Junior Junior recalls the incident with a mix of amusement and a sense of the mischief he got into as a young boy. “Papa was enjoying a pleasant afternoon with his brothers on the veranda when he noticed several men in their forties and fifties heading towards the boys’ quarters,” Junior begins, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “We lived close to the City Hotel at the time, and Papa was puzzled. None of his children were in that age group—after all, I was only ten years old.” The memory of what followed remains vivid. “When Papa approached them, he was shocked to learn they were looking for me, Junior, because I had allegedly helped them with lottery numbers,” Junior recalls, chuckling at the thought of his younger self being caught up in such a situation. “The shock and embarrassment were clear on Papa’s face, especially in front of his guests.” But the amusement fades as Junior reflects on what came next. “Papa was furious. He immediately demanded that the men leave and then confronted me,” Junior admits. “Papa hoped this would be a stern lesson, that I would understand I was too young to be involved in the lottery.” Junior explains that, even though he was young, by sheer luck the workers had won the lottery three times in a four-week period. “They had been blessed with those lottery wins,” he recalls, “but looking back, I realise how much Papa wanted to protect us and guide us on the right path, even if it meant delivering a few stern words.” Now, Junior is deeply thankful for the life lessons his father instilled in him, especially the importance of doing everything in moderation, being wise with money, and putting God first in all things. “Papa taught us values that have shaped who we are today. I owe somuch to him for guiding me, even when I didn’t fully understand his wisdom at the time.” The Birthday Journal 31
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