When my uncle was about 45, his wife passed away, and everyone kept telling him to remarry.
But he wasn’t interested. “I don’t need a wife,” he said. “I’ve got a son, and with him, I’m set for life.”
Little did he know, life had a surprise in store for him, one he didn’t see coming…
As my cousin grew up and took over the family business, my uncle had more time on his hands.
He started visiting his friends’ offices, popping in like a man with nowhere to be.
He’d chat for hours, pretending to be busy, but enjoying the break from his responsibilities….
When my cousin got married, my uncle beamed with pride.
He handed over the entire house to his daughter-in-law like it was no big deal.
With his son married, he felt secure. “Everything’s good now,” he’d say. Life was simple and smooth—or so he thought…
A year after the wedding, one afternoon during lunch, things took a turn.
My cousin had come home from work, washed up, and was about to sit down for his meal when he overheard his dad ask for beans.
His daughter-in-law said, “Sorry, no beans today.” My uncle didn’t complain and just finished his food…
Later, when my cousin sat down to eat, what did he find? A bowl of beans right there on his plate. “Hmm,” he thought, “that’s strange.” He didn’t react, but in his mind, he began wondering what was going on.
What was his dad up to? And why the beans?…
A few days later, my cousin walked up to my uncle with a serious look. “Papa, you have to go to court today. You’re getting married.” My uncle nearly dropped his drink. “What do you mean, married?
I don’t need a wife. I’ve given you all the love you need. Why would I remarry?”….
“Well, Papa,” my cousin replied with a smile, “I’m not bringing a new wife for you or a mother for me. I’m just arranging beans for you.” My uncle was completely confused.
My cousin wasn’t done yet. “From now on, I’ll be living with your daughter-in-law in a rented house and working in your office.”..
You’ll see,” my cousin continued, “your daughter-in-law will appreciate beans more now.” My uncle’s eyes widened, but he wasn’t about to back down.
“You need to stop being the ATM for everyone,” my cousin added. “You’re more than just a provider.”….
This strange conversation was the moment my uncle realized maybe he had been taking the small things for granted.
Like beans. It’s funny how something as simple as a meal could stir up deeper reflections on life, love, and family…
It was a reminder to all of us that we sometimes forget to appreciate the little things. The simple acts of love, care, and attention can mean more than we realize.
Just because we do something for someone doesn’t mean it’s always noticed….
How often do we get caught up in providing for others without considering what they really need?
Do we, like my uncle, think our efforts are enough, or do we sometimes miss the small things that truly matter?
Do we recognize when others feel left out or unnoticed?
Sorry, dear reader, for cutting the story short earlier. It was raining heavily, and I had to rush to harvest my produce before the rain ruined it 😂
But now that I’m back, let me tell you how things unfolded after that strange conversation between my uncle and cousin.
About a year later, my uncle surprised us all by remarrying. His new wife was a kind, beautiful woman of his age who brought a spark back into his life.
She had a calm demeanor, but she also had a way of making people reflect on their actions without saying much. Let me tell you—her presence changed the family dynamics.
At first, my cousin's wife wasn’t thrilled about the idea of having a stepmother-in-law.
But over time, she noticed something remarkable. My uncle’s new wife treated him with care and respect, paying attention to the little things he liked—whether it was his tea brewed just right or making sure there were beans at every meal.
One evening, during a family gathering, my uncle’s wife quietly spoke to my cousin’s wife. “I see you love your husband,” she began gently. “But a home flourishes when everyone feels valued, including those who paved the way for us.”
The words were simple, but they struck a chord with my cousin’s wife.
Later that week, my cousin’s wife did something unexpected. She sat down with my uncle and apologized. “Papa,” she said with a trembling voice, “I was wrong to overlook your needs. I thought providing for you was enough, but I see now it’s the small gestures that matter most.”
My uncle, being the forgiving man he was, simply smiled and said, “It’s all right, my daughter. Love is a journey of learning.”
The tension that had quietly lingered in the family seemed to melt away that day, and there was a new sense of understanding between them.
Life in the household became more harmonious. My uncle, with his second wife by his side, was happier than ever.
The family began to come together, not just over shared meals but over shared respect and care for one another.
It’s funny how life teaches us lessons in the most unexpected ways. For my cousin’s wife, it was through a bowl of beans. For my uncle, it was through remarriage.
And for the rest of us, it was watching how a family can rebuild stronger when there’s love and understanding.
End!
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