Thursday, April 12, 2007

BEFORE THE RAIN

My older bro, Jinta's home on holiday from the land of Queen Elizabeth and staying with me. Today, we stood and chatted about our childhood.
Parents separated when I was 14 months and divorced shortly after.

We didn't think our father, 'Supremo' left so many good memories behind, until today. Together, we begin to dredge up anecdotes, trying to put the pain of the past behind us, at least for the while. We remembered funny things, the times when he overlooked crimes 'punishable by death' and for a few minutes we were at rest.

There were many times as children, we felt he wasn't there for us. Where he watched things he could have steered away from us, happen. But today, my brother and I rested the pain, and laughed and smiled wry smiles and hoped that our futures would be better than what we were given.

Everyday, after Supremo and our Step-Mother would have gone to work, Jinta, Bros. Folly (my cousin who grew up with us) and myself would come out of our room to play a Jazz song, "Before the Rain" on the cassette player. At the end of the song, one would hear the sound of rain falling, through the speakers.

Years have gone past now, Supremo's long gone to better places than this earth but I remember "Before the Rain". And I hope all parents will learn to trust their children and be there for them. So that when they are remembered, the smiles will be bright and the memories, good ones.

14 comments:

omohemi Benson said...

And I hope all parents will learn to trust their children and be there for them. So that when they are remembered, the smiles will be bright and the memories, good ones.
This is so true.

Noni Moss said...

:-)

Sending you a hug.

Waffarian said...

I am happy you could find good memories, even if few. Life is what it is.

Anonymous said...

Only when we forgive do we see the sunshine after the rain. Many of our parents knew no better and treated us as they were treated.

The thing is as we all know a child never forgets. Memories pleasant or otherwise are forever etched in the hearts of the young ones.

I grew up in a home where my father's mode of communication often abound in harsh words..what we Yoruba's call "Epe"...Curses.
I wonder how a many who claimed to love his children exchanged such vile communication with them.


Over the years I've come to forgive him and appreciate the fact that food was always on the table. I had more than most.
The one thing my siblings and I lacked was a sense of connection with our parents.

My family background made an impact on me and I promise myself each day that my children wouldn't have to worry. I married a different man who knows harsh words can crush a child's spirit.

One can be firm and be a dutiful parent without the use of such words.

Today, I look back and I am thankful and like you, I find moments remembered that I can actually smile about.


And I hope all parents will learn to trust their children and be there for them. So that when they are remembered, the smiles will be bright and the memories, good ones.

(This so resonates with me). Thank you Wole and I'm glad to know you and your siblings have made peace with your past.

laspapi said...

thanx, omohemi

@ noni- aawwww...


@ waffy- that sounds so resigned, love...

@ anon- I love what you wrote. Thank you for the beautiful comment and I hope the future is brighter than what we had.

Eyin'ju Oluwa said...

Laspapi, *hug*

I tried to find the before the rain song,who is it by??

laspapi said...

Thanx for the hug, omosewa.

You know I don't recall the jazz artiste of this oldie but I bet you know the tune (everyone's heard it before). What you might not have noticed is the sound of rain as the song finishes.

Anonymous said...

Before the rain was by Lee Oscar (some say 'Oskar').

Anonymous said...

...I guess that betrays my age...

laspapi said...

maybe not...maybe not. There are people here who are interested in the oddest things. Omosewa for instance, listens to music 40 years before her time. See...?

Eyin'ju Oluwa said...

LOLOL@40yrs before my age. I've always been an old soul...

Okay, off to find it, hehehe

Eyin'ju Oluwa said...

Oh, thank you!

Eyin'ju Oluwa said...

Yay!!! I found it...http://www.leeoskarproductions.com/netradio_music.html I listened for the sound of rainfalls, i didnt hear it. Hmmmm, his stuff is nice, good for study time or when i need to cry:D

laspapi said...

listen for it, 'sewa. At the end of the song, the rain's there. You might have to amplify your speakers or something.
I was taught to listen for it.