As a growing child, the many questions that fluttered my mind during our relocation process, were dealt with in a rhetorical manner. I partly found solace in the fact that the grass might after all, be greener on the other side.
(Agnes and Mum in The Room)
"Madam, I have mastered the act of proper discipline, taking a cue from you. I can see you are very intentional about your kids"; Agnes, the Wilson's maid remarked.
"That's right, Agnes. My husband and I were raised Catholics, who adhered strictly to the tenets of our religion over the years. Besides, both of us emanated from two different, but similar backgrounds. A lot of factors had accumulated in building our total lifestyle. From emerging out of a bold and formidable family structures, to rightful societal inter-relationships. These were our motivational guides", mum confessed.
"That's quite fascinating, madam. You have surely come a long way, gaining the right influence and perspectives to life. These invariably reflect in the methods adopted in raising your kids".
Of course, Agnes.
"Our experiences in life are a mirror of what we are, and produce. We are so keen about inculcating moral discipline in the children", Patricia Wilson said passionately.
"No problem, madam. I will give it my best shot. I would also love to write my name in gold within the Wilsons dynasty", Agnes said smilingly.
"Am confident in your commitment, Agnes. Your rewards are no doubt unquantifiable. Am always strategic in my family pursuit, having a premonition of how demanding life can be for me and hubby", Patricia added.
(Addressing Agnes)" You get the blue denim hanging over the white pant. You need to take a look at how I sort this out. The summer outfit mix match, same as winter."
"Yes, quite sensible to understand how sensitive these things are to you, madam", Agnes responded.
You are right. Being the only girl, it is my belief to imbue every sense of dignity in her. The male folks are grown enough to sort themselves.
(Joseph and Tennyson)
"Joseph, can you pair the trousers with the shirts, while I hang." Tennyson suggested. He has often viewed himself as more matured.
"That's prim and proper. It makes everyday a lot easier", Joseph responded.
"You are right. Growing up has been lots of fun. You won't believe learning these basics, help in other aspects of life", Tennyson shared.
"It has also ingrained some sense of discipline in us, delisting every form of laxity in academic work as well", Joseph bumped.
Absolutely, Joseph.
(The Wilson's Carlow Arrival)
The Mercedes fleet pace announced our arrival into the new, serene area along Browneshill Wood, Carlow. What a rapturous beauty, I must say.
A detached duplex served as our new harbour. I was still seven at the time, with my two siblings, Joseph, and Tennyson being eleven, and thirteen years respectively.
"Welcome to our new abode, family", dad announced.
"It's nice getting a glimpse of what a new environment looks like", I said to aunty Agnes.
'Can you please provide the rationale behind our relocation journey?' aunty inquired from me.
Certainly, aunty.
"We have just relocated to Carlow, following mum's new engagement at Carlow District Hospital", I replied.
(Agnes clapping) 'I give you a full mark for that.'
"It shows you are at the centre space of your family's events. Some younger kids might just follow blindly or overlook, without taking time to find out reasons behind certain decisions; even though, such have a direct influence on them. This portrays your height of intelligence, girl. You have confidently kept up with your family issues as they unfold. That's a good one."
Thanks, aunty.
"Keep it up. Don't assume you are a small girl. Wisdom is built in the ability of getting accurate knowledge and perception about things."
Got that, aunty.
"Did you know dad had always considered his family first in all things? The Carlow relocation from Dublin, had been a daunting one for him, having gained settlement in the heart of the country's capital."
"You are right. It's usually not easy for families to live apart. The nature of your dad's job, paved way to such, as well as the new portfolio. Not to worry, a time is coming that the cycle of staying together will remain unbroken."
'I seriously look forward to that time.'
'I can assure you, it will surely come, someday.'
"I could remember when migration to Carlow was about the hottest issue on the list. The day we basked under the cool evening atmosphere at the porch, by the poolside, discussing. Dad and mum initiated conversation around our relocation plans. It was still a brewing issue at the time. You served us some juice and pastries on that day."
"Still fresh on my mind too", Agnes recollected.
"That was the day I had a glimpse of this auspicious movement", I said.
"I could remember vividly. There was still a lot of confusion then, as to whether it was worth embracing or not", aunty analysed.
That's so true. Dad was still figuring out a lot of things.
I have discovered something about dad.
'What could that be', Agnes probed.
Fine, he might not accept an idea at the onset. He often gives his plans or agenda a more careful and critical thought, to consider how advantageous or otherwise they are. Later on, his final decision pops up. I suspected that was exactly the case with the migration decision to Carlow", I analysed.
"Your dad projected giving your mum a chance for career progression, would positively portend a lot of benefits to her", aunty interjected.
You've got another crucial lesson there.
What lesson is that?, I asked.
"Good question. The moral in that is, do not be self-centred nor sniffy, by not considering others interests and choices, when such serve as antidote to their greatness. It may be their only opportunity to attain the point of fulfilment in life."
Very crucial, I must say.