Call Your Aunt

“Gbekude, is this your face?”

“It is me aunty Bonsue. It has been a long time.”

“Long time ke. It is beyond long time. The last time I saw you was when your aunt Iranlowo came along with you soon after your National Service to my office seeking employment for you. I was later told you left for Canada on a scholarship.”

“That’s true aunty. That was about fifteen years ago. I came here for my master’s degree in law and had remained here since.”

“Your aunt told me. She came to me for a loan to help pay for your trip at the time.”

“Really? I did not even know that, but she did great for my siblings and I after the death of our parents.”

“Talking about your siblings. How are they?”

“Thanks for asking aunty. My brother Gbengbeleku is in South Africa practicing medicine while my sister, Koweyinwo is in the US managing her accounting firm.”

“I came here to visit my son; I am not sure you never met him.”

“We never met. How’s your friend, my aunt?”

“I should be asking you ke. You mean you are not in touch with her?”

“Not really aunty. I have not spoken with my aunt in 3 years. The last time we spoke was when her husband died, and I sent my condolences. I feel bad saying that to you.”

“You should feel bad. In fact, you should feel very bad. You mean you have not been checking on her since the death of her husband?”

“Something like that aunty. It is not my fault though. I have been very busy here. I hardly speak with my siblings too. We are just busy with this thing called life, aunty.”

“So, your siblings don’t talk to your aunt regularly too?”

“Sadly no. We are just busy, and I am sure our aunt will understand.”

“I understand too. I guess life did not happen to her when she took you in as orphaned teenagers, clothed you, fed you, paid your school fees and took loans to send you overseas. This thing called life was asleep then.”

“Aunty don’t go there. We remain thankful for all our aunt did to support us in our times of need. She was God sent and we have never forgotten her. It is just that one day becomes two and before you know it, it becomes years of no communication.”

“Hmmmnnn. I guess you will show how grateful you are for all she did after her death. You will make financial contributions towards her burial and deliver a good speech about her kindness.”

“It has not come to that aunty. Our aunt will not die now, and I am sure she is doing well.”

“Doing well? She is widowed, retired with three unemployed children. I guess you have no clue about her situation. Have you ever called her children to find out how they are doing?”

“I was not informed about all these.”

“Really? I understand the children called you at various times and you promised to get back to them.”

“Those were the early days of my struggle. It has been tough aunty.”

“Did your aunt offend you guys?”

“Why say that aunty? No, she did nothing wrong. Rather, she was responsible for our successes today.”

“Then show her while she is still alive. This has nothing to do with offering financial support to her or her children, which I am sure she will appreciate, but just to put her out of her misery that perhaps she had wronged you. Let’s keep it simple and stop giving excuses. Call your aunt.”