THE WILSON'S HAVEN
It was a humid Saturday afternoon. The cumulus sky stared oblivious to summer. The temperature stood around 17-18°C. The precinct areas were somewhat deserted. It wasn't buzzing with disparate activities as usual. Regular passers must have silhouetted for some refreshing shelter.
Ashley Wilson is yet to be a household name in Southern Ireland. She is just finding her foot in that region. Her familiarisation with County Carlow is accentuating in volume daily.
"The early past of my life had been lived in Dublin, the Eastern part of Ireland. In a way, I need to study how things work in this part of the world."
"Sauntering the streets under such an intense humid condition, must be for very pressing necessities", mum visualized.
"The atmosphere around us gave a chance to summer outfits with a sense of inviting some cool breeze."
"I can see, County Carlow is so fabulous for its salubrious essence."
Mum: "Yes, it is. At every glance, the entire visuals create such an aura. From the landscapes to the verdant vegetation, and divergent artistic masterpieces. All of these sum up to beautify this primordial city."
"Life has opened up to another level on this side, capturing a different scenic configuration. The artistic visuals brought reminiscences, laying credence to one historical moment in time", mum chuckled.
Ashley: "It is so soothing, having a feel of what summer is in this part of the world. So much in tandem with the experience in Dublin."
"The summer clothes were the most essential part of the season. It helps the body achieve the liberty such a time yearns for."
"Despite wanting to have some liberty as you suggested, that freedom must not in any way be blown out of proportion. I consider it a primal priority seeing you appear in presentable and decent outfits, even at summer season. You are a girl. I always want you to live an exemplary dimension of life", mum captured.
I smiled as usual, fixing my gaze on mum. Trying to pick every word coated in each of her statements.
We live at the city centre; my parents, and two other siblings: Joseph and Tennyson. I happened to be the only female child, amidst my two male siblings.
(To mum) "It's quite interesting to know that in my formative years, you have ensured I dress decently. You mostly say it's to keep me from unscrupulous exposure of my body."
"Mum: My own formative years equally informed on my manner of approach, when it comes to instilling appropriate ways to live in you."
"Am becoming more of what you have imbued in me. Most of your regular statements, ring bell in my ears, oftentimes whenever am meditating alone", I stated.
I can start and go on without mincing words:
"Dignity is a Unique Anchor for Royalty".
"You Dress the Way You Wish to be Addressed".
"A first impression of you is registered in the way you appear"
"A thrust of your personality comes with a reflection of your dressing"
"Elegance with class, combines both quality and decency"
"I can never forget those assertive statements, and many others you had regurgitated in my ears."
"Am elated you have them all scribbled on your mind. They were declarative expressions, meant to shape your psyche so as to savour a life connected with purpose and focus", mum said.
She went further, "that was why I requested having them written in postcards and pasted in your room. As your eyes flash through on daily basis, they become registered on your mind. That way, it becomes a lifestyle."
"Honestly, you have a proud daughter in me. Your focus, determination, career worth, usually endear me to do more. They give me the push to take after you and dad."
"I look up to you and want to be alive to every instruction all the way. I cherish such as pathways to getting to my much desired success destination. Even one that outstrips yours and dad's", I asserted.
Mum: "I must confess you have a genuine passion and vision, Ashley". Frankly speaking, your vision starts from taking into cognizance, every little thing layered with positive growth."
That's right, mum.
Can I ask a question?
Go ahead please.
"I have sighted some young people in their crop gowns, even younger children like me. Why do you always suggest I have a pair of shorts to match, despite being summer?" (I mumbled with a smiling face)
Good question, Ashley.
If you have observed, neither Agnes nor I would ever pair a crop gown that is at knee length with a pair of short or leggings. The only reason most times was probably for a few below knee length, for your comfort walking. Very soon, nobody does it for you anymore. You can do all of that by yourself, knowing what suits you on every outing, either casual or formal", mum affirmed.
"Looking forward to that time. Am sure it's closer than I imagined. Aunty Agnes has started asking me to pick clothes for outing, while she was busy running other errands. Have done that correctly on two occasions", I said.
It's such a good one. Am happy you are getting acquainted with it gradually. That's my big girl.
Thanks, mum.
(Agnes and Mum in The Room)
"Madam, I have mastered the act of proper discipline, taking a cue from you. I can see you are very intentional about your kids". Agnes, the Wilson's maid remarked.
"That's right, Agnes. My husband and I were raised Catholics who adhered strictly to the tenets of our religion over the years. Besides, both of us emanated from two different, but similar backgrounds. A lot of factors have accumulated in building our total lifestyle. From emerging out of a bold and formidable family structures, to rightful societal inter-relationships. These were our motivational guides", mum confessed.
"That's quite fascinating, madam. You have surely come a long way, gaining the right influence and perspectives to life. These invariably reflect in the styles adopted in raising your kids".
Of course, Agnes.
"Our experiences in life are a mirror of what we are, and produce. We are so keen about inculcating moral discipline in the children", Patricia Wilson said passionately.
"No problem, madam. I will give it my best shot. I would also love to write my name in gold within the Wilsons dynasty", Agnes said smilingly.
"Am confident in your commitment, Agnes. Your rewards are no doubt unquantifiable. Am always strategic in my family pursuit, having a premonition of how demanding life can be for me and hubby", Patricia added.
(Addressing Agnes)" You get the blue denim hanging over the white pant. You need to take a look at how I sort this out. The summer outfit mix match, same as winter."
"Yes, quite sensible to understand how sensitive these things are to you, madam", Agnes responded.
You are right, Agnes. Being the only girl, it is my belief to imbue every sense of dignity in her. The male folks are grown enough to sort themselves.
(Joseph and Tennyson)
"Joseph, can you pair the trousers with the shirts, while I hang." Tennyson suggested. He has often viewed himself as more matured.
"That's prim and proper. It makes everyday a lot easier", Joseph responded.
"You are right, Joseph. Growing up has been lots of fun. You won't believe that learning these basics, help in other aspects of life", Tennyson shared.
"It has also ingrained some sense of discipline in us, delisting every form of laxity in academic work as well", Joseph bumped.
Absolutely, Joseph.
(The Wilson's Carlow Arrival)
The Mercedes fleet pace announced our arrival into the new, serene area along Browneshill Wood, Carlow. What a rapturous beauty, I must say.
A detached duplex served as our new harbour. I was still seven at the time, with my two siblings, Joseph, and Tennyson being eleven, and thirteen years respectively.
"Welcome to our new abode, family", dad announced.
"It's nice getting a glimpse of what a new environment looks like", I said to aunty Agnes.
'Can you please provide the rationale behind our relocation journey?' aunty inquired from me.
Yes, aunty.
"We have just relocated to Carlow following mum's new engagement at Carlow District Hospital", I replied.
(Agnes clapping) 'I give you a full mark for that.'
"It shows you are at the centre space of your family's events. Some kids might just follow blindly without taking time to find out reasons behind certain decisions. Even though the decisions have a direct influence on them. This portrays your height of intelligence girl. You have confidently kept up with your family issues as they unfold. That's a good one, Ashley."
Thanks, aunty.
"Keep it up. Don't assume you are a small girl. Wisdom is built in the ability of getting accurate knowledge and perception about things."
Got that, aunty.
"Aunty, do you know dad had always considered his family first in all things? The Carlow relocation from Dublin, had been a daunting one for him, having gained settlement in the heart of the country's capital."
"You are right. It's usually not easy for families to live apart. The nature of your dad's job, paved way to such, as well as the new portfolio. Not to worry, a time is coming that the cycle of staying together will remain unbroken."
'I seriously look forward to that time, aunty.'
'I can assure you, it will surely come, someday.'
"Aunty, I could remember when migration to Carlow was about the hottest issue on the list. The day we basked under the cool evening atmosphere at the lounge, by the pool side, discussing. Dad and mum initiated conversation around our relocation plans. It was still a brewing issue as at the time. You equally served us some juice and pastries."
"Still fresh on my mind too", Agnes recollected.
"That was the day I got a glimpse of the auspicious movement", I said.
"I could remember vividly. There was still a lot of confusion then as to whether it was worth embracing or not", aunty analysed.
"That's so true. Dad was still figuring out a lot of things. One thing I have discovered about him, he might not accept an idea at the onset. He gives his plans or an agenda a more careful and critical thought to consider how advantageous or otherwise they are. Later, his final decision pops in. That was exactly what happened in the case of County Carlow", I analysed.
"Your dad had projected giving your mum a chance for career progression, portended a lot of benefits to her", aunty interjected.
You've got another crucial lesson there, Ashley.
What lesson is that?
The moral there is, do not be self-centred by not considering others interests and choices when such serve as antidotes to their developments or acceleration in life.
Very crucial, I must say.
(Dad's/ Mum's P.O.V)
Patricia, have realized one thing.
What is it, dearie?
"Being in a place over a long period of time might infringe on having better opportunities to learn, and grow impressively. This new capacity you are about to occupy, will challenge most of the things you have learnt and practiced over the years. More importantly, considering the fact you are assuming the new position as a superior, and no longer a subordinate", Davidson asserted.
Quite frankly, hubby. That's the more reason I love to hear your views, especially on this subject matter.
"I have now accepted it as a new ladder of development for us to climb, and would want you to see it as such, Patricia."
"No problem, honey. I absolutely understand those germane points. Am also ready to take the bull by the horn. Learning is a continuous process. Am curious to have a new work system challenge the long term status quo. No cause for worries anymore."
"We must all be determined to take this giant stride", mum accepted.
"It is a collective progress that all of us must voyage through", Davidson affirmed.
(Ashley, Tennyson and Joseph)
I and my brothers were having our regular cruise that evening. While eavesdropping and whispering to ourselves. We envisaged what we would miss, emigrating from Dublin. The friendly and hospitable environment, people we had related and mingled with over the years.
'I shall miss Mr Campbell and the piano class.'
"That's very true. The class has so much imparted on your musical instrument skills, specifically, the piano", Joseph added.
"In my own case, I made it known to my lesson and aerobic class yesterday. They all received the news with a rude shock, expressing their displeasure", Tennyson pointed.
'Have promised I would be coming once in a while.'
"It was good you quickly chipped that in", I mentioned. "That would have doused their anxiety, and brought a soothing hope to an extent."
'You are right. Their countenance brightened up on hearing that.'
"Bright, my best friend said he never wanted to see me leave. He sobbed for some time. We both encouraged each other, parting with a hug", Tennyson confirmed.
(Ashley and Mum on Carlow)
"From the knowledge garnered reading up on Carlow, I discovered it is an urban settlement", I motioned.
I initiated a conversation with mum on Carlow.
'Yes, it is.'
"Fantastic one, mum. I had read up on some of the town's key components on getting to learn about our relocation."
"Oh, quite apt of you, Ashley."
"I have been immersed in my love for multifarious cultures and social lives of people and places. This has endeared me more to Carlow culture in some ways."
'Mum, I could see Carlow is equally as beautiful as Dublin.'
You are right, Ashley; it is.
'I am so eager to behold the beautiful and enthralling landscapes.'
"What significance has O Connell", I probed?
"Daniel O Connell was recognised on his impact of campaigning for Irish Catholic membership in the Parliament. In a bid to commemorate this landmark, he was celebrated through the O'Connell Monument in County Carlow", mum retorted.
'Looking forward to check on some of such monumental sights just as Dublin's.'
'Yes, there are a significant number of that in Carlow.'
'Thanks for sharing your knowledge on this, mum.'
'It's a pleasure, daughter.'
Discussions took place all evening.
"Tennyson, can we go for some scooting"? Joseph requested.
Just a few minutes ride, though. Aunty Agnes would soon call us.
That's fine.
(Dublin's Military Base)
Davidson Wilson was a Lieutenant General. His wife had just been promoted to the rank of a Chief Nursing Officer at Carlow District Hospital, precipitating our relocation to Carlow.
Davidson paced through his office, figuring out what the new life would look like. He made some crucial plans towards his family's relocation.
Rob, his very good colleague had entered while he was making some quick sketches around their journey. He quickly scribbled an application to put in for a few days leave.
"Rob, you've got to see how devastated I have become these few days. This decision has not been kind on me. I couldn't have envisaged such a scenario, years back."
"David, you've got to relax your mind. As you can see, the distance is just a stone throw. We had already concluded on this. Just let it be. It is a progress migration we are talking about, not a static, nor a retrogressive one. I understand you love your wife, and would love to see her daily (Rob chuckled), but life has to move on, friend", he added.
"Yeah, Rob; I quite understand. I could remember I well played my role when Pamela needed to relocate then. I believe you are standing to reciprocate same now", Davidson said jokingly.
Exactly, David.
Thanks, Rob.
"Regarding our decision, we have hit a final point in our opinion sampling. We have a reasonable plan put together now", Davidson revealed.
"Great, am happy to hear that. Can you scroll out a template of what you finally arrived at? Robinson asked.
"Yes, Ashley and her siblings will have to stay back with their mum in Carlow, while I serve the country from Dublin at the defence headquarters." (Rob applauded in admiration).
'Fantastic, that's a good one.'
(Davidson cleared his table as he sat with Rob on the couch)
"Rob, you know my top priority has always been family, unintentional of distancing myself from them. The sudden break of this cycle is expedient to guarantee a career progression for Patricia."
I quite support your final decision. It is a reasonable, and well thought out plan. I understand how dejected and worried one could be, living away from family. We had sometimes sacrificed in a similar manner in the past, while building on our career. So, going back in time to that same pattern, when we ought to be winding down, might pose some challenges. Nonetheless, I believe it's just for a while, David."
"You have said it all. I believe this won't last a lifetime."
"After an intense consideration from our permutation as a family, we have reached our consensus of making Carlow our primary home, while I do the shuttling between County Carlow and Dublin as the foreman", Davidson stressed.
"That's a good one, Davidson"; Rob affirmed. "The nature of our work will disallow you maximum attention to the children."
"How about Agnes and Alfred, will they equally relocate with them?", Rob asked.
'Of course, they will.'
"At seldom occasions, we could either decide to move to Dublin, our secondary home at special holidays, or stay together in Carlow."
"That's so appropriate, David", Rob asserted.
"Come to think of it, Christmas had constantly been all shades of fun annually, with your family's party combining family, and friends to bring the year to a close."
"Well, we won't stop nor cut off from our relations and friends. That's the more reason we keep shuttling between Carlow and Dublin; especially, during such festive periods. No doubt, I will maintain such a historic season full of outright celebrations and reflections", Davidson corroborated.
"That's fine. I must take my leave now", Rob said.
I will definitely put a call through as soon as we arrive there. Thanks for checking.
(Dublin's Party In Retrospect with Ashley and Her Siblings)
"Come on pals, check out my drawings on the journey from Dublin to Carlow", my older brother invited.
"Wow, Tennyson. This creativity is astonishing", I remarked.
'I can go on and on, creating lots of memories from different shared moments.'
"I love the final phase you crafted out here. How we converged at the yearly celebrations. The trickling sense of one experience onto another, provide emotional contents that bring touching memories, I must say."
I could remember last year, I had to call a few friends in preparation for the event.
(Reflections on Dublin's Yearly Party)
Hello, is that the Brownies? Yes, how may I be of help? My name is Ashley Wilson. I would like to speak with Tyler.
'Oh! Ashley. It's her mum. Good to hear from you. Hold on, she will be with you in a moment.'
Tyler, you have a call, Ashley on the line.
'Hi Ashley. Nice having you on the line. How have you been?'
Very well; and you?
Am good.
"Are you guys coming for our annual party on the 22nd?"
"Yes, we are. Dad and mum have told us we shall be coming over."
'Fine, hope to see you then.'
"You get all fun equipments ready. We've got to enjoy to full satisfaction."
"Alright, Tyler; I will. Bye for now."
At the party, aunty Agnes provided some free fun time.
"Children, let's enjoy the bouncing castle outside", she announced.
'We would let out a shout, racing and circling around ourselves. We played some hide and seek games.'
"That's a side attraction Dublin has got. All of these, cannot fade away easily from our memories", I opened up to Tennyson.
"Those shared moments you have created cannot be traded. Having such endless fun with our friends," Joseph added.
'Then, the adults sitting at the dinner to reflect on the year's gains and losses, while making concerted effort to plan for the incoming year.'
I can't forget dad's best friend in a hurry. General Robinson and his wife, Pamela. They have been regular invitees at such occasions."
At the last year's event, dad mentioned "the year had got a modicum of victory for their battalion. Their success story was outstanding, with less than 2% war engagements and 1% loss."
Dad in the company of his friends, discussed extensively.
He further stated, "the Irish peace treaty had made a huge impact in pushing back the streaks of war. Even though, there arose situations where defence was inevitable, war has come to its considerable average."
"Wow, that was quite illustrative of you, Ashley. Am stupefied you could remember all of that. You are such a curious girl, though"; Joseph remarked.
"Let's not forget Alfred cuisines which were more sumptuous at such events", Joseph added.
"That was so thoughtful of you", I said.
'Madam Pamela, General Robinson's wife often made impressive remarks on this.'
Mum revealed, "Alfred does not stay on the spot of what he has known. He expands his knowledge scope from time to time. He has just concluded a training at the Soul Food Company."
"Are you serious?" Pamela wondered.
"Yes, I encourage him. I offer him an open hand to learn as much as he desires. That has also tripled our home's nutritional food menu", Patricia retorted.
"I must say there is usually a take home from your family each time we converge like this", Pamela remarked.
"Thanks for your compliments, Pamela. We have all come a long way together", mum said.
(Relocation Process In Top Gear)
We finally got to the peak of our relocation preparation.
"You have to get the children arrange their luggage in order, Agnes"; mum ordered.
"Yes, madam"; Agnes responded briskly.
"Ashley, can you get the small arranged boxes moved to the visitor's waiting room?" Aunty Agnes instructed.
That's fine, aunty.
"Let me haul the handy luggage to the lounge for easy transfer into the car", I suggested. Not too long after, aunty Agnes beckoned on mum that we are ready.
Madam, we are all set.
I quickly whispered to mum, we are leaving Dublin behind us already, facing the life ahead.
Sure, Ashley. Life keeps evolving and moving.
(Agnes and Chef Alfred Conversing)
"The Wilsons family has created a home ambience where proper and holistic training were the ways to go", Alfred assessed.
"You can say that again, Alfred. Have learnt a lot working with madam", Agnes replied (they engaged in a short conversation about the family's imminent relocation).
"Harmony, respect, orderliness were core values Ashley and his siblings exhibited while relating with us as domestic staff", Alfred noted.
"Even though their parents ensured their children got the best care, having all they needed essentially at their beck and call, they never shielded them from rebukes when this was required", Agnes added.
"Those children have been rightly guided, I must confess. Their future is secured if they follow their parents leading to letter", Alfred pointed.
"I can categorically say they are keeping up with it to a very large extent. They could not even flout my rules, let alone their parent's", Agnes replied.
They often pick my usual signals like "the television remains in the box today". Whenever I say that, they already understand what it means.
(A Past Case Scenario of the TV in the Box)
Not again, Tennyson. We have got this signal from aunt Agnes as a result of your misdemeanour.
"Ashley, what a total boredom we need to confront today, just because of someone's offence"; Joseph said.
"You two should please count me out of your punishment. Did I play with you guys when you ought to be busy with your duties? Nope! So, please spare me on this."
"I only joined after completing mine, Ashley", Joseph explained.
"So, you make aunty understand", I suggested.
"Can I join Ashley to watch the program", Joseph implored Agnes.
"On the condition that Ashley does not have a special program she would like to watch. You are only allowed to watch from the main sitting room", aunty instructed.
"I am the best child in this house, cute girl with a listening ear. Hardly got punished because am a meticulous, young champ", I said.
"You can say that again", Ashley, Agnes corroborated.
"Sorry about your repeated mistakes", I empathised with Tennyson.
"Waiting for your own turn, Ashley", Tennyson fumed.
"Oh, am sorry to announce to you, that time will never come, you might have to wait endlessly."
"Joseph, it's so interesting to know aunty Agnes punitive orders could not be flouted when it comes to proper arrangement of the room, any other chore, school work or responsibilities", I said.
"I must say Tennyson is the only one easily caught in the web of aunt Agnes's punishments", Joseph noted.
"He fell victim often to the same mistake because he loves to prove and play "the big brother". Anyways, I love aunt's simplistic way of meting out punishment whenever we fail to obey instructions", I added.
Ashley, you called that simple?
Yes, it is.
If you don't watch the television now, you can as well do some other time.
"You don't mean it? After missing some vital programs you had looked forward to", Joseph asked.
"Well, on that note, if a program is so vital to you or Tennyson, and there won't be a podcast, try not to flout simple rules."
"I must say aunty Agnes is nice, anyway. She may decide not to elongate the punishment at times."
"Yeah, you are right. She had pardoned myself and Tennyson on several occasions."
Tennyson would most times say, Aunty Agnes and I are now best of friends; have mastered all her rules", Joseph noted.
"Well, that claim is yet to be fully proven, going by what you and I can obviously observe", I objected.
(Final Landing in Carlow)
I always love to look back in time, and appreciate some very significant moments that had once been part of us back in Dublin.
I needed to reveal to mum, how well I appreciated the homely environment back in the Capital.
"Earlsfort Terrace in Dublin was wrapped with several amenities. The scenic view of that environment was not something that could fizzle out of my memory easily."
"It was something that took us a while to build, Ashley", Mum said. She was dazzled at how a child of my age would cherish every bit of artistry that went into the masterpiece.
While it took us time to unpack our luggage in the process of settling down in our new abode, I kept unfolding some significant moments that got myself and siblings enraptured, back in Dublin.
This, someway, made the unpacking less stressful, fun and hitch-free as mum and aunty Agnes enjoyed my stories.
"Having the privilege of visiting monumental scenes with Joseph and Tennyson was a memorable one I hold in high esteem", I said.
"A most recent experience was the famine memorial which taught us to be grateful at every slight opportunity."
"Joseph had probed into what made up the famine memorial story with dad when we visited, as we strolled from one visual point to another."
We had a great time, mum.
"You can make a whole story out of these experiences you kept recounting", mum interjected.
Yes, I can. Lots of memories being put together.
"Mastering essential skills at my piano lesson, turned another capstone for me, back in the capital city."
Mr Campbell took his time to teach his special students in school musical instruments, aside our general music class. We had the options of learning the piano, guitar or violin.
Having developed a penchant for piano, I learnt with every iota of focus, and determination.
"Left hand on the chord, right hand, A flat, I followed my instructor's instructions as Mr Campbell would spell out at times."
What aspect did you miss the most from Mr Campbell's music class?
"It is the point when songs begin to flow along with the musical instruments. The symphony and melody."
"The aspect when I had to key in for the song to take off. Mr Campbell might provide a clue as the musical instrument intro kicked-start."
"Ashley, can you key us in with the tonic sofa? Sarah Hilton, Daniel Crystal and Tommy Wilfred, flowed with the percussion as they infused some hymnals or classical tunes into the instrumental flow at regular intervals."
Tommy struck the chord on his guitar for a symphony. Angela and Chris played along, melodious tunes from the violins.
"I must say you have developed great skills with your musical instrument knowledge. I want you to understand that the skills you have acquired was not a waste. It will surely pave ways for you, moving forward", mum pointed.
Thanks for encouraging me, mum.
(A Snippet From the Final Music Class)
"Hi guys, we had a great time learning together today. Can we meet shortly after the music class tomorrow for a short rehearsal", Tommy suggested.
Yes, of course, we all agreed. We set personal goals for ourselves. Our impact had been quite splendid with the school's band.
"Ashley, we will definitely miss you. I now understand why Mr Campbell said we needed more members to have more than one instrumentalist handling each of the instruments. I hope we got a new pianist soonest", Tommy said.
Tommy, thanks a lot.
"I will miss you all too."
"Thank you, Mr Campbell for organising this mini farewell party for me at my final rehearsal."
"We shall miss you, Ashley", Mr Campbell noted.
"I will surely miss your great lessons, Mr Campbell", I admitted.
I will miss you, everyone.
"I cannot just voice out how painful parting with you seems, Ashley", Tommy said.
Same here, Tommy.
"We have had a genuine bond and contributions together, and I shall miss everyone here. Hope we meet again", I said.
They embraced me one after the other, as we parted with very touching remarks, and gifts.
"Wow, what a great farewell you had there. Hope you guys get to meet again", aunty Agnes projected.
I so desire and hope it turns real in the near future.
"Can you please recount a few of your experiences back in school", Agnes requested.
"I was about to ask as well", mum added.
'Well, my days at Holyspirit Primary School was quite transient. It was a two and half years, punctuated by diverse success stories and achievements.'
"That's a great one, darling", Agnes commented.
From the spelling competition, to the public speaking contest. Mrs Betty had taken her time to teach me personally. We had special class arrangements, precisely during break period, whenever we were approaching any competition.
Ashley baby, Mrs Betty would call me. We need to see after the class.
"The news of my imminent relocation was greeted with mixed feelings, as emotional reactions started popping in."
"The greatest of it was from Mrs Betty, my class teacher. She had been recognised as the best teacher based on my outstanding performances."
"That was so commendable of her. She needed to be applauded for her contributions to your persistent success stories", mum admitted.
'Mrs Betty was quite emotional, having to see me leave.'
(Mrs Betty's Parting Statement) "Ashley, you are in for the best. Even though I dislike parting with you. Certainly, we shall surely part ways someday. We cannot be together forever. I have taught many others like you, who also have become great intellectuals today."
I would like to leave these statements with you: "Continue being the best that you are. The top only accommodates the best, and not the mediocre. You have laid a good foundation, but the best foundation is useless without a befitting structure. Endeavour to sustain your tenacity, and intelligence towards greatness. Am sure, the sky is your starting point".
"Am so delighted at your instructive words. I would like to promise, I will make you a lot more proud".
That's my girl.
Thank you, madam.
You are most welcome, Ashley.
My regards to your parents.
I will.
Have enjoyed every bit of our conversation. Your success story inspires me.
"Mum, don't you know I took after you and dad. Am becoming the best version of myself. All what you see me do, have equally learnt from your positive and resolute lifestyles."
"Madam, your daughter is very right. We, the domestic staff, have in a way, had our own shares of the positive impacts from your family."
"Thank goodness that you all have come to reiterate how our family has been of positive influence in your lives. Am so elated and fulfilled to hear that", mum reacted.
(My Siblings and I)
"Have accepted the news of our relocation with some sort of apprehension and ecstasy, looking to learn and explore new places, as I also reminisce on my gains from Dublin", I said to Joseph.
"Am still somewhere lost in between; trying to wake myself from the reality of what is currently going on. Still find it unbelievable and unthinkable", responded Joseph.
"We can no longer shy away from it, as it's now sticking right in our very faces, what might first looked surreal has now turned reality".
Definitely, it has, Ashley.
(Ashley with her best friend)
'Why so urgent or have you kept it away from me all these while?'
"I find it difficult to accept at first, Doris. I just had to embrace the harsh reality. I will miss you, but my dad promised our yearly party remains. So, we've got to see mostly every year end."
Hi five, see you.
Bye, Ashley.
"Doris Edmunton, my best friend could not hold back her tears. She sobbed all day. Getting home, Doris's mum called, asking me to speak with Doris, in order to encourage her. She was so nostalgia."
"How did you go about that", Joseph inquired?
I told her we would still get to reunite during holidays. I said the mere fact her dad serves in the Irish Army speaks a lot more about the continuity of our friendship and bonding.
"That was a good one, really".
"You guys will always meet. Indeed, you people have shared a good time together, both at home, and in school. How I wished I had a friend like that."
'How about Taylor, Tyler's brother?'
"They don't stay close by", Joseph answered.
"You don't know what it means to have a friend so close to you. Another factor that brought you two so close was the character semblance, emphasising on their family background. Am sure mum and dad would have separated the to of you, if they had noticed any slight contrast in the way they lived", he commented.
"Our cognitive growth is very important to them. Have discovered this a long time, Ashley. Dad had always been wary of how we mingle within the community. You will notice he hardly objects when we decide to visit the Edmunton or Robertson. When it comes to the Clarke's, he is usually jittery."
"Look at the last party we were invited to. He objected blatantly. They are of the opinion that peer influence has a way of taking a toll on the psyche, and behavioural pattern of a child. Have noticed they both have an eye on us, monitoring every of our affairs, despite being so young", I added.
"One of those unforgettable moments was dad's disappearance from home at times, which did not stop him from being in the know of events and issues pertaining to us", Joseph recalled.
"That amazes me too. As a martinet, who had risen through the ranks and files in the military, he installed a programmed closed-circuit television. This prompted him on our activities in the morning, and after school, in order to instil discipline in us."
(Tennyson joined the conversation)
"Tennyson, did you know it took me a while before I knew Alfred was giving a comprehensive report on our after school activities", I posited.
"Have always said it, you are still my little girl", Tennyson grinned.
"Damn it, am not; come on. Am a big girl. Even mum calls me a big girl", I yelled.
"She does, just for you to have that feeling, girl. You are still my small, little sister. How on earth will you feign that? You've got to accept that", Tennyson interpolated.
"I said it took me a while, not forever. Moreover, am mostly well behaved. So he hardly gave a bad report of me."
"Well, if you say so", Tennyson somewhat admitted.
(Tennyson to Ashley)
"Alfred, the chef, has been another physical snitch, aside the close circuit television. He has been authorised by Dad to give us instructions, and revert should there be a disagreement."
That's why I often sought his consent whenever I needed to go biking after my assignments.
"Oh, I see. That's why he often checks too, to confirm before you have his permit."
You got it.
Some of those momentous scenes will remain memorable and dear to my heart. The Molly Malone Statue, Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, Oscar Wilder House, to mention but a few.
'You can say that over again, Ashley.'
'I could remember, taking me on a tour was like embarking on a training spree. Whoever has decided to embark on such expeditions, must be ready to answer lots of questions with some sense of intelligence', I reasoned.
"Ashley can ask questions like what? She drags us back at times", Joseph queried.
'Well, I don't believe in half knowledge, hence my reason for desiring to understand comprehensively.'
"One of the qualities which remained inseparable from me as I grew up in Dublin, was the discipline inculcated by our parents. Despite the comfort and luxury, we were no spoilt brats."
'You don't treat people anyhow, irrespective of their backgrounds and personality', dad would say to us. According to him, 'those we treat badly today might be pathfinders we need to get to our next destinations tomorrow. Those we despise today, may turn ladders for us to get to our next phases in life."
" Another virtue that became part of me was my predilection to study. Aunty Agnes had permanently set my alarm to nudge me from sleep every morning."
Without an iota of doubt, I would have stayed in bed extra hours, but for Agnes's permanent alarm.
"That's quite commendable of her. It has become part and parcel of you", Joseph commented.
"I had appreciated her times without number for the timed alarm. Staying awake into the night to study could have made me sleep extra hours, but thanks to aunt's initiative."
"Your readiness to learn too was always poignant, Ashley. Myself and Tennyson could not beat you on that. Your practicality put the intelligence of anyone within reach to test, whenever you tried to rehash an academic work or learn new things."
'Indisputably true, Joseph. I usually invited aunty Agnes over to take a tour of my academic work with me.'
"The after school routine had become regimented in me, inhibiting every form of lateness, from unpacking to packing, and arranging against the next day."
"Aunty Agnes was so intentional about giving me pertinent instructions. She would stand by to put me through on the rudiments of getting my dishes washed either manually, or electronically. Both technicalities were well spelt out to us."
"We were taken through that routine because dad and mum never wanted us to be overtaken nor blindfolded by the luxury at our disposal", Joseph responded.
Myself and Joseph had a soft spot for each other and could talk at length all day. Tennyson is the big guy among us who might be busy at times engaging in some personal works.
"The younger ones in the family mostly get along", I guess.
"Ashley, hope you got the logic quite well? Yes, I did. That was my usual response during those incubation periods with aunty Agnes."
"She would be patient enough to help me understand what I needed to know perfectly. She mostly advised the best I could do, was to have all the important things done against the following day."
"She invited us over at times, bringing us together to counsel us."
(Agnes's P.O.V in Retrospect)
Tennyson, Ashely, and Joseph; a minute please.
Coming, aunty.
"I would like to encourage you all to learn how to prepare ahead. Life favours more, those with a foresight and not a hindsight. So, learn to prepare ahead. Don't wait to explore the rush."
"Yes, we got that", aunty. As we would often scream, excited as we responded.
"What an unforgettable sight we had back there, Joseph. The facade of Earlsfort Terrace, seated on a wide expanse of land was a striking edifice with lots of attractions and playground."
"I could remember when we used to play around after our day's activities."
'Yes, that was whenever our tasks were completed early.'
We rode our scooter in turn. You and Tennyson had given me a freehand to ride much longer.
"Tennyson, when would it be my turn to play the basketball? Am sort of growing, you know?"
I would ask.
"Ashley, not to worry, when you clock eight, I will start teaching you. Just keep up with the scooter, and ensure you've mastered all the acts peculiar with it. Straighten your hands well. Perform some tricks as well, you understand. Your hands off the handlebars at interval, your legs on the pedal standing. You've got to do some stunts girl", Tennyson said smilingly.
"Am trying, big brother", I responded.
'Am too young for those stunts you are recommending, but I know am not what I used to be.'
'Yes, you are a better rider now.'
Agnes stood by to watch, and giggle at our usual pranks.
"I have perfectly mastered the art of riding. You guys should leave me to ride alone through the walkway and around the house in my jaunty manner."
'No problem', Tennyson replied. "Just ensure you don't miss your track. Keep your feet stable on the pedal."
Alright, I will.
Joseph and Tennyson would alternate between playing football or basketball.
"Coming to join you two later", I shouted. Whenever am bored riding alone, I could decide to join my brothers as a spectator. In the process, I began to learn the basics of basket ball, which I preferred to football.
The chef breezed in to watch me scooting around the corners of the compound before my final halt.
"Ashley, you can do better", uncle Alfred cheered me to a better riding.
Thanks, uncle.
I parked the scooter to have a chat with uncle Alfred, as I was tired already.
(Myself and Uncle Alfred)
"We might likely have the same security apparatus in Carlow just as we had in Dublin (addressing the Belgian Malinois dogs snarling at a corner: can you just be quite there)", I inquired.
'Just wondering, uncle Alfred, would all these peculiar features of the Wilson's edifice be replicated in Carlow?'
'The army officers who showed up on routine exercise at regular intervals, and other security apparatus like those beautiful, sniffing dogs?'
"All of that will be available, looking at your dad's calibre in the military. The fact that your dad won't be there always, does not erode all of the security details."
"Oh, that's amusing to know", I said.
"One of the principles that guided us growing up was how we have been somehow curbed and restricted to the comfort of our home, due to the position occupied by dad", I said.
"You would not blame your parents for their stringent rule in that order. A lot of conditions have been considered to arrive at that decision", uncle Alfred explained.
Can you please shed light on what could have warranted such?
Fine, Ashley.
"It won't be too nice seeing a different version of their children as against what they have systematically ingrained or built over the years. One of the major successes any parent can boast of, is attaining a pedestal of accomplishment over their children. Their positions in the society speak a lot more", uncle expatiated.
'You have made a crucial point, uncle Alfred', I examined.
"Doris and other approved friends who visited once in a while had gone through lots of personal scrutiny by my dad, before permitting them to visit occasionally."
"Very true. It's always fun and nice having friends around to play the smart kids games, solve some puzzles and word teasers together. Sincerely, I enjoyed seeing you people scream, laugh, jump and clap at the same time", uncle remonstrated.
"Doris would shout in glee, whenever she overtook you while riding. Likewise, the ways you kids applauded the smartest when it came to solving puzzles was a way to encourage each other perform better", he noted further.
"Relaxing back afterwards to watch our television series was also interesting", I said.
That was after you people must have played for a couple of hours. At times too, that might come first on your list of activities before pushing on to other day's events.
'You have been a good observer', I commented.
"The pitch of it which appeared as the most fascinating part was when we luxuriate within the compound, playing some tricks, hide and seek games or engaging in talent show, with us assuming various roles."
"It was the side attraction of your fun-time moments. I believe it endeared them more to visiting you the days they chose to. Always a special moment", uncle Alfred noted.
I guess as much.
"The final wrap up was when aunt Agnes treated us to some luscious mocha, and dessert with lots of nougat."
"That's a special one for you and friends. It was the icing on the cake", uncle motioned.
"Dublin has tossed your path a memoir that will shape subsequent parts of your life."
"That's true, Uncle Alfred. From attending the best school to having a first class touch on every side of life."
I can only visualize what life in Carlow would look like.
"Reminiscing on different life's crystallizing scenes and imageries in Dublin, have indeed produced a story in its various acts and scenes."
"It has been a great compendium made from several life's experiences like you said", uncle interjected.
"Never mind, Ashley. The life ahead is another better phase to be written. I believe, it will be nothing short of your imagination."
Oh! Sure. Am envisioning so much already, driving our pursuit with a positive spirit.