It is a general saying that all men everywhere have their shortcomings, weaknesses and limits. "No man is without a flaw", we often hear people say. Even though this observation seems true, it is also important to note that weaknesses vary: they are relative. Some men's flaws may be very obvious and quite dismal while some may only possess little weaknesses that may not be much troubles. Some even conceal their weak points so well that they are almost seen as faultless from without.
It is in this regard I want to tell us about a man I knew some years back who happened to live in my locality. He was well known for how much influence he commanded, and noted for his uncompromising stance in matters of integrity and morality. He was a philanthropist to the core, and a man who made clear dealings with people without a care of who they were or represented. He had a wife with three kids who were all grownups. They were considered to be well favoured. Almost everyone desired to associate themselves with the family.
It so happened that the man became ill: very sick to the point of losing his life. He was diagnosed of cirrhosis of the liver: a diseased caused mostly by excessive intake of alcohol. Many attempts were made by well known doctors in different topnotch hospitals both within and outside town to restore him to a better state - his was a severe case with no hope of survival except for a miracle. He was placed on intensive care for months without much improvement. At last, he gave up the ghost. It was a great loss to everyone who knew him. His death was felt so much that even animals seemed to perceive the still atmosphere that covered the whole town.
One evening, when many people were gathered to console the family for loss of their father, the youngest child by name Sarah was overheard replying an older lady in what sounded like a fulfilled tone. "I believe his absence will bring some relief to the family", she was heard saying. Her statement jolted everyone present in the house. Her mother became restless: she began to sob. Everyone became more confused. "He was a bad father", the girl continued. "He was a drunk and a woman beater who always had his way ever since I was a child". Sarah claimed her dad was nothing close to the good man he always portrayed when he was alive.
She further revealed how her mother had endured untold heartaches for years; "yes, we had almost everything money could afford but never had true peace in my family. At a point I regretted being a member of my family. We, the children stood up against dad on several occasions but he always had his way, somehow: through his influence. No one would have believed us. It really hurt to see mum in pains for so long a time".
When asked why she didn't open up earlier. Hear her reply, "we were playing along as the great family everyone admired all these years, especially with mum's constant persuasions to let things lie low. We were more mindful about our reputation than for our inner peace. Mum always pleaded with us to allow sleeping dogs lie. It was difficult but we still played along".
After that particular event, I learnt never to always judge a book by its cover. I got to understand that beyond our facial makeup, we all have our peculiar challenges, irrespective of class.
Society will always see things their own way which can deprive us of true happiness and fulfilment if we always care about what people would say.
