Even when you're down, it shouldn't stop you from putting a smile on someone's face, if you can.
Earlier this morning around ABC Terminal in Ogui road, an elderly man stood at a Bus stop with a head pan in his right hand, and a shovel in his left hand. From his facial lineaments -- especially the contours on his face -- and body structure, you could observe that he was either in his late 60s, or early 70s.
"Driver biko anam aga oru mason, droputum na New Haven express(Driver please I'm a mason and going for a job, please drop me at New Haven Express)"
I was sited in the front, and the driver kept ignoring him, while shouting "New Haven-New Haven."
The man kept begging, while explaining that he needed to be there early, if he is to be given the job. He wasn't having money.
In my mind, I avoided apportioning any blame to the drivers who must have ignored him -- "business is business" like they always say. And somehow, you can't blame people for not seeing from your perspective.
I looked at the frail-looking man who, ordinarily, shouldn't be doing such a job.
"A you know you can't allow him trek that distance," a voice echoed in my head.
Then I remembered what trekking did to me the last time, and compared it to a zealous man who would probably not mind subjecting himself to such stress. He doesn't need that at this age, I told myself.
"Daddy banye kam kwuo ugwo(Daddy enter, let me pay)" I said to him.
"Bros New Haven Express na 100 naira o," the driver said, trying to remind me the nature of what I'm getting into.
"It's okay -- ya banye(he should enter)"
Papa was thanking me, while making me understand that he has a child he needs to support in school. He wanted me to understand what this favor meant to him.
As an Architect, I was worried about the possibilities of him not meeting up. If he isn't an official Mason, another person could take his place. I know there are people who just use any available Mason.
I tabled this worry to him, and he replied with " mbanyenu casting( then I'll enter into casting)" I wondered how this frail-looking man will mix cement, sand, and concrete for casting. I wondered how he'll lift the head pan when it's filled with an aggregates. I didn't know how to tell him that he was too old to engage in that, since I had no better job for him.
You could tell he wasn't even sure of securing the job he's trying to meet up with. How will he return, if he doesn't get the job? It became obvious that he would also trek.
I asked the driver to give me 400, so I could give him. The money seemed like 40k to him, and this man kept screaming in the bus. He kept saying thank you, until another man added 200 to it. It seemed obvious that I had opened some hearts for him.
This man kept thanking and praying for me, until I dropped at Otigba junction.
I gave the driver 1000, and he was meant to give me 400 balance, since he had given the Papa 400 and 200 was the sum of my transportation fare and his.
"Nnam Chukwu gozie gi," the driver said.
Instead of handing me 400, he gave me 500.
"Kam kwuo ugwo nke gi(Let me pay for yours)" the driver said.
I was amazed at the new understanding of the driver, and was grateful to him too.
I stood there in front of Ball Room(I was to see someone at the opposite side of the road), seeing Papa's hands as he waved from the front seat -- he had transferred himself to the front the moment I alighted from the bus.
He was like a man who had won the lottery -- you wouldn't know his joy was because of 500.
A young man didn't sleep at night, because he needed to support in making sure his ailing brother's needs are met. But here I was, forgetting that I haven't solved my own problem -- forgetting that I needed every kobo right now.
I wasn't happy when I came out today, especially when my mechanic called to ask if I've made up my mind to place my second car for sale -- had already sold the first one the period we were trying to save my brother 'B'.
But I tell you this: There's a certain joy that comes with putting a smile on someone's face, even when you're down.
Look around you when you can -- your little gestures of kindness can bring out that hidden smile in someone.
Sometimes, it's the little things that matter.
May God bless us enormously to do more.