THE WILSON'S HAVEN
It was a humid Saturday afternoon. The cumulus sky gazed oblivious to sultry summer. The temperature stood around 29-30°Celsius. The precinct areas were somewhat deserted. It wasn't bustling with disparate activities as usual. Regular passers must have shadowed for some refreshing shelter.
Ashley Wilson was yet to be a household name in Southern Ireland. I was just finding my feet in that region. My familiarisation with County Carlow was accentuating in volume daily. I had lived the early part of my life in the Eastern part of Ireland.
"Studying how things work in this part of the world, must be very imperative."
"Of course, you need to adjust steadily to a new life within a novel environment. The mind and body are to align. This alignment contends with any challenge that might want to shut you out of the beautiful habitat", mum expressed.
Basking in my light weight dress to enjoy the balmy summer. I love the way am acclimating to the new life with every sense of focus. Am beginning to enjoy its freshness.
"Sauntering the streets under such a humid condition, must be for very pressing necessities", mum visualized.
"The atmosphere around us gave a chance to summer outfits like mine, with a sense of inviting some cool breeze."
"I can see County Carlow is so fabulous for its salubrious essence."
Mum: "Yes, it is. At every glance, the entire visuals create such an aura. From the landscapes to the verdant vegetation, and divergent artistic masterpieces. All of these sum up to beautify this primordial city."
"Life has opened up to a new level on this side. It captures a different scenic configuration. The artistic visuals brought reminiscences, laying credence to one historical moment in time", mum chuckled.
Ashley: "It is so soothing, having a feel of what summer is in this part of the world. So much in tandem with the experience in Dublin."
"The summer clothes were the most essential part of the season. It helps the body achieve the liberty such a time yearns for."
"Despite wanting to have some liberty as you suggested, that freedom must not in any way, be blown out of proportion. I consider it a primal priority seeing you appear in presentable and decent outfits, even during summer. You are a girl. I always want you to live an exemplary dimension of life", mum captured.
I smiled as usual, fixing my gaze on mum. Trying to pick every word coated in each of her statements.
We live at the city centre; my parents with two siblings: Joseph and Tennyson. I happened to be the only female child amidst them.
(To mum) "It's quite interesting to understand you have ensured I dress decently even in my formative years. You mostly say this is to keep me from unscrupulous exposure of my body."
"Mum: My own developmental years, equally informed on my manner of approach, when it comes to instilling appropriate ways to live in you."
"Am becoming more of what you have imbued in me. Most of your regular witty statements, ring bell in my ears. They possess reverberating power within my sub-conscious, whenever am alone", I stated.
I can start and go on without mincing words:
"Dignity is a Unique Anchor for Royalty".
"You Dress the Way You Wish to be Addressed".
"A first impression of you is registered in the way you appear"
"A thrust of your personality comes with a reflection of your dressing"
"Elegance with class, combine both quality and decency"
"I can never forget those assertive statements, and many others you had regurgitated in my ears."
"Am elated you have them all inscribed on your mind. They were declarative expressions, meant to shape your psyche, so as to savour a life connected with purpose and vision", mum said.
She went further, "that was why I requested having them written in postcards and pasted in your room. As your eyes flash through on daily basis, they become registered on your mind. That way, they form your lifestyle."
"Honestly, you have a proud daughter in me. Your focus, determination, career worth, usually endear me to do more. They give me the push to take after you and dad."
"I look up to you and want to be alive to every instruction all the way. I cherish such as pathways to getting to my much desired success destination. Even one that outstrips yours and dad's", I asserted.
Mum: "I must confess you have a genuine passion and vision. Frankly speaking, your vision starts from taking into cognizance, every little thing layered with positive growth."
That's right, mum.
Can I ask a question?
Go ahead please.
"I have sighted some young people in their crop dresses, even younger children like me. Why do you always suggest I have a pair of shorts or to match, despite being summer?" (I mumbled with a smiling face)
Good question, Ashley.
If you have observed, neither Agnes nor I would ever pair a crop gown that is at knee length with a pair of short or leggings. The only reason most times was probably for a few below knee length, for your comfort walking and coverage. Very soon, nobody does it for you anymore. You can do all of that by yourself, knowing what suits you on every outing, either casual or formal", mum affirmed.
"Looking forward to that time. Am sure it's closer than I imagined. Aunty Agnes has started asking me to pick clothes for outing, while she was busy running other errands. Have done that correctly on two occasions", I said.
It's such a good one. Am happy you are getting acquainted with it gradually. That's my big girl.
Thanks, mum.
(Agnes and Mum in The Room)
"Madam, I have mastered the act of proper discipline, taking a cue from you. I can see you are very intentional about your kids"; Agnes, the Wilson's maid remarked.
"That's right, Agnes. My husband and I were raised Catholics who adhered strictly to the tenets of our religion over the years. Besides, both of us emanated from two different, but similar backgrounds. A lot of factors had accumulated in building our total lifestyle. From emerging out of a bold and formidable family structures, to rightful societal inter-relationships. These were our motivational guides", mum confessed.
"That's quite fascinating, madam. You have surely come a long way, gaining the right influence and perspectives to life. These invariably reflect in the methods adopted in raising your kids".
Of course, Agnes.
"Our experiences in life are a mirror of what we are, and produce. We are so keen about inculcating moral discipline in the children", Patricia Wilson said passionately.
"No problem, madam. I will give it my best shot. I would also love to write my name in gold within the Wilsons dynasty", Agnes said smilingly.
"Am confident in your commitment, Agnes. Your rewards are no doubt unquantifiable. Am always strategic in my family pursuit, having a premonition of how demanding life can be for me and hubby", Patricia added.
(Addressing Agnes)" You get the blue denim hanging over the white pant. You need to take a look at how I sort this out. The summer outfit mix match, same as winter."
"Yes, quite sensible to understand how sensitive these things are to you, madam", Agnes responded.
You are right. Being the only girl, it is my belief to imbue every sense of dignity in her. The male folks are grown enough to sort themselves.
(Joseph and Tennyson)
"Joseph, can you pair the trousers with the shirts, while I hang." Tennyson suggested. He has often viewed himself as more matured.
"That's prim and proper. It makes everyday a lot easier", Joseph responded.
"You are right. Growing up has been lots of fun. You won't believe that learning these basics, help in other aspects of life", Tennyson shared.
"It has also ingrained some sense of discipline in us, delisting every form of laxity in academic work as well", Joseph bumped.
Absolutely, Joseph.
(The Wilson's Carlow Arrival)
The Mercedes fleet pace announced our arrival into the new, serene area along Browneshill Wood, Carlow. What a rapturous beauty, I must say.
A detached duplex served as our new harbour. I was still seven at the time, with my two siblings, Joseph, and Tennyson being eleven, and thirteen years respectively.
"Welcome to our new abode, family", dad announced.
"It's nice getting a glimpse of what a new environment looks like", I said to aunty Agnes.
'Can you please provide the rationale behind our relocation journey?' aunty inquired from me.
Certainly, aunty.
"We have just relocated to Carlow, following mum's new engagement at Carlow District Hospital", I replied.
(Agnes clapping) 'I give you a full mark for that.'
"It shows you are at the centre space of your family's events. Some younger kids might just follow blindly, without taking time to find out reasons behind certain decisions. Even though such have a direct influence on them. This portrays your height of intelligence, girl. You have confidently kept up with your family issues as they unfold. That's a good one."
Thanks, aunty.
"Keep it up. Don't assume you are a small girl. Wisdom is built in the ability of getting accurate knowledge and perception about things."
Got that, aunty.
"Did you know dad had always considered his family first in all things? The Carlow relocation from Dublin, had been a daunting one for him, having gained settlement in the heart of the country's capital."
"You are right. It's usually not easy for families to live apart. The nature of your dad's job, paved way to such, as well as the new portfolio. Not to worry, a time is coming that the cycle of staying together will remain unbroken."
'I seriously look forward to that time.'
'I can assure you, it will surely come, someday.'
"I could remember when migration to Carlow was about the hottest issue on the list. The day we basked under the cool evening atmosphere at the lounge, by the pool side, discussing. Dad and mum initiated conversation around our relocation plans. It was still a brewing issue as at the time. You served us some juice and pastries on that day."
"Still fresh on my mind too", Agnes recollected.
"That was the day I had a glimpse of this auspicious movement", I said.
"I could remember vividly. There was still a lot of confusion then as to whether it was worth embracing or not", aunty analysed.
That's so true. Dad was still figuring out a lot of things.
I have discovered something about dad.
'What could that be', Agnes probed.
Fine, he might not accept an idea at the onset. He often gives his plans or agenda a more careful and critical thought to consider how advantageous or otherwise they are. Later on, his final decision pops up. I suspected was exactly the case with the migration decision to County Carlow", I analysed.
"Your dad projected giving your mum a chance for career progression would portend a lot of benefits to her", aunty interjected.
You've got another crucial lesson there.
What lesson is that?, I asked.
"Good question. The moral in that is, do not be self-centred nor sniffy, by not considering others interests and choices above yours, when such serve as antidote to their greatness. It may be their only opportunity to accelerate to the point of fulfilling their dreams."
Very crucial, I must say.