Journey Through the Abyss

Chapter 2

Life's Journey

The spherical nature of the earth, does not produce an identical planet surface. There exists internal curvature, and turns peculiar to each hemisphere.

The Wilson's family directional curves and bends, navigated towards County Carlow. 'Here comes the unleashing of our big bang world in Carlow', I announced.

Your assertion was astute, Ashley. Life in Carlow would no doubt be dissimilar in its entirety to Dublin's.

Finally, I can see you're smartly dressed in your pair of new school's uniform.

'Yes, aunty. Am ready to pursue a new course with grit and focus'. I can see the enthusiasm doting all over you. Your temerity at the commencement of a new life at Queen of the Earth is much palpable.

"Obviously, I can't wait to get to school." (grinned in excitement)

'Would you like to have some quick breakfast? Yogurt and granola won't be a bad idea?', she suggested.

'Fine, you can assist me pack it'.

'I can see you are anxious to know what life holds at the new school. Not to worry, am at your service'. Be rest assured, all will be fine.'

Thank you, aunty.

Lt General Davidson's driver, a Lance Corporal was firmly seated behind the wheels with a poised impression, waiting to take his boss with the daughter to school.

Davidson walked her daughter down to the administrator's office.

Secretary: Good morning. You are most welcome sir. How may I be of help?

Davidson: Thank you. We are here to see the school's administrator.

Secretary: Kindly take your seat to fill the visitor's form (she swiftly inputted the information on the computer. In less than a minute, a call came in to usher them in).

You may please go in sir (they went through the office of the administrator's P.A, who led them into the administrator's office)

(Inside the administrator's office)

General Davidson, it is nice having you visit us again. Glad your daughter is finally starting with us.

Thank you, madam. Your services are top notch here. Am so pleased my daughter is coming to learn in a pleasant environment.

'Thanks for your quick and pleasant review of our services. That was just a tip of an iceberg. I can assure you, your daughter is in for the best'.

Great to know that (he gave a radiant smile).

"I must say Ashley has been admitted, first on the terms of her outstanding performance in the entrance examinations. She is no doubt a bright champ. Also, coupled with the fact that her dad is a nob. We cannot overlook that, but the former overrides the latter".

'That's a great one. Thanks for your sincere assessment.'

"Our school had maintained a policy of eight pupils to a class. A new pupil might be admitted if there was a withdrawal by someone in the class. We are bending the rule to admit her, having performed excellently well."

"Moreover, Ashley is coming at the start of the second term. She had spent the previous term in her former school. All of these could have worked against her."

"Nevertheless, her good performance turned the odds in her favour. Am glad to let you know she has been admitted to Grade 2", Mrs Mayberry added.

'It is our tradition not to stretch the classes beyond limit. We believe your daughter will definitely be a positive addition to her class, considering her good performance.'

'Thank you, Madam. She won't let you down, I can assure you. She will give in her best.'

'I must appreciate your thoughtfulness and kind gesture towards my daughter. She will definitely make you proud', Davidson added.

Thanks once again, madam.

That's fine. Let me call on the school's head teacher to lead her to her class (dialled the intercom)

 Hello, Mrs Crotchet.

Hello, madam.

Can you please come over. There is an assignment here for you.

Alright, madam. Will be with you shortly.

(She got into the office)

Mrs Crotchet, can you please lead your new pupil to her class. She is joining Mr Robertson Kelly's class. Oh, that's a good one.

'Good morning madam', I greeted.

'Morning, beautiful girl. You are most welcome to our midst.'

What's your name?

Am Ashley Wilson.

"Such a lovely name you have there. Shall we go."

Bye, dad.

You take care, girl.

Alright, dad.

(Mr Robertson and Mrs Crotchet exchanged pleasantries and communicated briefly, handing me over)

I got to my class and was warmly welcomed. My name is Ashley Wilson. May I know you sir? Sure, I am Robertson Kelly. Am glad to meet you. "Pleased to meet you too." You are most welcome.

Thank you sir.

'Taking a seat with that charming look on my first day was a spectacular one'.

'Class, can we have a quick introduction in turn, championed by our bodacious class captain', Mr Robertson requested.

My name is Fredrick Newton. You are welcome to Grade 2, Queen of the Earth School.

A quip introduction was as well done by the rest. 'Thank you all for that well coordinated introduction', the class teacher remarked.

Shortly after the class, I had a buzz of activities around my seat.

'Hi, Ashley. It's nice having you join us', Fredrick asserted. Maya, Carrie, and some others clustered around.

'We are a friendly class. No bullying here. You will enjoy learning with us', said Maya.

"Queen of the Earth school makes learning easy and fun", added Carrie. 'It is nice being here with you', I reverted. Thank you for your kind words, it makes me feel at home.

You are welcome. Hope to see more of you.

You guys too, thanks for checking.

They all filed back to their seats.

During the short recess, I took time to walk round to explore this part of academic world. This was essential to get into the system as fast as I could. I didn't want to remain a newbie. I opted for a speedy acclimatisation within the new environment.

Hi, Ashley.

Hello, Marie.

"So, what club are you planning to join? We have female football, and volley ball clubs."

"That's a good one. Am yet to decide. Can you let me know what the process entails?"

"Students in those respective clubs will register with their coaches. They appear in their sports uniform to play on sports day. This comes up once every week. We have a large field for football. Likewise, a volley ball court."

The playground over there is specially designed for those in lower grades. There are lots of fun equipment displayed in a well organised manner. The play room for the cradles also have several playing, and learning gadgets.

"Thanks Marie for the orientation."

"You are most welcome."

'I can see the school has various inscriptions placed along the walkways'.

'Yes, Ashley. These are significant knowledge developing tools for each of the class segments.'

If you had noticed or read through some, they are sage quotes and eye-catching learning resources displayed. Our memories tend to absorb those inscriptional lines as time passes, sighting them on daily basis.

(Back home)

'Aunty, my first day at Carlow school was a day of introspection.'

"I trust you. I believe you would have made a quick juxtaposition between the former, and current schools."

"Yes, I did. I needed to check it out in terms of academic efficiency, facilities, and geographical landscape."

"Both the previous and current one, have overlapping standards. Nevertheless, there appeared some divergent features peculiar to each of them."

Queen of the Earth is a scenic attraction, along Marlborough street. The aerial view stands as a captivating beauty from a distance. It is a parallax in different dimensions or order.

'That's quite palatial', aunty considered.

'Yes, very magnificent.'

The football pitch, and volley ball court were carved separately from the school. Children in higher grades have a coach. Those in the football or volleyball clubs are often trained by their respective coaches on special days.

"So, which club are you looking to join?"

I haven't decided, aunty.

Aunty, the buildings were erected separately, in a detached form, standing disparately as masterpieces. The walkways were studded with decorative, and instructional materials peculiar to each of the class buildings. The school had just acquired some new facilities to make learning more fun to its students.

"These few weeks will build your orientation about basic aspects of your new school. You get to familiarise gradually with the new environment".

You are right, aunty. Have learnt so much in my first few hours. I was told by Marie the school has a principle of pulling out of their academic space, obsolete and worn out materials every two years. (Agnes listened with rapt attention. Not too long after, Alfred joined in the conversation).

 "Ashley, hope you loved the school. If you don't, I can as well complain on your behalf to my boss", he smirked."

"I do. Everything about the school has a worthy similarity with the former school in Dublin, and even, better facilities".

That's right. Am happy for you. Go girl, and win them hands down. Thanks, uncle Alfred.

I got admitted at a time the school had just witnessed a face-lift, making the whole environment lustre. The premium service received cannot be unconnected to the bogus financial demands of the school.

"That appears as one of the reasons to put in your best, and not disappoint your parents. They have invested so much in you", responded aunty.

"I won't, aunty. Need to adjust to the new environment this first week. Then, I start off the track. I must say, am getting along already".

(School's Setting)

I show-cased my academic prowess few weeks into resumption. This became evident from my spontaneous interaction as teaching was ongoing.

"Class, shall we begin the English class by sorting out nouns of various types based on objects, places and persons", Mr Robertson instructed. 

"Later on, we move on to other parts of speech as time permits. I will be posing questions at regular intervals based on my explanations."

Under Adjective sorting, he cited 'afraid' as an example symbolising a sad mood, while I cleverly suggested more, such as:

spooky, glum, and creepy.

My classmates came up with more examples under the rest categories. I equally contributed by listing:

lion, tiger, leopard, snake as hyponyms of carnivorous animals.

Sequel to the class, my teacher remarked on my academic excellence.

"I must confess, you are a bright child. Not to worry, Queen of the Earth will certainly bring out the best part of you. Here, we shape future leaders."

"Quite elated to hear that sir. Nothing beats being in the right place. So heart-warming. knowing Queen of the Earth is such a place for me. Thanks for your commendation sir."

"You are welcome, Ashley."

My quick witted nature, with solid academic foundation soon made room for my learning pace. My teacher, and school administrator's admiration for me, started to soar. Not too long after, my significance gradually widened from exceptional to representational qualities. I began to compete neck to neck with the best brains in the school.

(The Chef and Ashley's Brothers)

"Uncle Alfred, you should trust your major duos. The process of acquainting with a new system and environment was like the eagle's glide in the sky for me and Joseph."

"We made a quick impression, adjusting to a new path in a manner different from what we were used to. This was necessary in order to challenge any wrong system that might want to poke itself in our faces", said Joseph.

"At the Carlow Academy, you've got to brace up, as there are several outstanding students here", Harold, one of our friends analysed.

"Oh! So good to know. We are coming from a school with a bevy of best brains as well. We are quite exceptional in our own ways too."

"That's excellent. The high school here, provides zero tolerance to bullying", Harold added.

"It was irksome saying one would get used to such, as some admitted in the former school", Tennyson addressed. "I would never blame them, they knew not what the long term implications were."

"Obviously, no child should be subjected to such. If not for the timely intervention by dad, that would have shaped your psyche in a way", examined Joseph.

"You are right; and the school's timely clampdown on it too, boosted other's confidence, and restored peace afterwards."

(Carlow District Hospital)

"The best thing that could happen to Carlow District Hospital in history is Patricia Wilson. This is not to admit those who are there or had passed through this health facility, never made their unique impacts. The kind of quota she contributes wherever life takes her sums up as a legacy she often leaves behind", Mrs Marlow expatiated.

"Patricia Wilson must be a sound and notable health practitioner", Sharon affirmed (her eyes fixated on Mrs Marlow wanting to get a full grasp of who this rare being was).

She must have written her name in the annals of medical practice.

"Definitely, she has. I could remember for those few years we spent together, she received the annual best practicing nurse awards for three consecutive years. Shortly after, she turned the assistant chief nursing officer. "

"I see, no wonder her arrival lit up the whole place on Tuesday. My very first time of seeing Carlow District Hospital in that mood."

Everywhere was agog, welcoming Patricia Wilson who had just been transferred as the Chief Matron and Nursing Officer of the hospital.

"As one of the oldest maidens in the hospital, I was full of life and expectation the day I received the news about Patricia's new engagement at Carlow district hospital. My past encounters with Patricia were what gave her love in my heart the wings to fly."

'Did you know this woman ensured I wasn't unjustly treated nor taken through any punitive measure due to an act of negligence I knew nothing about.'

'She must be a kind person', Sharon pointed out. 

"Yes, she was overly benevolent. There was a case surrounding rhesus incompatibility in connection with a pregnant patient. The injection to be administered in the 28th week was mistakenly skipped by a nurse on duty."

Oh, you are referring to RhoGAM injection. Yes, RhoGAM.

"The nurse somehow felt she had administered it to the patient. Unknown to her, the preventive medication was omitted during the period of antenatal."

"To be candid, may I ask how complicit you were on such a matter, considering your job description as a maiden?"

"Just the same question everyone asked. The error was actually detected, when the case of hemolytic disease resulting into Jaundice surfaced for the new infant."

"At the onset, the patient's case note was considered not to have been properly documented by the maidens on duty."

"Patricia was on the disciplinary panel. As she came into the picture, she lent her voice on the matter. She emphasised nurses were the major intermediary between doctors and patients. As such, their patients case notes or files should be paramount to them. This should not be neglected nor committed into the hands of maidens to document."

"She stressed the need to monitor the process, no matter how occupied they may be. The case was a serious one. Just a summary of it in that manner for want of time."

As a nurse, I understand the implications. I can relate to what you just narrated.

"Patricia is a nice person, kind and hardworking. You will enjoy her style of leadership as a co-worker. Just ensure you are up and doing, not the lazy type", Mrs Marlow added.

'You have known me for some time now. I can beat my chest when it comes to task handling, and swift completion.

You are, of course. You can always double the zeal. That's the magic to catch her attention. Patricia appreciates most, those who put in their best always.'

'Thanks for the enlightenment, Mrs Marlow.'

Mrs Marlow didn't stop at that. She kept spreading her beautiful experiences with Patricia.

"Patricia is down to earth, one of my best allies at Bricin's hospital. Her exemplary life, and dispositions were mind blowing."

"It's great to know we are having someone whom we can confidently and efficiently work with", added one of the nurses. Being dedicated is not enough, getting the right person to work with, makes the job a lot easier", another staff corroborated.

(Patricia on Ward Round)

'Your image had been sculpted in my heart, likewise other medical personnel, ahead of your arrival, madam', nurse Sharon affirmed.

'How do you mean?'

'Mrs Marlow had done a good job, scrolling out different accounts of her previous encounters with you. That's why we all could sail through getting acquainted and easily relating with you."

"Oh! I see. That's fine. It's encouraging to know my positive dispositions made me, and not otherwise. This might have impaired having such a smooth ride with you staff on the first place, or at the end of the day."

'No doubt about that, madam.'

'Back to our business', Patricia interjected. Every patient deserves the best. In giving them maximum attention, you must listen well.

Also, carry out your vital signs as required. Subsequently, follow-up with a pellucid routine check to understand other grey areas that need further medical scrutiny and attention.

Don't be in a hurry while carrying out a patient's examination. All of these serve as background information the doctor needs for a more thorough examination leading to recommendations and prescriptions (Mrs Marlow, Nurse Sharon and others were very attentive, unlearning and relearning as Patricia expatiated, while visiting the wards on routine check).

'The case note is one of the most sensitive parts of a patient's medical care routine. In other words, health workers within the primal procedure as primary givers, must be meticulous in connecting the dots as scribbled in the medical graphology.'

(Back Home: Ashley with Her Mum)

'I got a rousing entry, after all. Things are going on well, Ashley. My years of experience and style of service are redefining components that keep giving a thrust of everyday events within the Carlow District Hospital.'

'This doesn't rule out the fact of being faced with new situations outside of one's previous experiences and knowledge. That's where daily scope expansion, updating on better trends to adopt, come in'

'That's inspiring to know', Ashely responded.

Mum, what are some of the common indicators of complications during child delivery? Also, at what stage do you decide a pregnant mother has to undergo a caesarean section?'

'Good questions you have come up with.'

"First, the common indicators during child birth would have appeared in minor or major traces during the final trimester. Then, you have others peculiar to the point of delivery like your question points at."

'Okay, can you please shed light on the two you have conversely described?'

While on the journey of the final trimester or before, there may be underlying issues that would have presented a likely case of a C-section. Some of the reasons may be tied to a condition of an urgent threat to life, either that of the baby or mother, due to a critical prognosis or baby's Irregular positioning in the foetus.

"Kudos to mothers; they are super heroes. They undergo tough conditions during child development in the womb."

"Yes, they are specially bred beings. From conception to delivery is usually an intriguing experience. Not often predictable, but quite sentient. It is a road every woman braces up to cross."

'That means courage is needed along the line? Yes, being one of the components that eases off every challenge that comes up, while progressing on the journey.'

"The joy of birthing a new life mostly erodes any difficulty that may come in the process."

So good to know, mum.

"Lastly, at the junction of delivery, an impromptu situation can result in making a C-section the last bet for a pregnant mother or woman. Examples of such conditions are labour dystopia. This is when the process of labour is quite slow or any other suspected condition like indeterminate foetal heart rate tracing, and so on."

Hope that was educative enough?

Very educative, mum (gave a deep breath). It was an eye-opener for me. Life can be so full of intricacies.

'No worries, Ashley. Man is mostly configured to get to crossroads in life. How resolute you are, determines how well you are equipped to take the right path leading to success.'

"Thanks for the insightful teaching, mum."

You are most welcome, Ashley.

"Hope school is treating you nicely in this part of the space?"

"Yes, am enjoying the school system here. Getting etched gradually."

Fantastic! Am so happy for you.

"You must not relent. Try to inch the heights and retain it here too. No dulling, girl. You have to remain dad's brightest champ as you've always been."

"Am making a name for myself already. My teacher has taken note of my academic dexterity. He's been commending and encouraging me."

"That's smart of you, Ashley. Making relevant contributions help you know more and better. It increases your spate of knowledge. Is that taken?"

Absolutely, mum.

You need to do more (I gently nodded my head in agreement).

(Carlow District Hospital)

'Do not feel threatened nor embarrassed when I chip in one or two things while on duty', mentioned Patricia.

'We are always willing to gain more knowledge on the job, madam'; one of the nurses smiled in response.

"As a leader, I equally do not shut the door against widening my knowledge base, as no one is infallible. Medical practice needs to be taken with every sense of responsibility."

'Certainly', Nurse Sharon responded.

You calmly stretch the leg after allowing the patient rest his back (attending to a patient undergoing treatment for a minor leg injury)

'Mrs Marlow, am getting to learn new things from our chief matron', one of the staff initiated. I just love her dispositions towards patients and staff. What an enigmatic character she is. She is quite subtle in her approach.

'Yes, you are right. Have worked with her before now. I must affirm, your observations are quite objective and genuine.'

"Such a person would find it difficult to commit any medical error or malpractice throughout her years of service. You are right. I believe that fast-tracked her attainment of this level in her career journey."

"As often said, she is a rare being. She is someone to learn from. I admire her a lot when it comes to work, and human relations. In terms of job delivery, I must confess, she takes the lead."

(Dublin Military Base: Lt General Davidson and Robinson)

'I wished I could be woken to a different reality outside this current outlook', Davidson imagined. So this is the flip side of life without the physical presence of one's family, Rob.

How do you mean? (smiling hysterically)

"I mean the process of staying a little away from family, of course. Does it seem you are so far apart? Somehow, it does. Am trying to get used to it. Although, I no longer budge about their resettlement in Carlow, being a distance of an hour from Dublin, but the gap is so obvious."

"Davidson, I quite understand. You mostly stayed back at the country's capital whenever you had crucial assignments."

"Have you forgotten how we used to stay far away from family whenever our troops were on rescue or intervention missions back in those days?"

"No one could ever forget that, Rob. It was like being in a different world entirely back then. Those were our darkest days."

Even though we still lead troops on special missions, those days were so packed full with various interlacing activities. Family physical duties were a wide gulf away. 

We have really come a long way. Sure, quite a long way.

(Davidson's Family in Carlow)

"Thank goodness, dad's first homecoming after relocation was a weekend. Have got a flurry of questions to ask", I explained to mum. Kindly wake me up, should I be asleep when he comes.

"How about making your discussions the following day to allow him take some rest.'

I shall think about that, mum. Moreover, if he shows up early, I will allow him rest awhile before coming over.

'Just give him that day. Is that taken?'

Alright, mum (fumes a bit).

(Lt General Davidson's Homecoming)

Dad, how was your trip?

Very well, Ashley.

I decided not to bother you yesterday, in order to allow you rest.

'Oh, that was quite considerate of you, daughter.'

How is Carlow treating you?

"Quite well, Dad. Am beginning to acclimatise. I must confess, am enjoying life here bit by bit."

So good to know.

Dad, what was your first lone night like?

"Not too pleasant. Felt repugnant about my decision to be partly away from my family. Rob was around and we cracked ourselves up a bit, as we sat back to watch a wildlife documentary, before getting to bed."

"I so much cherish your friendship with General Robinson. You have been good friends for long."

'Yes, we have both been in the army together from the onset.'

(Ashley inquisitive) Oh dad, that reminds me. Could you please tell which is the longest snake? Our teacher asked today.

'The python', dad responded.

"I will need you to please cite examples of nocturnal animals?"

Dad listed some nocturnal animals:

Leopard, Fox, Mouse.

'You will still have to explain their peculiarities', Ashley motioned. Likewise, examples of diurnal animals.

Quite excited you saw the wildlife documentary. Did you learn all of these from it?

Partly, I did. You are aware we watch lots of documentaries, action movies. We equally read wide. Ashley, my daughter, (dad gave Ashely some reassuring pats), you have a bright future ahead. Am glad you are shaping it gradually.

 We shall talk more tomorrow. I need to relax now. We might be going on an excursion visit to the museum Sunday afternoon.

Excited to hear that. Have a restful evening, dad. Thanks, Ashley.

'The weekend has been fun-packed.'

Why did you say that?

Dad's arrival has made a lot of difference.

"Anyways, that's true to a large extent.'

"One of the high points of his homecoming would be our visit to County Carlow military museum, along Strawhall." (I wriggled in admiration)

"Yeah, I overheard mum discussing with aunty Agnes about the excursion. I was busy with some school work, while you were discussing with dad. That old brother too was pretending to be engaged, displaying how serious he's been."

What do you expect?

"Joseph, did you know I had visualized seeing the military museum one day. It became one of my top priorities as we set our feet on this soil that housed the primordial artefacts."

'Your vision has finally turned reality, Ashley.'

'So glad it has.'

"Can you please work together with Tennyson to ensure we get ready as soon as possible, to avoid cancellation of this excursion visit?"

"No problem, Ashley. We shall try our best possible to get ready on time."

"Don't forget to come along with your camera. Such memories need to be preserved."

Sure, I will.

"Dad, have heard you talk about the military memorabilia at Carlow museum. It was designed for the preservation of memories of past military heroes who had laid down their lives for the sake of their country."

'Absolutely true, my daughter.'

'Does that mean anyone can die at anytime in the military?'

'Death is not a must, but you understand our job is to defend our nation in war combat. In very rare situations, soldiers may fall while at the war front.'

"You know am a bit apprehensive about your job. Do you go to wars as well?"

'Yes, but not always.'

"How would the families of those fallen heroes accept the death news of their loved ones? It would have been very painful."

'Yes, such an excruciating pain. Always sad and shocking to know anyone has fallen at the warfront. As much as we try to avoid it, at times, this becomes inevitable.'

(Sunday Excursion Visit)

Ashley, Joseph and Tennyson, come on here. You have got to start your day on a purposeful note. Like I always say, prepare well ahead.

"Excursion takes place today. School is a must tomorrow. Completion of chores and all relevant work are sine qua non to the museum visit. So, you all have to be up and doing."

"No problem, aunty. We have done part of the work yesterday to hasten our preparedness today."

'I love that. So, let's get started to finish up on time.'

Alright, aunty.

'Alfred, thanks for treating me to this special delicacy again. I have missed your sumptuous meals', dad confessed.

"I have a new chef, Cliff. He is trying his best too, but I must commend your cookery skills."

 'Always a pleasure sir.'

"Uncle Alfred is one of the best chefs I have ever come across. Thank you, uncle Alfred."

You are most welcome, Ashley. 

"Dad, could you please continue from where we stopped yesterday?"

"I would like you to cite more examples of diurnal animal, Ashley launched. A minute, dad. Let me pick a note and pen" (I sat on the sofa, drawing a stool to aid my writing).

Let me start by mentioning a few diurnal:

Zebra, Sheep, Peacock, Ostrich, Cow, squirrel, etc.

"Man is a diurnal higher animal, being active during the day, while resorting to sleep at night."

That was great, dad.

"On a final note, our teacher introduced palindrome as words, sequence or number with the same order forwards and backwards. We have been asked to provide more word samples."

'Let's cite some examples starting from us', dad suggested. You have:

Mum, dad, madam, wow, nun, rotator.

At about 12noon, dad announced:

'Children, are we good to go?'

Yes, dad. We are all set to embark on a tour to Carlow military museum. Mum is off to work. So, we needed to set out early. We shall stop over at Eldorado restaurant, enroute the museum for a scoop of ice cream and hot chocolate fudge cake.

Thanks, dad.

We arrived at the museum at about 2:00pm. Dad picked up our tickets to set the ball rolling with our exhibition tour. We were being welcomed by the museum curator.

'Good day, I am Francesco, the museum curator. You are most welcome.'

"I am Davidson, and here are my kids. They have come on an excursion tour of the museum."

"That's a good one. I shall be walking them through the various sections of the museum."

"We often welcome several of their peers who come visiting. Am sure, they will enjoy their visit as well, learning one or two things."

"Thanks, Mr Francesco."

"I must say your face looks quite familiar, Mr Davidson. Well, we might have probably met somewhere before."

"Very possible. It's nice having you once again."

Thank you. 

With the aid of the tour guide, we could read the inscriptions and relate with the chronological phases of events.

The curator pointed out some very significant troves at the museum.

"Here are the artefacts detailing the 1798 rebellion. Also, you have treasures from the 1916 Easter Rebellion. Wow, that was a long time."

"Yes, it is. The feats of those who engaged in the fight were the memorabilia constituents."

Great! That must have amounted to a huge effort.

"Yes, they have carried out enormous tasks that were deeply rooted in the sand of time."

"We followed the curator religiously, listening to the information being dispensed from one point to the other.

Here, you have records showcasing Irish involvement in World War 1", the curator expatiated further.

I was able to pen down symbolic historical events. Joseph with his camera captured scenic memories to be recorded.

"The museum which was founded in 1995 has been a snippet of the struggles, impacts and contributions of military personnel. It has become a repository for the preservation of memories and achievements of the military forces right from the late 18th century till date", he enlightened us more.

Have got a lot of probing questions on the history of the Irish Army. How the War of Independence came by, and many more?

"Not to worry, Ashley. Those are topics I will need to furnish you all with in the near future. So thoughtful of you, dad. We look forward to getting your insights shared on those topics."

(Back Home)

"Aunty, dad saw how inquisitive and curious we were. Therefore, he promised to take us on a different historical metamorphosis carved out from those museum artefacts. Events cascading the history of the Irish Army, independence, Irish rebellion and many more. These were areas dad promised to touch on, someday."

"He really needs to. It's expedient you have a varied knowledge of those artefacts, and reflect back on your encounters at the museum.

I hope someday, he will be able to do justice to that. Look forward to that day, aunty. You need to document your visit in your diary.

Yes, I will. Thanks for the reminder, aunty."

Mum did allow me some time with her in the kitchen, especially on special Sundays, when Chef Alfred was off duty.

'Ashley, kindly get the carrots washed and diced. Get the shopping board.' 

Alright, mum.

"Mum, dad took us on a special treat this afternoon. From Eldorado pastry and ice cream stand; then, straight to the museum."

'Wow! That means have really missed.' 'Of course, you did."

"Dad can be so nice, you know. Even though he is very strict most times."

"As long as you cooperate in obeying all rules, and regulations laid down by your dad, you are as free as the air."

"You have a very good point, mum. Dad just needs to be studied."

"I could remember when I met your dad back then. I thought I would find it difficult to cope with him, due to the nature of the training he might have received as a military officer. On the contrary, he was down to earth."

'That's interesting to know, mum. I must say, he still nurtures that virtue.'

Quite well, he does.

I can't forget how we met though.

Can you please share a little bit, mum.

"My journey as a nurse has been well orchestrated."

"Davidson Wilson, came visiting his colleague who had just sustained some degrees of injury from a snippet, during a defence round that took place from one Irish rebellion."

"According to him, he got enthralled not just by my outward beauty, the inward beauty was a core face-value. My character and dispositions to work endeared him to me."

You must have been a workaholic, mum.

Well, if you say so.

"All I understood then was giving my best when it came to work."

"Patricia Hawthorn was just like any other person. Distinguished for giving her best to job delivery. This has offered me many opportunities, awards and enabled me climb the ladder of promotion at a very fast pace."

"I had served at the military hospital years back, where I started my career in nursing and coincidentally met my husband, Davidson Wilson."

"I was renowned for my professional expertise. My passionate and empathetic dispositions towards patients were incomparable. My level of care endeared military officers to me as they singled me out of the rest."

Davidson Wilson could not resist the urge to approach me on his second visit. He was enraptured by the significant beauty I exuded.

He came to me the following day to appreciate my commitment to his friend.

'Thank you, Madam. I appreciate your care towards my friend.'

'Always a pleasure.'

'In a few weeks from now, he will be much better. He just needs more time to convalesce, due to the severe injury.'

'Thanks for your care. His response to treatment has been so encouraging.'

Few days after, we got talking.

"Marrying an army officer was my least desire. I made him realize, and was emphatic about it."

All I noticed was his subtle nature. Even when I declined his proposal, he kept coming. He was so calm and convincing in his approach.

He was so caring and patient enough to win my heart. He listened to every of my reason for being aversed to a military lover and husband.

'Wow! He must have exercised so much patience to win you to his side', I considered.

Yes, so patient and persistent.

"Not to forget, some of the stories my dad had narrated to his daughter as a non-combatant in the military, also poisoned my mind. The choice of a military spouse was a moving dread I never wanted to see come near me."

"Their ordeals had distanced my cravings of a military man as husband. Davidson persistence, his love, passion, convincing power, and the chemistry between us, later became irresistible."

Davidson: "Every soldier has its own peculiarity. Though, your panic could have grown out of the risk attached to our work, that does not define our life's existence".

Davidson kept at his desire.

"I later danced to the tune of Davidson Wilson's proposal. I finally succumbed to the rhythmic sounds of his love."

When I was of the opinion that if I accepted, dad might reject him, the case was the contrary.

"Mr Hawthorn's first contact with Davidson was a symbiotic one. Davidson's charisma and energetic dispositions, relating some past military history which Mr Hawthorn was keen on knowing, got them talking all day, till the latter approved of her daughter's marriage to him."

"Though we have been married for fifteen years now, your dad would sometimes, flashback on those moments we met, and exchanged phone contacts. Our love and family had grown in leaps and bounds, uniting us daily. This added up on the enormous influence we've well gained over you children as well."

Such a captivating story, mum.