"Come close, my nephew, sit here with me. I want to talk to you. I want to show you something about life. Of late, I see you moving up and down, doing nothing, as if you were feckless. And, if this purposeless movements to and fro continues, someday, you may live to regret it. So sit down here, and listen carefully to me."
(Nephew sits down beside Uncle. Uncle continues)
"I have seen all that is going on. And at my age, I think I need not to be told what your perceptions are. When you look at me, you see riches. You look at me, and see wealth. You look at me, and see my mansions, my businesses, my cars. You look at me, and see my fat bank account, and the huge investments I have done. Now, Nephew, tell me, is it because of these things you see, that you are wasting your time up and down in this life? Per our tradition, you qualify to inherit my possessions. So tell me, is it because of this fact you know, that you are not finding a work to do?
"Nephew! My beloved Nephew! I love you. I love you very much. You are part of my blood, one of my own, capable of getting something from your Uncle. But, listen to me, it does not always work that way. It would have been beautiful to inherit something from me; but do not forget, that I too, have a family --- a wife and children. So it may not work for you as has always been the case.
"Therefore, My beloved Nephew, you should change your mind, and start working now. If you need to go to school, go to school, and get a good certificate for yourself. You will grow up, and marry. You will have children like me. And, is it my riches, that you would use to cater for your family? I think no! By that time, you would be a man. So you would need to take up some responsiblities on your own.
(Nephew looks sad and dissatisfied)
"Do not frown, Nephew," Uncle continues. "Two days ago I was telling your mother the same thing, and she also seemed not to like it. When Uncles talk like this, it sounds to people as if we are mean. But we are not. I tell you, we are not mean. We want the best for our nephews and nieces. We do not want you to live a wasted life. We want you to work hard, and gain something for yourselves.
"Do not waste your time chasing women. Do not waste your strength on them. You need to take your time. Find a work to do. Work hard. Gain something. Then, when you are a man, and I mean, a man, you can marry. If you follow them today with your little money, you will live to regret it.
"About friends, as I have always told you, be extra careful. Choose good friends. Ignore the bad ones. Do not drink alcohol, no, never. It will waste your money, and end your life prematurely. Do not smoke. It will darken your lungs, and push you to the grave before your time.
"I received these pearls of advice from my Uncle, Egya Wobo-bra-a-wowie. I thought he did not love me. I thought he wanted to give his inheritance to only his children. But when I grew up, I understood that, it really pays never to depend on an Uncle or any relative. Your life is in your own hands. How you make it, is how you will enjoy it. For my riches, forget about it. I have already shared it for my children and my wife in my will. Forget about it and start working hard today. Life is how you make it. And, your future, is in your own hands..."
ISAAC ESSOUN
(Inspired by God)
(Inspired by God)
