Aesop has the most memorable characters. When my son announced to us that he wanted a turtle to be the second pet in the house, the first thing that came to mind was the story of the Tortoise and the Hare. Well, it was the third thing; I first wondered where we would put this thing for its possibly short life span.
Also, please note that as of July 2025, we now have two turtles. Yes, two. Aesop is definitely winning in this house.
Those types of stories and their morals stick with you – in a way they were meant to and in ways you don’t expect them to. It’s like an echo; it is there in the moment but then the meaning returns again later.
That’s happening to me now with stories or little sayings my dad would say to me as a child. Some of them I laughed at as a young child or adult, but now they come to me so quickly as a preferred way of action or just the wisdom I need for the given moment.
My dad would say, “A whistling woman and a crowing hen, all come to no good end.” Now, as a young lady at the seasoned age of 8, this was clear as mud to me. I remember repeating it to myself in the silence after my dad spoke. I just thought, well, hens don’t crow. Of course, I ended up laughing at the riddle mixing up the animal noises more than getting his intended meaning. I didn’t realize he’d quoted that when I was doing something very unladylike. He was trying to get me to see that there was an appropriate and inappropriate way for me to behave as a young woman. I have no idea what lesson I was supposed to learn regarding appropriateness at that moment, but he looks upon me now with pride, so I guess it worked.
I wonder how many things that I’ve said to my kids that they will have to look back on for their intent to be clear. As a former teacher, I love the point when kids “get it,” but I’m learning that I don’t get to plan for that moment with my own kids in a way you hope you can see in the classroom. Sometimes they just remember my voice and the words, “Don't chew on your brother’s foot.” My preference would be that they would understand it literally as I meant it when they were toddlers, but they seem to apply it to their teenage years as an allegory for caring for your sibling. Who knew?
I’m studying a book of the Bible known as Proverbs. Like many cultures, it is a collection of sayings that are meant to add value to the life of the hearer and heeder. This book is composed of unearthly wisdom from King Solomon and other key leaders to their subjects, sons and daughters. Each chapter has a traceable theme, however the themes seem to be slightly different and repetitive. The emphasis just varies from writer and prose. These proverbs are also a part of the things my dad would say to me as a child that seem to simmer to the surface as my kids are getting older.
One of my favorites is Proverbs 15:1 that says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” My dad would quote this one as well, usually to help me see how to dispel an argument with my brothers or cousins. Over the years, it has helped me look for solutions in the most professional and personal conversations. I’m not sure that was his intent. I will ask him next time I chat with him.
So, I say things like…
“Do you believe fat meat is greasy?”
“The same things that make you laugh will make you cry.”
“Be slow to speak.”
“I was born at night, just not last night.”
“Be your only competition.”
“Look for wisdom and she will find you.”
I will give an update in 20 years and let you know what they remember and if they got the intended meanings, or maybe something more. Cheers!
Diamone Ukegbu is a local mom, musician and writer. She loves stories of joy, hope and adventure - like living 25 years into the future past Y2K.
