The Lasting Influence |- Creative Nonfiction Prompt #49
It was a normal day in my small community, Enugwu, where everyone seemed to know each other's activity. I grew up in this close-knit community that values the influence of its elders and the wisdom they impart.
Enugwu is my homeland and a place where generations of my family have lived in closeness. It was one of the best evenings. I had just graduated from high school.
As I was walking down the quiet road with my bucket in hand, Udoka's papa caught my eye. He was an elderly neighbor who had lived in Enugwu as a great farmer since ages. With his white hair, he was a constant source of wisdom for those who sort him.
"Beautiful girl, how are you doing tonight?'' He spoke, his voice crackling with age, followed by a beautiful smile.
I dropped the bucket on the roadside and walked towards him. A sense of respect and curiosity welled up within me. “Good evening, papa,” I greeted with a bright smile.
He chuckled softly, as he adjusted himself in his wooden arm-chair.
"I see you are going to fetch water for your grandmother, go and return once you drop the water at home.
I spoke with your grandmother yesterday and she told me you have graduated from school, is that true?"
I nodded, feeling a mixture of pride and excitement because I had never had anyone ask me that question "Yes, I wrote my Common Entrance Exam last week."
Papa Udoka's eyes lit up as if he understood. "Go now and come back as soon as you have a chance.'' His words were like petrol for a car, and I ran to the borehole to get some water, and quickly returned home.
"Mama, I'm home,'' I said loud enough for Grandma to hear me.
"Go to Mama Ngozi's house and..." I didn't let her finish her sentence when I told me that Papa Udoka wanted to meet me. As soon as she heard me say his name, she allowed me to leave.
When I arrived at his house, I listened intently as he began to talk about his youth, the dreams he pursued,and the legacies. His words vividly described a life full of successes and regrets.
"It's not just the great things we accomplished in our lIves that matter," he said in a serious voice. "Sometimes, it's the little moments, the kindness we show to others, and how we make them feel, that really define us."
I found myself hanging like a cloth in a hanger onto every word he said, an unexpected sense of understanding washed over me. Every word he said was like a lamb guiding me through the uncertainty of my adult life.
"Even if you forget everything, don't forget these words," he said, looking at me. “You have the power to influence those around you, even in the smallest of ways. Kindness and compassion are those values.”
As I left papa Udoka's compound that day, his words echoed in my ears. Since that day, while I pursue my dreams, his words ring like a bell in my ears reminding me of the influence I could have on others through my little favors.
At first, all I expected was a piece of advice as I would be leaving for high school but his unexpected words influenced my life and had left a mark in me since then, which has helped in shaping the person I have become.
Words of advice from a wise man. When we hold onto words like that, though they might be unclear at first but with time we'll come to understand what the mean.
Exactly. Although I was around a teenage at that age, his words weren't really clear to me but I didn't forget the very words he laid emphasize on.
Words of wisdom from elders go a long way in shaping the life of individuals if they chose to adhere to it. I'm glad his words seeped deep into your soul. That way, you'll tread through life cautiously having in mind that your actions can influence others around in on way or another. Have a good one<3
Yes, his words grew in me like a seed. I'm excited I saw meaning in them, applied them in my life and today I won't really say I have done so much but I just like making a positive impact in people's life in any little way I can.
A proverb from my people, "A tree that wants to leave long stands very close to an ancient tree "This advice from old people goes a long way
That's very true. We don't learn everything all by ourselves. Going closer to elders who are more experienced leave us with greater advantage.
Immediately your mom was told who had called you and released you afterward, it was a mark that Udoka's Papa was one to be respected.
Gray hair for the elderly is a reflection of many experiences and it is wisdom to learn from them, to be better directed at the pilot of our lives
He's a well known man in the whole village. He's a man that speak what he does. He's known to be a good man because of his good deeds.
Little efforts of kindness can go a long way in transforming someone's life.
He must have been a rich well of wisdom for you especially since your grandmother encouraged you to go pay him a visit.
This is very true. I use to tell people, is not until you gift someone a house, a little cup of water means so much. I valued those words he spoke to me and they yielded positively in me.
Some lovely advice from Papa Udoka - very wise indeed.
Although there are elements of fiction in your #CNF, it would have been nice to have learned more about Papa Udoka's life through dialogue so that we could understand why he had these words of wisdom for you and why he thought it so important for you to hear them. It would also have been nice to understand how those words shaped your life.