I've always known my dad as someone who sees the best in people no matter what was said about that person, "everyone deserves a second chance" he would always say, but that wasn't the main character that struck me every time. It is the virtue of honesty he possesses, and how he makes sure his household also abides by it.

I remember when Goddy my stubborn cousin was brought to our house, after being disowned by his father and rejected by every other relative, the reason for their action was understandable though, he was a kleptomaniac and always brought the problem home

"No amount of punishment has been able to correct him, he has been beaten with 12 horse whips (Koboko) his" mother explained amidst sobs, there was even a time he almost got burnt by mobs for stealing from someone's shop, he has brought so much disgrace to the family, his father now thinks his mum probably cheated on him to give birth to a thief's bastard.

"And na fine boy o" one of our neighbors chipped in, as my little 8-year-old self peeped through the window watching as the scene unfolded, my mum sat in one corner and was quiet the whole time, hands on her chin, and a look of disapproval on her face, but dad was still engrossed in the young 16 years old thief that he didn't spare mum a glance, or maybe it was intentional because the next words that came out of his mouth proved it.

"I will take him in," he said Ah! Our nosy neighbor exclaimed

While Goddy's mother, who is also my dad's younger sister, began to thank him on bended knees, but dad wouldn't have it as he told her to stand up, stubborn Goddy, still kept his gaze on the floor like how he had been the whole time since they arrived.

"Look at me young man" Dad commanded, he raised his innocent face to Dad, and for the first time I could see his face clearly, he was indeed handsome as Aunty Joy said earlier.

"We don't steal here...." Dad continued, giving him more than enough advice that should be able to change a sinner's heart.

But the first night Goddy slept in our house, Dad's t-fare to work the next day got missing from his pocket, and it was the first time something got missing in our house.

Goddy! my dad had called out from the sitting room, jolting me from sleep, "Go and bring my transport fare you took from my pocket, in fact, you are following me to work today"

I heard Mum heave a sigh of relief beside me, I doubt she had slept the whole night due to Goddy's presence, as they had a low heated argument in the dark of the night which made her to come lie beside me.

I went out to bid Dad goodbye, and indeed he brought the money he had stolen, but Dad's calm demeanor was even more surprising to me. Instead of beating or scolding him, Dad simply looked at him with a mix of disappointment and pity.

"Why did you steal from me, Goddy?" Dad asked gently.
Goddy could only look down, ashamed, and mumbled something inaudible.

Days turned into weeks, weeks to months, and soon years, with Dad putting him in his line of trade, scolding and correcting him when it demanded, and still showing him lots of love like his very own son, we even became as close as siblings, as he would always come to pick me up from school. Like a Miracle, his kleptomania habit became a thing of the past. I could swear it had to do with spending more time with Dad and trying to emulate his way of life, as well as his show of love towards him when every other person had given up on him.

Years passed and Goddy is now a grown-up man with his own family, he had two daughters and a beautiful wife, and he had also gone back to school and held a top position in one of the oil and gas firms in Nigeria, every Christmas he makes it a point of duty to send dad a token, alongside other gifts, and when he can make it, he visits with his family, never forgetting dad's show of love and faith in him. I remember when I had difficulty in paying my tuition fee one time, Goddy came through for me, indeed, the good we do, will one day find its way back to us, and the transformation story of Goddy is a testament to that.

Thank you for reading.❤❤