Dada led an exemplary life as a father of seven, as a husband, a friend, a very responsible public servant – a postmaster (P.M.), and a well-known figure in the city.
As a dad he was a strict disciplinarian who wouldn’t tolerate nonsense, and if caught doing wrong or caught in the error of one’s way in conduct – being mischievous and/or caught misbehaving –‘ you had’ it depending on how serious the matter-in-question is; and if not that serious, he might wring your ear, and sometimes – with the swing of his same-hand you can expect a ‘thud’ on the rear of your neck; if somewhat serious – you’ll get it with the wave of his strong-arm slap speedily on your cheek; -and – if very serious, then “he would ‘Spare-Not’ The Rod.”
So, seeing how the older ones are being handled in disciplining, the younger ones would be careful to always conduct themselves well (especially when he’s around), so we may be spared of facing the correction process.
Other times, when no one had crossed his path and all have behaved well, he’ll prove himself a good friend, and would gather the ladies around the dining table for a card game.
With the two parents, nine of us in the family, and when it comes to spending, he’ll give freely, as long as / it -is- for a need, and without hesitation; but would not give money–loosely and freely, so we may not misspend on things he would not approve.
Despite his having to spend long hours at the office, P.M.’s bungalow being mostly in the same vicinity as the post office in every district he served, he always had his watchful eye on us, in order to protect and guide us with strict rules laid down.
He loved our Mum very much, such that he treated her like another of his children. It had been a love affair between both of them because when he started his working career, he had worked under his then intended father-in-law, who too was a postmaster.
Our dad, was a model and a moral example to other husbands he met daily at his office and everywhere else.
That was our Dada.
– Joe
