The ManicaPost
Dear Tete Barbara
My father passed away eight years ago when I was eleven years old and then my mother passed away last year. I am now sixteen years old and life has really become tough. I used to think that things were hard after my dad’s death.
My mother and i would sometimes go for days without meals and I would be sent home from school, but now things are worse. After my mother’s death I realised that the love of a mother is better than plates of food.
I now stay with my mothers young sister who is mean. She used to be so kind to us when mom was alive but all she does now is shout at me and accuses me of being ungrateful.
I cannot do anything right in her eyes and she has asked me to leave several times, but I only stay because her children tell me to ignore her. If I was a girl I would find a husband and leave.
Tete Responds
I am sorry that you have lost both your parents at a tender age. It is also quite disturbing that you are living under such conditions but you need to be strong. It is refreshing to know that you’re getting a good education which actually gives you a shot at having a good life.
Having said that, I am concerned about your emotional being.
Find a close and trustworthy relative that you can confide in, preferably a mature person. If any of your grandparents are alive, you may choose to share your burden with them, if not perhaps a church elder. Remember you need someone to talk to for your personal relief and not to start a war with your aunt.
Reporting her actions could actually make her angry and this is not what you want to achieve. Respect your aunt just as you would respect your own mother and even when she scolds you, take it as a child.
When she does something good for you, like paying your fees or buying you clothes, thank her. It is possible that your aunt has not dealt with the death of her sister and also adjusted to the new living conditions. Give her some time and love her……….eventually she will reciprocate. Focus on school and get a great education, be smart and responsible. Running away from the situation is not a solution.
Be Wise.
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