A stitch in time saves nine - An Imaginary Story

In Lagos State, Nigeria. There was this young man known as Mr. David Oscar. He was a very vibrant young man in his early 20s. He moved from his hometown, Nnewi, Anambra State to Lagos in 2000 to search for greener pastures that he’ll use to support his family.

He knew no one in the whole of Lagos State and he had no phone for communication. Therefore, he just took his transport fare and some money that he has saved up to sustain him till he gets something to do.

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On his arrival that morning, he was serious-minded and this helped him to focus on what he came for. This young man was very industrious and he understood that his youthful strength should not be wasted, so, when he saw some people doing labor work. He humbly met their director and he was granted permission to join the work. He wrote a letter to his family members and they replied showing their happiness. His parents also prayed for and blessed him via the letter.

He did this work for days and spent his night at the work site since he had no apartment at the time. After six months, one of his colleagues offered to share his apartment with him. He accepted and they lived for some time in the same apartment while they did the work as well.

With the passage of time, Mr. David rented an apartment, bought some home appliances, and packed in. Sadly, he forgot he began feeling too comfortable and forgot his main reason for traveling to Lagos state which is to make money and support his family and himself then eventually become a well-established man in life.

He made some friends that led him into living an immoral lifestyle. He began smoking, drinking heavily, and lavishing his hard-earned money on ladies and other unnecessary expenses. Most of all he stopped communicating with his family members.

When his parents found out, they invited him back home and he went. His father sat down to tell him his own life story and the mistakes he made which he did not want him to make. His mother also spoke to him about many things. On ending their discussion, his father said “My son, this is the right time for you to change and stop associating with bad friends. Remember, A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE.”

During this period, he pretended to have paid attention to all the words of his parents but decided in his heart to continue with the same lifestyle of spending his earnings on irrelevant things.

Not long after that, he took ill and was ‘diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. The doctor said he got the illness from a lady he slept with. At this point, he learned that there’s no cure for the virus. He’s surely going t die.

He wrote to his parents and they visited him for the first time, sadly, it was in a hospital bed they met him. His parents wept bitterly due to their son's condition because it was now too late to make amends. He told his father. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t listen to the loving words and amend my ways earlier. Don’t cry too much. I am reaping what I have sown. I have come to understand that A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE. I hope my junior ones do not make the same mistake I’ve made.” He then gave up the ghost.

Conclusion

We need to always bear in mind the saying; “The earlier the better”. Now is the right time to make amends. It may be too late if procrastinated. Remember, “A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE.”