~Ode to my Siblings~
Weekend was spent purely at home.Did the laundry and my siblings,nieces and nephews came over and spent the weekend at my house. There was never a moments peace I tell you but... it was fun. We laughed and joked...
It's during such moments that I rekindle my love for my family.Most of the times, they just hound me with their problems, running to me, expecting me give them a solution to their miseries, often forgetting that I have more responsibilities than them, facing bigger problems than them. They think I'm their blardy Messiah!!
I would have taken all these in my stride if I was the eldest and often the one to look up to in times of needs but I'm the 8th child of 9 siblings for goodness sake!!!
Sigh.. such is my fate. I love my family and will do anything for them. They went to great lengths when I was young to protect me from Mum's beatings whenever I was out of line (which was often enough) and ended up getting the cane stripped across their legs and arms instead.
I was their nurse whenever the boys came home bleeding either from motorbike accidents or from the frequent fights they had. Holes in the head, bloodied knees and what nots. I've seen it all.
I ever did the ablution for my 6th brother(who suffered from amnesia after a serious accident) did his business. By then he was in his early 20's and I was already a teenager. It was such an embarassing and awkward moment, more for him rather than me I believe.He was helpless then and only surrendered to his fate and his limp almost lifeless body to those around him..When he was able to move around on his own but yet unable to control his bowel movements, he would drag himself to the toilet as soon as he could but there was an incident when I woke up one night smelling a foul smell(my room was the master bedroom with the attached toliet then), I switched on the lights and found that my beloved brother had shitted all the way from the fronnt bedroom to my toilet.
I gave him a clean pair of trousers and quietly cleaned up after him. My late Abah woke up while I was scrubbing the floors and he just sighed and patted me on the head.A sign, I knew, that he silently acknowledged and appreciated my efforts to help my brother.
We never talked about it till now. My brother is happily married with 4 kids!! Imagine that! I know that he appreciates all that I have done for him, for now, whenever I need a favour from him,he goes out of his way to help me.
My siblings stand together in times of needs.In our old estate in Haig Road, everyone knows the Sharif family. U trifle with one of them, get ready to face all 9 of us! Yes, even the 2 girls!! We may not be rich monetarily but I so proud that we stand in unity and rich in love for one another! So strong is our bond, even our spouses have a tough time getting through.
I love you guys so much!!! There may be times I was rude to you, raising my voice seeming insolent to you but believe this, I have always respected you guys no matter what you have done. You guys may be pests to the society, dirt to the public but you will always be my beloved brothers and sister! I will be there for you and will do my best to help within and sometimes beyond my means! All because I love you and you are my siblings!
Wistful for Love
1:59 AM
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