Words are like flames of smoke, when words are released, it becomes a mirage to retrieve it. My few experiences in life have shown that words are like missiles and could also serve as an antidote for an imbalance in situations. This is the team I have been an advocate for careful utterances. Our mouth is a big weapon and must be guided so that it doesn't land us in a huge mess. The mouth is small when compared to other parts of the body but like the bait in the mouth of a horse, it controls the whole body movement. Some years ago, my sister-in-law was bitter about her bosom friend whom she had a misunderstanding with. She was devastated and till today, she carried that hurt in her dealings with people.
Susan met Fola at Montclair College in Delta state, Nigeria. They were the newest staff of the school and easily got along together. Over time, the two ladies became close friends. They would buy clothes, shoes and bags together and even go out to social functions in each other's company.
In one of such outings, Susan met Nicholas and they started seeing each other. Sooner than anyone could know, they decided to take their relationship to another level. Nicholas and Susan fixed a date for their wedding. All along, Susan did not inform her supposed friend of her wedding. This became a serious issue because Fola took it so personally that she kept malice with Susan for a while.
The two friends have to talk it over. It was Nicholas' mother who had informed Susan that Fola shouldn't be invited for the wedding because she has evil intentions against the wedding. Though Fola wasn't aware of this, Susan made sure that Fola was never aware of the planned wedding. After the whole issue was settled, Fola kept her distance from Susan and her husband, Nicholas. The two friends still talk and meet in school but there was a noticeable distance between them.
A year later, Susan gave birth to a baby boy. They had a societal naming ceremony but Fola did not attend. It was not much of an issue because she was not to play any role in the ceremony than to attend.
Three years after the wedding had been held, Susan lost her father. It was a painful time for the family. Friends and well wishes came in to pay their condolences. The family designed a poster which most relatives displayed in their social media handles.
Fola, playing a good friend, paid her condolences to Susan. Then a conversation ensued.
Fola: how is the preparation for the burial going?
Susan: It's ongoing?
Fola: Alright, please, send your account details let me send in my little support.
Susan: Wow! That would be appreciated. But are you going to attend the funeral ceremonies?
Fola: God forbid. Even if I am permitted, I will never show up.
The response of Fola gave Susan goosebumps on her skin. This indicates that Fola has not forgiven her for the wedding invitation issue. Anyways, Susan swallowed the pain, hook, line and sinker.
As the funeral ceremony started, Susan's oldest sister came across her chat with Fola and frowned at it. Since they were all aware of the wedding matter that had happened between the two ladies, her older sister felt that indeed, Fola was an evil-minded person.
The matter became a serious one that Fola was invited to a neutral ground to handle the issue. She wept profusely as all the adults who were present spoke one after the other against her unforgiving spirit. Only Susan's mother pointed out that Fola was a girl with a good heart but only that she allowed her emotions to override her strengths. If she had thought it wise to support her friend financially for the burial of her late father, then she should be strong enough to let go of the wedding invitation saga to the recent development.
Fola apologized. She was so sorry to have made such a statement. She walked towards Susan and hugged her tightly and promised to learn the forgiving spirit.
Today, I am happy to see the two ladies together again as best of friends.
