Learn to be grateful

People in most cases take most do not appreciate what their loved ones do instead they Condon and insult what has been given to them. This point is usually seen in media where reality is constructed as a source of escapism or as an institution where people learn how to conduct and carry themselves in society.

The drama that I am taking a look at is Skeem Saam which is broadcasted on Sabc 1. In the drama there is a character called Mantuli who has struggled to raise her children as a nurse after the husband Seakamele left her for about 12 years. She struggles to give them a normal up bringing on her own. When the husband shows up out of nowhere he has more of criticism than appreciation. He accuses Mantuli of being unfaithful and that their last born daughter is not his. He has nothing to show for his 12years away apart from excuses and lack of satisfaction on the way his children have been raised.

He is not happy with the fact that his first born daughter was impregnated when she was 16 and is living with the man who impregnated her and has not even paid the damages and bride prices for his daughter. A question that one would ask themselves is where was the father when the children were growing and if he claims to love his children a lot why would he neglect his children for 12 years: only to show up when the children are fully grown and mature.  All these signs point to a father who is selfish and who is only realising that he is growing older and does not have anyone to take care of him lest anything is to happen. To him family is not something that he treasures the most but sees it as a refugee camp where one goes when desperate.

On a conclusive note I can safely say bonds between a family can never be built within a day. If you want your family to love and respect you, one should be there for them through any challenges and if you want them to resent you vanish and show up after 12years and one will definitely experience a very cold home coming. So let’s start by appreciating the work done by others while we were away instead of criticizing their efforts first.