MAKE HAY WHILE THE SUN SHINES

Chapter 2: Memories

Precious collected the money and immediately went to the roadside to buy some fish. While waiting, my husband set the food aside and only drank the cold drink. I sat down next to him to share our children's performances from the last class test. He asked about Harrison, noticing that his name was not on the list. I replied, "Harrison is sick; he didn't attend classes today."

As I was discussing with my husband, I found out that the bone was still in the rubber kept in the kitchen. I rushed inside the kitchen immediately to pour them away and my husband was wondering what was going on with me.

I confused him that I went to bring down the food left on fire before it started burning.

Precious came back and started complaining that Harrison was outside playing, even though I told her he wasn’t fine. I shouted at her to stop saying things she didn’t know, explaining that I was the one who got medication for him. If he was outside, that meant the medicine was working. By the way, where is the fish your dad sent you?

She replied that the woman had already sold all her fish and suggested I come back in the morning when it’s usually available and cheaper, rather than at this time.

I feel guilty but just don’t know what to do. I always try to please my husband. “Please manage the meals and drinks" assuring him it will never happen again. As we were talking, he started eating the food and mentioned that he wouldn’t blame me. He recalled an incident involving his coworkers years ago, before we were married, mentioning that perhaps it was for the best that the dog eats the meat.

I got a bit confused and asked him how that related to his coworkers since I knew the truth: it was Harrison who ate the “meat” in this situation.

He continues saying, “It also reminds me of my late father, who died years ago after being poisoned by a wicked neighbor.” Tears rolled down my husband’s cheeks as he remembered his father's death, which served as a lesson for him: to trust no one except God.

Meanwhile, years ago, when I started my farming job, my coworkers always told me that everything happens for our good. However, I doubt that statement, as I have mentioned to you before.

I warned him never to repeat that statement around me, or else I would have to let him go from my job. What does it mean that everything happens for our good? Does it mean that if you lose someone dear, it's for your benefit?

Months later, while we were clearing the bush, I accidentally cut my hand, and blood was rushing out. I was in pain when he told me not to worry and that I would be fine. However, when he added, "Everything happens for our good," it made me feel even more bitter. I couldn't control my anger, and I decided to let the boy go and stop working for me anymore. He was my favorite worker—he was hardworking and strong, and I never went to the farm without him.

He began by apologizing, saying he would never repeat his mistake and that he was truly sorry. However, I insisted that it was in his best interest to be let go—just as he had often told me.

A week later, I had begun to heal from the pain, though the scar and wound remained. Having dismissed him, I went to the farm alone. I worked for an hour before feeling exhausted.

I spread my mat under the tree in our resting place, and a few minutes later, a lion emerged from the bushes and rushed toward me. I opened my eyes to see the lion sniffing me, and at that moment, I thought I was facing my death as I whispered my last prayers. Miraculously, the lion sniffed me and then walked away.

I jumped up, leaving my mat and my working equipment behind, and ran to the house, breathing heavily. My father was sitting in the living room with my mother. When he saw me, he asked what was happening and who was chasing me. I didn't know where to begin, so I told them something unbelievable had happened: a lion had smelled me but didn't eat me.

My father smiled and asked if I had any wounds on my body. I replied that I did and showed him my hand. He exclaimed, "Oh! Thank God for that—the lion doesn't eat something that is wounded."

I was shocked, and what my coworker told me came to mind: “Is it true? Sometimes things happen for our good.” I could have been dead by now.

I went to my coworker’s house to apologize and ask for a second chance. I needed him back, so I told him everything that had happened. However, I asked, “What good comes from your disqualification?”

He replied, “Of course, if he hadn’t been fired, he would have been the victim. He followed me to the farm every day, and he hadn’t been injured, the lion would have smelled me and likely eaten him instead.”

I hugged him for his great wisdom.

“What a powerful memory,” I remarked. “But how does it relate to our situation now?” I asked my husband, trying to understand his perspective.

“Well, think about the meat you keep outside. If someone had come out and put something harmful in it, would you know? Or is there something poisonous already inside the dog that ate it? That’s exactly how my dad died. Therefore, don’t blame yourself; ‘Sometimes things happen for our good.’”

“I understand, honey. And regarding my in-laws, please stop feeling so bad. We all will surely die, but our prayers are that we should live long enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor and inherit His kingdom. That is what’s most important. Dad did good things while he was alive; he has earned his rest. Take heart, honey; you will see him again.” I also learned to be careful and encouraged my husband to hold my hand.

Just then, Harrison ran inside with dirty clothes. I called him out to change before lying on the bed and asked Precious to help him. Precious came out, hesitating, and said, “Does this mean that, at his age, Harrison can’t take a bath by himself?”

I shouted to her, do you know how old you were when I stopped your bath? Why can't you do so to your brother without complaining?

She answers, “ I don't know, Mum, nor do I care to know, but I know I haven't grown like him," with seriousness on her face.

I ask myself, when did she start to exchange words with me like this? I raised my voice and told her to do what I instructed and stop arguing with me. After all, I'm your mother, and I have that right.

She insisted, “Mum, I will not make him take a bath by himself. Look at how dirty his clothes are, and you expect me to clean him and wash his clothes?”

I immediately stood up to respond to her, but she ran away, still insisting that she would not bathe him.

"Come back here, Precious, and do what I asked you. If you refuse, I will have to punish you. Honey, please call your daughter now; it's for her good.

Precious, come back here. Your father is calling you. Precious returned, and I sat down.My husband asked, 'Why are you stressing your mom?'

She tried to complain, but I interrupted her. Still, my husband told me to wait so he could take care of the situation."

Precious continued, “Dad, remember the time I went to buy fish and saw Harrison playing around? I told Mum, and she said to let him play because he was just recovering. Now his clothes are all dirty, and Mum asked me to clean him up. I’m not arguing, but Harrison needs to learn to wash his clothes. That way, next time, he will know the best way to play.”

“Your words are wise, my daughter. Where is Harrison? Harrison!” my husband called out.

“Yes, Dad, I'm coming!”

I asked my husband, “Wait, are you trying to support Precious, or what? Harrison is sick; he can't do this by himself, especially now that he is not in his normal health.”

“I know, my lovely wife. Where are you? Come out here, Harrison,” my husband said, and I'm just waiting to hear his conclusion with my two ears open.

“I’m here, Dad,” Harrison said as he came out.

“Why do you look like this? I won’t punish you because you’re sick, but next time you get dirty like this, I will. After that, you’ll have to wash your clothes.“Now, Precious, go bathe him and change his clothes. And I don't want to see either of you in this sitting room. You both need to stay in your room and study.”