He was legendary for his strokes.

Well timed and perfectly aimed at the right pace to achieve desired results.

He made no sounds.

But just kept at it.

On and on he went.

Ignoring the screams of the one who was receiving his powerful strokes.

He never stopped.

Until the screams stopped.

When strength had dissipated.

And the moaning that meant a total surrender and remorse followed.

Showing that the one who received the strokes was ready to expiate.

It was then he will stop his strokes.

And say.

“Why did I flog you?”

And you had to state exactly what you did.

Before he asked you.

“Have you learnt your lesson?”

You were not allowed to nod but answer loudly.

“Yes, Daddy.”

“Will you do it again?”

“No, Daddy.”

Then he will open his arms wide and say.

“Come and hug your Daddy and thank him for showing you love by flogging you.”

And you did as he asked.

You walked up to him and hugged him.

Then you said while hugging him.

“Thank you Daddy for flogging me.”

“Say it correctly.”

“Thank you Daddy for showing me love by flogging me.”

“Good. Tell your Daddy you love him.”

“I love you Daddy.”

“I love you too. Now go to your room and read your books.”

You went to your room and you read.

That was the regimen.

With this man.

Who is now a grandfather.

Whose tales as told by my friend sends shivers down your spine.

A total disciplinarian.

Feared.

His anger.

Dreaded.

Now several years later.

When my friend has grown into a man.

A man who is now a father.

His father came visiting.

Three months vacation.

And my friend whose son had a predilection for starting or getting into trouble.

Brought out the cane to minister a ‘loving’ correction.

As his own father had ministered to him.

Three strokes and a loud wail emanated from his son.

Screaming out.

For help from his grandfather.

Who promptly came to his rescue.

And shouted down his son to stop flogging his grandson.

He stopped flogging.

And his father told his grandson to go to his room.

He went.

And his son turned to him and said.

Aghast.

Puzzled.

“But that is how you flogged me to correct me with love when I was a child.”

“Yes, I did.”

“So why don’t you want me to correct him?”

“Because flogging does not achieve anything.”

“Oh yes it does. See the man I am now.”

“You?”

“Yes me, see how well I have turned out.”

“You think so?”

“Of course I do.”

“Hmmmmm. Well, that is exactly why I say it does not achieve anything.”


Source: Mr. Jude Idada