I will say it’s totally bad to accuse someone wrongly. While growing up, I stayed with my aunty and her family for a few years. I can never forget that fateful Saturday. I was in the kitchen assisting my aunty in preparing lunch when I suddenly heard my Aunty husband call my name. I immediately ran to the living room, When I got there, he asked me, Where is the money I kept on the table?
I was surprised by the question and told him that I did not take any money. He then asked if I had seen the money, and I said yes, I had seen it, but I did not take it. He said how will I see the money and not take it, Before I could explain myself further, a loud slap landed on my face, and beaten followed. I went outside to cry, unknowingly to us my older cousin took the money, we got to find out few hours later .
A few minutes later after we got to know who took the money, my uncle came back and told me to go and bathe and carry my food. It was as if nothing had happened. He did not apologise or show any sign of remorse for what he had done. I was left feeling sad and disappointed, and I could not utter a word. Deep down, I kept thinking that if I had been living with my parents, such a thing might not have happened to me. I also wondered if he would have beaten me that badly if I were his own child.
As I grew older, I realised that some some elderly people believe they cannot apologise to someone younger than them, even when they are wrong. They sometimes feel that their position or age gives them the right to treat others however they want. However, I believe that being older does not mean you are always right, and apologising when you have hurt someone does not make you less of an adult.
Till date, I have not forgotten that incident because I was wrongly accused, beaten, and never given an apology. The experience stayed with me and shaped the way I see certain things. When I became an adult, I concluded in my mind that my children would not stay with their aunties and uncles for more than 24 hours. This decision came from my personal experience and the pains I carried from my childhood
Looking back, I believe the most painful part was not just being accused of taking money I did not take, but being punished without anyone taking the time to establish the truth. I was a child who deserved to be heard, understood, and treated fairly.
This experience taught me that we should never be too quick to accuse people without knowing the facts. Before judging anyone, we should listen to their side of the story and give them the opportunity to explain themselves. Sometimes, a wrong assumption can leave a lasting wound in someone's heart. A simple conversation, patience, and a sincere apology could make a world of difference. We should always remember that our words and actions can stay with people long after the moment has passed. Image from my camera