Chapter 6
Early Lessons of Life
One of the upsides that stayed with me as I grew, was the discipline inculcated by our parents.
Despite the comfort and luxury, we were no spoilt brats.
'You don't treat people anyhow, irrespective of their status, backgrounds and personality', dad would say to us.
According to him, 'those you treat badly today, might be pathfinders, and a bridge to your next destinations tomorrow.'
'Those we despise today, may turn ladders or a connecting device for our next phases in life.'
"Another virtue that became part of me, was my predilection to study. Aunty Agnes had permanently set my alarm to nudge me from sleep every morning."
Without an iota of doubt, I would have stayed in bed extra hours, but for Agnes's permanent alarm.
"That was quite commendable of her. That routine later became part and parcel of you", Joseph commented.
"I had appreciated her times without number for the timed alarm. Staying awake into the night to study could have made me sleep extra hours, but thanks to aunt's initiative."
"Your readiness to learn too was quite impressive. Myself and Tennyson could not beat you on that. Your practicality put the intelligence of anyone within reach to test, whenever you tried to rehash an academic work or learn new things."
'That's indisputably true. I usually invited aunty Agnes over to take a tour of my academic work with me.'
"The after school routine had become regimented in me, inhibiting every form of lateness. From unpacking to packing, and arranging against the next day."
Aunty Agnes was so intentional about giving me pertinent instructions. She would stand by to put me through on the rudiments of getting my dishes washed, either manually, or electronically. Both technicalities were well spelt out to us.
"We were taken through that routine because dad and mum never wanted us to be overtaken, nor blindfolded by the luxury at our disposal", Joseph responded.
Myself and Joseph had a soft spot for each other. We could talk at length all day. Tennyson was the big brother among us. He might be busy at times, engaging in some personal works.
"The younger ones in the family mostly get along", I guessed.
"Ashley, hope you got the logic quite well? Yes, I did. That was my usual response during those incubation periods with aunty Agnes."
"She would be patient enough to help me understand what I needed to know perfectly. She mostly advised the best I could do, was to have all the important things done against the following day."
"She invited us over at times, bringing us together to counsel us."
(Agnes's P.O.V in Retrospect)
Tennyson, Ashely, and Joseph; a minute please.
Coming, aunty.
"I would like to encourage you all to learn how to prepare ahead. Life favours more, those with a foresight and not a hindsight. So, learn to prepare ahead. Don't wait to explore the rush."
"Yes, we got that", aunty. As we would often scream, excited as we responded.
"What an unforgettable sight to behold; the facade of Earlsfort Terrace, seated on a wide expanse of land was a striking edifice, Joseph pictured.
It had lots of attractions and playground.
"I could remember when we used to play around after our day's activities."
'Yes, that was whenever our tasks were completed early.'
We rode our scooter in turn. You and Tennyson had given me a freehand to ride much longer.
(A Quick Glance)
"Tennyson, when would it be my turn to play the basketball? Am sort of growing, you know; I would ask.
"Not to worry. When you clock eight, I will start teaching you. Just keep up with the scooter. Ensure you have mastered all the acts peculiar with it."
"Straighten your hands well; perform some tricks. Did you understand? Your hands off the handlebars at interval, and your legs on the pedal standing. You've got to do some stunts, girl", Tennyson said smilingly.
"Am trying, brother"; I responded.
'Am too young for those stunts you are recommending. I know am not what I used to be.'
'Yes, you are a better rider now.'
Agnes stood by to watch, and giggle at our usual pranks.
"I have perfectly mastered the art of riding. You guys should leave me to ride alone through the walkway, and around the house in my jaunty manner."
'No problem', Tennyson replied. "Just ensure you don't miss your track. Keep your feet stable on the pedal."
Alright; I will.
Joseph and Tennyson would alternate between playing football or basketball.
"Coming to join you two later", I shouted.
Whenever I was bored riding alone, I could decide to join my brothers as a spectator.
In the process, I began to learn the basics of basket ball, which I preferred to football.
The chef breezed in to watch me scooting around the corners of the compound before my final halt.
"Ashley, you can do better", uncle Alfred cheered me to a better riding.
Thanks, uncle.
I parked the scooter to chat with uncle Alfred. I was tired already.
(Uncle Alfred and I)
"We might likely have the same security apparatus here, just as we had in Dublin", I inquired.
(addressing the Belgian Malinois dogs snarling at a corner: can you just be quiet there)
Just wondering if all those peculiar features of the Wilson's edifice will be replicated here in Carlow?'
'Talking about the army officers who showed up on routine exercise at regular intervals, and other security apparatus like those beautiful, sniffing dogs?'
"All of that will be available, looking at your dad's calibre in the military. The fact that your dad won't be here always, does not erode all of the security details."
"Oh, that's amusing to know", I said.
"One of the principles that guided us growing up, was how we had been somehow curbed and restricted to the comfort of our home, due to the position occupied by dad", I said.
"You would not blame your parents for their stringent rule in that order. A lot of conditions had been considered to arrive at that decision", uncle Alfred explained.
Can you please shed light on what could have warranted such?
Fine, Ashley.
"It won't be too nice seeing a different version of their children as against what they had systematically ingrained or built over the years."
"One of the major successes any parent could boast of is attaining a pedestal of accomplishment over their children. Their positions in the society speak a lot more", uncle expatiated.
'Oh! I see.
"Doris and other approved friends who visited once in a while, had gone through lots of personal scrutiny by my dad. That earned them the permission to visit occasionally."
"Very true. It's always fun and nice having friends around to play the smart kids games, solve some puzzles and word teasers together."
"Sincerely, I enjoyed seeing you people scream, laugh, jump and clap at the same time", uncle remonstrated.
"Doris would shout in glee, whenever she overtook you while riding. Likewise, the ways you kids applauded the smartest when it came to solving puzzles was a way to encourage each other perform better", he noted further.
"Relaxing back afterwards to watch our television series was also interesting", I said.
That was after you people might have played for a couple of hours. At times, that may come first on your list of activities, before pushing on to other day's events.
'You have been a good observer', I commented.
"The pitch of it which appeared as the most fascinating part, was when we luxuriate within the compound, playing some tricks. We had our hide and seek games and engaged in talent show, assuming various roles."
"It was the side attraction of your fun-time moments. I believe it endeared them more to visiting you the days they chose to. Always a special moment", uncle Alfred noted.
I guessed as much.
"The final wrap up was when aunt Agnes treated us to some luscious mocha, and dessert with lots of nougat."
"That's a special one for you and friends. It was the icing on the cake", uncle motioned.
"Dublin had tossed your path great lessons"
"That's true, Uncle Alfred. From attending the best school to having a first class touch on every side of life."
I can only visualize what life in Carlow would look like.
"Reminiscing on different life's crystallizing events, imageries in Dublin, had relatively produced a story in its various acts and scenes."
"It had been a great compendium made from several life's experiences like you said", uncle accessed.
"Never mind, the life ahead is another better phase to be written. I believe it will be nothing short of your imagination."
Oh! Sure. Am envisioning so much already, driving every pursuit with a positive spirit.