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| Kunle, the first son of the old man |
Night had fallen over Olorunda, and the estate was quiet, save for the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze. Baba Tayo remained in his armchair, the weight of his thoughts keeping him anchored to the spot. He knew sleep would not come easily tonight, not with the decision looming over him like a dark cloud.
He reached for a small, wooden box on the table beside him, his fingers brushing against the smooth surface. Inside were the letters he had written to each of his children over the years—letters he had never sent. Baba Tayo had always found it easier to express his deepest thoughts on paper rather than in person. The letters were filled with advice, memories, and the hopes he had for each of them, written in moments of clarity and love.
He opened the box and pulled out the most recent letter, addressed to all three of his children. The ink was still fresh, the words carefully chosen. Baba Tayo had written it just a few days ago, after yet another sleepless night. He unfolded the paper and began to read:
My dear children,
As I sit here, reflecting on the life I have lived and the wealth I have accumulated, I am reminded of the true treasures that life has given me—each of you. You have brought me more joy and pride than any amount of money ever could, and for that, I am eternally grateful.
But as I grow older, I find myself concerned about the path that lies ahead for all of us. I have always believed that wealth is not just a measure of success, but a tool—a means to create a better world for those who come after us. It is a gift, but it can also be a burden if not handled with care.
Kunle, you have the fire of ambition in your heart, a trait we share. But remember, my son, that ambition without wisdom can lead to ruin. Use your talents to build, not just for yourself, but for others as well.
Yemi, your heart is as vast as the ocean, and your desire to help those in need fills me with pride. But be cautious, my daughter, for the world is not always kind to those who wear their hearts on their sleeves. Stay strong, and let your compassion be guided by discernment.
Tayo, my free spirit, you remind me so much of myself in my youth, when I too longed for a life unburdened by the expectations of others. I respect your choices, and I want you to know that you have my blessing to live your life as you see fit. But do not forget that you are part of something larger—our family, our legacy.
As I write this, I realize that I cannot dictate the future. I cannot control what will happen after I am gone. But I can offer you this: my trust. I trust that you will each find your own way and that you will take the lessons I have taught you and use them to navigate the challenges ahead.
When the time comes, you will have to decide how to divide the wealth I leave behind. I will not make that decision for you, for I believe it is a journey you must take together. My only wish is that you do so with love, with understanding, and with the knowledge that the true measure of a person is not what they leave behind in riches, but what they leave behind in the hearts of others.
With all my love,
Baba Tayo
Baba Tayo’s hands trembled slightly as he folded the letter and returned it to the box. He knew the time was drawing near to share his thoughts with his children, to bring them together and confront the uncertainties that lay ahead. But tonight, he needed to find peace within himself, to reconcile the man he had been with the man he had become.
The old man rose slowly from his chair, feeling the stiffness in his joints, a reminder of the years that had passed. He made his way to the window, looking out at the estate he had built from nothing. The moonlight bathed the gardens in a silvery glow, casting long shadows that seemed to dance in the night.
For a moment, Baba Tayo imagined what it would be like to let it all go, to leave behind the wealth and the worries and simply be. But he knew that wasn’t possible, not for him, not for the man who had spent a lifetime building a legacy.
As he stood there, the night pressing in around him, Baba Tayo made a silent vow: no matter what the future held, he would ensure that his children understood the true meaning of wealth. And in doing so, he hoped they would find the strength to carry on, not just as heirs to his fortune, but as a family united by love, wisdom, and the lessons of a life well-lived.
