They have feelings. Please don’t toy with a child’s emotions. Relate to this true life story and you will see how emotional children could be.
Hmm! I’m concerned about the state of our country; the leadership, deteriorating health systems and particularly the educational system. The privately owned and very expensive schools have replaced the government owned schools, yet the quality of education keeps diminishing. Do I really want my children to continue schooling here. This was the concern of Dan, a middle aged man, working with a government agency as an engineer. He was just thinking aloud.
He shared his idea with his wife Becky. He wanted his first son, Matt, who is about to finish his junior high school to continue his education in the united kingdom. She welcomed the idea. She had always thought about this too.
It was very easy to put the plans together because Becky was born in London in the early seventies, though she had never lived there. They concluded their plans and informed Becky’s younger sister, Tracy, who lives in London with her family. Tracy had always suggested this idea to them, so she was more than happy to hear that her nephew will be coming over to London to continue his schooling . A decision was reached for Becky to take her son to London by the next summer.
Matt’s younger brother Murray was excited that himself and his brother would be travelling to London in the summer, but he did not have a clue about how much he would miss his brother when he returned back home alone.
In London, Matt started school and settled very well. He was very happy living with his aunt and cousins, but he would for sure miss his family.
Four weeks came just in a flash. It was time for Becky and Murray to return back to Africa. His aunt’s husband took Murray and his mum to the airport. Matt accompanied them. It was a very emotional one for everyone especially Murray. As they were about to go through security check in, they had a warm hug and Matt immediately walked away with his uncle without looking back. Murray looked back and saw that his brother was out of sight.
He broke down and said to his mum.
So my brother does not love me as much I love him.
Why did you say that, asked his mum
He did not look back after he said goodbye, replied Murray
He loves you very much, but he just didn’t want you to feel bad, affirmed his mum
Okay, Murray reluctantly agreed.
They arrived the next morning, and Dan was waiting to pick them up from the airport. Murray was very happy to see his dad, but could not hide his emotion. He missed his brother so much. Dan insisted that he sat at the back seat of their family car with Murray, just to make him feel good, but his mum disagreed. Don’t worry dear, he would be fine, Becky told her husband.
Schools have resumed about two weeks ago. Murray was preparing to go back to school, but he was concerned about what his brother’s friends would feel if he told them that Matt was not coming back to their school. He did not inform any of his friends before he left for UK.
He asked his dad what he should tell Matt’s friend when they ask of him.
Just tell them that he would not be coming back to your school, but do not mention where he went. Dan told Murray. So you want me to tell a lie dad, Murray asked. Oh no. Not at all son. Tell them your brother relocated to UK, but the reason why he didn’t inform them was because your parents did not decide early enough.
Okay dad.
Murray was dressed up for school on Monday morning looking forward to a bright day. He called out to his mum. I am ready mum. It’s 7.30, let’s go mum.
Becky dropped him on her way to work. Have a blessed day son. You too mom, Murray replied.
It was lunch time and his brother’s friends:boys and girls came looking for Murray. They said to him: how are you doing. Where have you been. It’s good to have you back. Where is Matt.
Em. Em. Matt is not coming back to this school. He continued. He started school in London.
Really! Why did he not inform us?
When has he been planning this?
Does he not know how much we love him?
Why did he do this to us? So many questions that Murray could not answer.
That is not nice ! They all concluded.
It was a very emotional conversation, and Murray did not feel good about the whole situation.
It wasn’t his fault. That what the only statement from Murray.
Ring! Ring! The bell rang. Lunch was over. See you guys later. Murray said to them as everyone went to their various classes.
A few more hours and it was the end of school day and Dan came to pick up his son.
Good afternoon dad. Murray greeted as he was getting into the car. Immediately Matt’s friends sighted their friend’s dad, they all walked to the car and a new set of conversion started.
Good afternoon sir. They all chorused the greeting. Good afternoon guys. How are you all going replied Dan
Is it true that Matt is not coming back to this school, they demanded a confirmation. Yes, replied Dan.
He did not inform us at all. If he did, we would have sent him forth, and it wouldn’t have been a rude shock for us. We have missed him so much. He is a very dear friend to all of us. One of them broke down in tears.
Dan was close to tears now. I am so sorry that he did not inform you. It wasn’t his fault, but ours. I sincerely apologize for this. Dan begged.
Can you please share his number with us. They requested. Sure! It’ s +44….. Thanks so much sir. They all took the number down. Let me see if I can put a video call through to him. Dan said. That will be very good sir. They agreed.
Matt picked the call promptly. Hello son! Your friends from your previous school are here. They would like to speak with you. Dan gave his phone to them. It was a joyous moment for all . They were very happy to see Matt. They exchanged pleasantries. He apologized greatly and appreciated them all for their show of love. They had a warm goodbye after about half an hour.
Thanks so much sir. You made our day. You are most welcome guys. You will all meet again in good health and happiness. Amen, echoed the friends. Have a blessed evening. Dan told them, as he was about to start his car. At this time, Dan saw a girl running towards his car and trying to wave to him. God afternoon sir. My name is so and so. I am one of Matt’s classmate and friend. I understand that he will not be coming back to this school, but he did not inform any of us before he left. She tried to hold back tears but she couldn’t. I am so sorry my dear young girl. It wasn’t his fault but ours, responded Dan. I would like to have his number, she continued. Yes for sure. Here is the number, Dan replied. Have a blessed blessed day and pray that you all meet again in peace.
Thank you very much sir. My regards to him.
Dan said goodbye and drove off. He felt very happy that his son was being loved by his classmates, but felt bad that his son did not inform his friends that he was relocating. Dan wished that they would meet someday in the near future.
Lesson learnt
1. Children could be very emotional, so adults shouldn’t take them for granted. If Matt’s parents told him to inform his friends, they would have been happier, probably had a sent forth for him
2. Humility in Dan”s personally. He called his son on video call for his friends to speak with him. He spared some time to be with them. He also gave them his son’s number.
3. Those children may keep in touch and help each other someday.
4. They would never forget this experience. They may share with their parents or other friends, who may also learn something positive .
5. Tell a child you are sorry if it’s your fault. They will learn to do the same.
Dear readers. Let us always leave positive experience with children. They have their emotions, and they will not forget.
Dear God! Please crown all efforts on our children. Give us the effrontery to eat the fruits of our labor on them in the very near future amen. Please give to those who desire them a generation that will be submissive unto you amen.