Have you ever felt so responsible for a cause ?
Have you ever felt the weight of being responsible for other's wellbeing ?
I am the only male in my family and also the last born, I wasn't a spoilt brat because my parent did not even allow it and I was not the emotional child as expected .... mum said I've always been an introvert from infant..... So, I myself, did not allow my family to over pamper me.
As the only male child, it is expected that I am more responsible and intelligent enough to know how to care for the family and the likes. When I was younger, I did not know my responsibility per say but I love every member of my family so I showed so much care to everyone and I think that seemed as though I was a responsible boy in the family.
Several time, when we were still so young, when the family is together and having those funny family chitchats, my dad would tease my elder sisters that they should show me some respect in spite of my age because I am the head of the family: he usually says this in our native language, Yoruba (Olori ebi). Everyone would laugh and sometimes wouldn't want to agree that I am what my dad say I am, they think it makes them inferior because they are ladies and are even older than I am.
Fast forward to the days my dad would travel to visit his farm in the village and would spend 3 days, 5 days and sometimes a week plus there. He would call me instead of my mom or sisters to ask how the family is faring and how things are going at home. I was not bothered about it until he kept doing that frequently, then it dawned on me that he was indirectly saying I should be his ambassador at home in his absence. So, I took it upon myself to fill his spaces where I could fit in only.
First thing I remembered that changed was that I would wake up early than I used to, to call others for morning devotion, help my mom open, pray, sweep, clean her shop and then arrange the goods in the right places. All these weren't my dad's business but that was how I could show that I am available to help.
Where I Acted Like Dad's Ambassador
My dad would leave his car at home and travel using public transport to the village because some roads were not good and affects cars with body that are close to the ground. I have been driving a bit around this time so I had the luxury to drive the car whenever I want but only when it is important to use the car. My mom sells soft drinks, energy drinks and maltina aside other goods (foodstuffs).
My dad used to be the one to drive her to where she would buy crates and packs of these drinks but since he was not around I had to be the one to do it. At first, my mom was skeptical about it: she was scared😂. But a certain day, all the drinks had finish in the feeezer and customers were tired of hearing " Oh we don't have that now, we are sorry" I also did not like the disappointment on their faces so I waited for my mom to leave the house and I took money from her purse, took the car out and drove to get some of those drinks myself. I got back within 20 minutes, it was around our community. Mom got back and I explained, she was happy.
Since then, I help her get whatever she wants with the aid of the car. I think felt and saw how concern I was about them, she started sharing her problems with me and would ask for my opinion, we would reason together, sometimes argue, laugh together. This went on for few months and I can tell you I felt so much alive than I have ever been. I was super proud enough to tell my dad about how each day went whenever he called then, and most times before he ends the call, he would say "thank you". And that was all I needed to hear to keep being responsible.