Kore was the most gentle, eager to learn and most inquisitive child I knew but I believe… I believe I had a part in his drowning today.
Mide kept sighing randomly as he listened to Doctor Dapo’s story.
His father was never interested in education, only had National Diploma as his delight was in missions, serving God and evangelism you know…
But I was not interested in such, I mean why would someone waste his life like that. I just realised I was wrong which is now too late as I had helped their son Korewa in becoming what He is today.
I was interested in Books, Social Life you know… Which is why I’m not married, not because I didn’t want to but because I had wasted years on things that never counted!
They feared their absence was affecting the boy and opted to send him to mission school and that was when I stepped in and insisted, I was going to pay and nurture the boy through school as he must not end up like them.
I mean this is a civilized world, and even if God called them for such why should they structure the boy’s life too on that path! We all have different purposes right?? Dr D.J sighed as he removed his glasses and wiped his face with his napkin.
I could have saved him from those friends he walked with, had I know earlier. As what was unknown to me became clearer only two weeks ago…
Doctor Dapo stood up from his chair as he kept on narrating to Mide, facing the window. Both lost in conversation and never knew when Bishop Albert Jesuferanmi walked in…
Korewa called me few weeks ago, I never knew how bad things were until then, how many ladies life he had put to stop, he couldn’t stop himself even when he wanted to, don’t get me wrong. It’s not education that destroyed that boy but my carelessness and foolishness. He met a Lady there in London, Dr Flora Azikwe I believe, he said she changed him yet he still finds it hard to speak out…
Wait! Flora?? Charis?!!! That’s my friend’s sister, Oh my God! Oh Jesus!.. No way! Mide was astonished
Hmmm… I prayed for him, told him to come home, that perhaps he could still be fixed, I can’t even face his father, how will I? And now he’s HIV positive as well.
Oh my God!
They all looked back to see Bishop, with tears he knelt down.
Jesus, what have I done? Is this why you told me to come here?
Brother! Dr D.J was shocked
Bishop! Mide stood up in amazement to see the famous bishop he has always seen on TV and billboards right in front of him
They drew close to him….. When did you get in?? Doctor Dapo asked
I was on my way for a program and the Lord ordered me to stop the vehicle just right in front of the hospital and here I am… Dapo, what have I done? Where’s my Korewa?
Laolu, “foriji mi” (meaning – ‘forgive me’ in yoruba dialect), I’m so sorry… I tried to tell you many times. Dr D.J wept as he sat on the floor beside him
Is that why you called me last night too? Oh no… I was not busy, I just thought there was nothing to discuss, I lied that I was busy… I thought you were still the same Dapo as of old. I never knew you were already born again. Oh Lord, forgive me. I’ve been so foolish… Bishop sobbed as he spoke
Oh, it’s my fault Laolu, not you. I’ve not been a good brother too, I was always against everything you did to the point no one knew us as siblings and If I had not fought you over Kore, this won’t have happened (both were in heavy tears)
No! I am the Father and an Irresponsible one, I abandoned God’s gifts to me, my son and you my younger brother for ministry, I never raised him, I don’t even know his likes and dislikes. And my wife warned me, till she died.
“Albert, find your son, find time for him, get to know him. Find your brother, he is your blood Albert, don’t sell them off like Joseph’s brothers did, only regrets lies at its end Albert please!”.
“Kore is always here and I’m not angry with my brother!” I will shout angrily, I thought it was due to her illness she spoke that way. But I was eaten up by my ego, pride and carelessness…
I didn’t even call you once, I did not bothered about you not being married, I wasn’t there when you opened this hospital, I didn’t even allow you know about Gloria’s illness even to the point of death and burial. And yet I preached to many souls, a father to many yet a shame to my own family. Haaaaa… Bishop sighed heavily and continued. Korewa, I felt him seeing what we were doing is enough to teach him which way was right, our deeds should be enough example but never spoke to him.
Bishop, uhmmmn Dr. Dapo, I think I should excuse you both. I need to call Josh now.…. Mide interjected and walked out of the office perplexed.
