Saturday, 8th June was supposed to be a day of joy and celebrations. It was to be a day that my wife and I, together with my children, would join a neighbor to celebrate the marriage ceremony of his daughter. But sadly, it didn't turn out that way for me and my family.
Not that the marriage didn't hold. No, nothing happened to the couples. Everything from their end went on well. The celebration was actually held even though my family and I were missing from the show.
My wife had been with other women in the community helping the mother of the bride to prepare dishes for the occasion. The Friday prior to the wedding day was such a busy one in the compound. Everyone, including me, came around to greet the parents of the bride over the preparation for the marriage. It was such fun and a moment of sharing pleasantries.
The father of the bride is my neighbor. He and the family were already in the community before I moved in. In fact, he is the building contractor who handled the building of my house.
We were planning to be part of the ceremony equally as everyone in the community was planning too. My wife had prepared both her dress and that of every other person in the family. The expectations of dining and winning on the occasion were high. But then something happened.
My wife took illed. We could do attend the ceremony anymore. Before this time, my wife has been having symptoms of ailments. She was treated for malaria which is a common disease in our country. We didn't think that something more serious will erupt from the ailments. We were expecting a total recovery but all of a sudden, the sickness became more severe just on the Saturday of the marriage.
Now, I and my family have missed the marriage ceremony. This is concerning my close neighbor. I have tried to explain to the family who had the celebration but I don't know how sincere they will accept my plead. Will the family really understand with my family?