SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

In the last episode his uncle gave him money to purchase an expensive casket for his father’s funeral…..what happened next will amaze you…….

‘I don’t know what came over him two weeks to the funeral, which happens to be a day to me losing my admission to the school. My uncle sent for me and handed me a huge sum of money. What for ? This is the money I should use to buy the casket for my father’s funeral. According to him, he was inviting very notable people and I should not make any mistake. He said he can’t imagine his brother lying in a cheap casket. I left his house that day with tears in my eyes

Like a speed of light, a strange idea came to mind. Why don’t you pay the school fees from this money and explain to your uncle after the funeral? Your father will be buried whether you like it or not

I went back to the school and used the money to pay 4 years of my tuition fee upfront. This is crazy to believe, but I did it. You can just imagine the amount of money he gave me.

At the casket shop, I was able to afford the one my fathers’ money could afford. I mean the money my father kept for my school fees.

The funeral weekend arrived, and the village was in a frenzy. My uncle invited a lot of his friends. Food and drinks were everywhere. They supplied my mum a lot of fish, meat, rice, and oil to cook for our invited guests. Other family members were also given food to cook and share food at vantage points on the funeral ground.

SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

Read:SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 1)

Only God knows why my uncle didn’t ask me about the casket.

I told my mother what I did, and she felt uneasy, but I assured her that things would be better. If it comes to worse, I will work for my uncle as a laborer during the holidays.

I told her to cook only a small portion of the items given her because I didn’t invite anybody and her family also may only have few people joining because her hometown is a very long distance from our place. Those who will come will come. I will not be busy inviting people. For what?  Where were they when I was looking for help to cure my father.

The wake keeping was like a jamboree with music all over. Is this how to mourn? I kept asking myself. Saturday the next morning after the file pass, It was time to put close the casket. Prayers were made by the priest. My uncle was there putting his hands on my shoulder, comforting me as I cried my heart out.

It was when the priest closed the casket that my uncle eyes popped open. Suddenly, his hands were off my shoulder. What is this he asked? It’s a casket I said with tears in my eyes.  I mean, what is this? The preist came to my rescue. What is happening? The people are waiting. Can we move, please? Any other issue we can solve after burial, please. No, Pastor, you don’t understand he protested. I don’t understand what? This is not what I asked this boy to buy.

SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

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Please, if you have any other coffin to bring in one minute time I can wait, but if not, let’s move, please.

You want to embarrass me, right?

Why do you want my friends to laugh at me.

So people to say I didn’t try, right?

With all due respect, honorable, the pastor came to my rescue again. Is it about you? Are you the one who died? I keep hearing me me me. Why ?

My uncle was so disappointed that he didn’t follow the procession to the chapel with the casket.

At the service, I started to wonder whether the pastor got a new message from the scene that was created in the room.His entire message revolved around your funeral not being a sign of your eternity. He said you can be buried in a golden grave and still miss the opportunity of walking on the street of gold in heaven. He concluded by saying the most important thing is surrendering your life to Jesus and living for him till death knocks at your door. The Pastor  encouraged the mourners to do good to people while they are alive.

All through the service, my uncle’s head never made contact with the casket or the pastor. When the casket was held up and taken to the standby hearse, my uncle burst into tears. I was the only one who knew why he was weeping. It is not for my father but for the casket. Honestly, it was not a bad casket at all. At least my father’s money could afford it.

SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

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After the burial service, my uncle, who had to keep a straight face just to entertain his numerous guests, bagged a lot of cash. He made sure his collection table was different from the family one and so never gave any account to the family on the monies received. This is my story. Now, my uncle has summoned a family meeting, accusing me of being a thief and a liar. He said so many unprintable words that I cannot pen here.

I explained to him what I used the money for. I paid my school fees for the entire four years,  and I am willing to refund when I have it or serve him as a labourer when I come on holidays. He was so shocked that the family didn’t have any problem with what I did. Though they scolded me, they finally agreed that the matter rest since my father has been laid to rest.

I am writing for your opinion because my uncle is still threatening me. As for me. I’m now in school. By God’s grace, the food they gave us for the funeral is keeping me here in school, and my mother is also using the rest at home.

SWAPPING THE CASKET MONEY (Part 2)

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My father’s death was painful, but I got some gain. I cared for him when he was alive. I did my best, but his death also brought some gain to me.

All through this journey, I have learnt one thing, and that is, people matter. See to their well-being when they are alive. Don’t wait until their funeral before you flex your muscle. Remember, the dead don’t eat fried rice

Bye-bye

…….

This is purely fiction, but the realities abound all around us today. Let’s be careful of how we treat one another while there is still hope. Nobody knows tomorrow. The price of your casket and the nature of your grave will not determine your final abode. If you doubt me, DIE and SEE.

For the love of God society and young people

Blessings

Rev Seth Agbeli Kunkpe

Pen from Afar…..writing to make things right