The sun set, the birds flapped their wings, singing praises to nature in appreciation of another beautiful day. The cock crowed telling people it's morning already.
In the cold of the morning, little David began to wonder around a palm fruit plantation praying to God in his harmless mind if some fruits could drop to give him food for the day. He began to pick some palm fruits into an old sack that his parents left behind; but ants wouldn't let him be. They were fisting on him but he had no choice rather than continue.
Within his mind, David was thinking; if I give up because of these ants, what will I eat, how will I buy my books, pens and other writing materials? I need to go to school, graduate and become a medical doctor. As he was pondering over these, warm tears rolled down his eyes. Then he recalled his father's word to him while alive, "David my child, I'll work hard to make sure I see you through school. I want you to become a medical doctor" David couldn't hold himself anymore. He cried bitterly but there was no one to comfort him.
Once in a little town lived Mene, his wife, Miriam and their only son David, whom they treasured so much. Mene and Miriam were happily married. Though they were poor but one thing that bonded them was love.
Every morning, after preparing David to school, Mene and his wife would use their old boat to cross a nearby river insearch of palm leaves inorder to produce broom for the next market day. They did these continuously and they never lacked food, they were able to pay David's school fee and provide other needs.
They promised themselves that their son shall not stop were they stopped. So they enrolled him in an outstanding school. Hoping that one day their child would make them proud and atleast bring them out of poverty.
David, my child, his father said. "I'll make sure I send you to school to become a medical doctor. What I couldn't achieve, you must achieve. Take your studies serious and leave the fees to us.
David was so happy because he lacked nothing despite the fact that his parents were poor
At age six, David was preparing for the third terminal exams in primary two. He never joked with his studies because he wanted to make his parents proud.
David, his father called. I'll will clear your fees on Friday. I and your mother will try to gather enough palm leaves this week in order to produce more brooms. Okay!
Yes father, David replied. He jumped for joy on hearing this because the headmistress had earlier announced that debtors should clear their fees without which they will not be allowed to write their promotional exams.
Mene and Miriam crossed the river as usual to find more palm leaves because the plantation close to them wasn't big enough.
By evening, they gathered enough. Packed in their boat and began to paddle home. But in the middle of the river, the wave rose, the river became unstable; even the boat became heavier. They struggled to paddle through, but couldn't. That was how they got drown.
Back home, David had returned from school. Ate the food his mother kept for him and was on his study table reading.
Evening came, but Mene and Miriam didn't return. David began to worry, he said to himself "my parents have never stayed long like this. What could be the problem? He asked rhytorically.
While he was wondering, some Fisher men stopped by their hut and broke the unforgettable news of his parents' death. David cried and even wished he could join his late parents.
After two days, the bodies of his late parents were found and were buried as well.
Life became so difficult for David. He was left with nothing. But he didn't give up.
That term, the headmistress on hearing the sad news had compassion on David and cancelled his debt. He was allowed to write exams. David came out as usual with flying colours, this made the headmistress so happy.
During the holidays, David worked so hard, he will visit the palm tree plantation close by, gather some fallen palm fruits and sell them in the market. He didn't rest. He kept on doing that till the beginning of another term.
There were days he ate just once inorder to save his money.
Another school year began, and David set out to school, by then he was in primary three. He bought all his writing materials with the money he saved and also paid part of his fees. There were days he will skip classes inorder to gather palm fruit to sell and make ends meet.
One evening, he was so hungry and he felt so sad. There was nothing to eat. He could not make enough money that week. He remembered his parents' care and promises. And cried all through the night calling his late parents to come to his rescue.
The next morning, he became so weak but managed to go to school.
That day during devotion, the headmistress announced that there will be a spelling competition sponsored by the government.
That any child that wins, will be given scholarship to university level.
David's eyes opened widely, he thought to himself "this is an opportunity for me, I'll do my best".
When the time for the competition came, David as one of the most brilliant students was selected amongst other students.
The D-day came, David won the competition and was awarded scholarship to study even to university level with any course of his choice.
The headmistress was overwhelmed with joy. And asked David to move in with her.
Years later, David graduated from primary school to secondary and to the university. He read medicine and surgery at the university and came out with first class degree. This made the government to employ him immediately after his youth service.
David fulfilled the dreams of his parents even though they were gone, their names were written on the sands of time.
Posted Using INLEO
