not believe his ears. He was excited. He gave Lotty false promises. Lotty wanted him to at least engaged her. "I'll not engage you. I'll marry you straight away. Just give me a little more time. I am working out something.
Lotty Takes Essa Shopping
Lotty took Essa shopping. She filled his wardrobe with expensive suits and shoes. She bought him a brand new Hummer Jeep. Essa was on top of the world.
Lisa And Her Manager
The company staff is very loyal to Lisa. The company manager who served under her father, Uncle Sheriff was asked to forgo two months salary to travel to France with Lisa to make contact with Doctor's business associates. Uncle Sheriff was not sure whether this will work. He tried to discourage Lisa. "If they agree they will give us credit supply with little deposit". "Lisa! It will not work. Forget about it!" "Uncle! Let us try! It does not harm trying. My spirit urges me to try. Nothing is impossible. Dad never failed. Lisa will try not to fail. To try is not a crime. Lets take the risk together". Uncle Sheriff does not want to lose his employment. He agreed to travel to France with Monalisa.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 100/2007, 27 - 28 August 2007 |
A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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