| Domestic Violence |
My grandmother never had the opportunity to avail herself of a formal education. She attended the University of Life and graduated top of
her class with 2 majors: Perseverance and Humility.
After years and years of bruising daily practice with her as the punching bag, my grandfather finally ran out of steam and resorted to the
occasional stinging slap now and then when things didn’t do his way.
As a young child I often wondered what had brought the two of them together. One day my aunt told me he had decided to own her as soon
as he set eyes on her. She wasn’t beautiful or even pretty in the generally accepted send but the beauty of her humility and timidity shone
through. She had a kind, gentle nature which must have attracted her opposite.
My mother was born after a series of boys and at first my grandfather disdained to even look at her. As she grew, however, he became
fascinated by her dainty features and gentle manners. It was really like having a baby version of my grandmother. My grandfather doted on
her and was a completely different person around her. He could not do enough for her. She grew into a happy little girl and when she
proved to be brilliant at school my grandfather’s was ecstatic! He would bring out her latest report from school at every opportunity and
would read aloud from them to all and sundry!
Eventually my mother went to medical school and became a doctor. My grandfather’s joy knew no bounds! The whole village was treated
to a huge party after her graduation. When she came home for the celebrations my grandfather insisted that she sit at the table with her
stethoscope
draped around her neck! After a week she left to work in the city and only returned infrequently as her work kept her extremely busy.
One day my grandparents were sitting outside their house when they saw a familiar figure in the distance! It was my mother but she
seemed to have difficulty walking and was holding her arm awkwardly by her side. My grandfather leapt up and walked hurriedly towards
my mother, with my grandmother following closely behind. They quickly reached her and my grandparents were shocked to see what state
she was in. She was disheveled, her dress was torn and she was crying. My grandfather asked her what had happened, had she been
set upon by thieves? No, she said, she had been beaten by her boyfriend, the friend she’d hoped to marry.
My grandfather bellowed - he’d kill him, how dare he lay hands on his only daughter? What sort of husband would he make? He ranted
and raved till his eyes fell on my grandmother. She had a funny look on her face, not triumph, not pity but a mixture of emotions. My
grandfather broke down and asked my grandmother for forgiveness for all the years he’d subjected her to such treatment and vowed he’d
never raise his hand to her again!
her class with 2 majors: Perseverance and Humility.
After years and years of bruising daily practice with her as the punching bag, my grandfather finally ran out of steam and resorted to the
occasional stinging slap now and then when things didn’t do his way.
As a young child I often wondered what had brought the two of them together. One day my aunt told me he had decided to own her as soon
as he set eyes on her. She wasn’t beautiful or even pretty in the generally accepted send but the beauty of her humility and timidity shone
through. She had a kind, gentle nature which must have attracted her opposite.
My mother was born after a series of boys and at first my grandfather disdained to even look at her. As she grew, however, he became
fascinated by her dainty features and gentle manners. It was really like having a baby version of my grandmother. My grandfather doted on
her and was a completely different person around her. He could not do enough for her. She grew into a happy little girl and when she
proved to be brilliant at school my grandfather’s was ecstatic! He would bring out her latest report from school at every opportunity and
would read aloud from them to all and sundry!
Eventually my mother went to medical school and became a doctor. My grandfather’s joy knew no bounds! The whole village was treated
to a huge party after her graduation. When she came home for the celebrations my grandfather insisted that she sit at the table with her
stethoscope
draped around her neck! After a week she left to work in the city and only returned infrequently as her work kept her extremely busy.
One day my grandparents were sitting outside their house when they saw a familiar figure in the distance! It was my mother but she
seemed to have difficulty walking and was holding her arm awkwardly by her side. My grandfather leapt up and walked hurriedly towards
my mother, with my grandmother following closely behind. They quickly reached her and my grandparents were shocked to see what state
she was in. She was disheveled, her dress was torn and she was crying. My grandfather asked her what had happened, had she been
set upon by thieves? No, she said, she had been beaten by her boyfriend, the friend she’d hoped to marry.
My grandfather bellowed - he’d kill him, how dare he lay hands on his only daughter? What sort of husband would he make? He ranted
and raved till his eyes fell on my grandmother. She had a funny look on her face, not triumph, not pity but a mixture of emotions. My
grandfather broke down and asked my grandmother for forgiveness for all the years he’d subjected her to such treatment and vowed he’d
never raise his hand to her again!
Rose Olule. 50. Uganda