Blessing

Chapter 11

121 11 o many people talk of reunions, but so few narrow their talk down to family reunions. It is often class, village or professional reunion. People look for the least reason to unite; yet the standard human unit is often the last on their minds. I don’t know what people have in mind when they talk about blessed men, but I know I am a blessed man. The Bible says that God looked at the woman who had no child, who was being mocked by other women, and He decided to give her a child. To my wife and me, God did not give just one child but a houseful of children. He did not just give us children, but He also gave us food to feed them and means to educate them.’ Mr. Ngalemo paused and looked around the room at the anxious faces looking at him. ‘I don’t know how others describe a happy man, but I know that I am a happy man. I am a standing definition of the word “happy”.’ He smiled briefly and then continued, ‘Mathew, Christina, Felix – whenever I go back to the village, I am not ashamed to look directly into the eyes of any of your parents. When I meet my ancestors in the other world, I will hold my head high because I will be able to stand in front of John’s late father and tell him that I did not leave his son as I met him. And you my daughter Angela – whenever I go to the village your mother carries the little food she has and rushes to greet me. Indeed, it is with pleasure that I have raised children like you. It is wonderful to have had the opportunity, together with my wife, to play the role of parents to wonderful children like you. Forgive me for calling you children, but despite your ages and the fact that most of you now have children of your own, you will always remain children to me, my children.’ Mr. Ngalemo turned and looked at his wife who was sitting to his left. ‘I don’t know what others have in mind when they say they have good wives, but I know what it means to be the husband of a good wife. As you heard during the thanksgiving service, this is not just about thanking God for the gift of life and of children, but also of a special woman who has always stood by my side.’ ‘S 122 He lifted his head back towards the crowd. ‘When we part today and all of you return to your husbands, wives and children, I want you to always remember that God is all. Without God, nothing is possible on this earth. Trust in Him always and all will be well.’ Deafening applause accompanied Mr. Ngalemo as he walked to join his wife on the sofa. His speech was followed by some words of gratitude from some of his five adopted children. The speeches over, the gathering of thirty or so people broke up into small groups of two and more who filled the air with small talk: ‘Angela, I have not seen you in ages … ’ ‘I don’t agree with what Pastor Arrey said during the sermon ...’ ‘John, where is your wife …’ As they talked their eyes darted to and from the dining table. Mr. Ngalemo had led the talking. Mrs. Ngalemo led the guests to the dining table. Taking the cue, they filed to the table with empty hands and returned with plates heaped with various combinations of the food: fufu corn and njama-njama, achu and yellow soup, eru and waterfufu, koki and plantains, rice and sauce. As they took to levelling the mountains in their hands, the former inhabitants of the Ngalemo house complimented and teased. ‘Mama, you are the best cook. Each time I eat your food I almost regret leaving this house.’ ‘Angela, you know every child says her mother is the best cook. And if not for marriage, would I have had a namesake? By the way, how is my Patience?’ ‘Oh, your namesake is doing fine, Mama.’ ‘I should wrap a small package for you to take to her. I know she will share with her sister and brother.’ ‘You are always so kind and thoughtful, Mama.’ ‘Though Mama calls you Angela, I know your name.’ ‘Please, Felix, would you stop that childish talk? We are now adults.’ ‘What...