(gap: 2s) I recall with utmost clarity the occasion when my elder brother and I received a most salutary lesson in discipline, following a regrettable incident involving water and a lack of proper judgment.
(short pause) Upon returning home from school, we were informed that we would be attending a church dinner that evening. Our mother, ever attentive to our appearance and manners, instructed us to proceed upstairs, bathe, and prepare ourselves accordingly. As my brother exited the bath and I prepared to enter, he discovered that the recently varnished hallway floor, when met with damp feet, provided an opportunity for sliding—a temptation that proved too great to resist.
(pause) Regrettably, I allowed myself to be led astray by his example. Together, we began to remove water from the bathtub using a small plastic pail, casting it upon the hallway floor. The more water we poured, the more exhilarating the experience became, until, quite suddenly, our mother appeared at the top of the stairs.
(pause) By this time, nearly an inch of water covered the entire hallway, seeping into the adjacent carpet. Our mother, upon witnessing the scene, was understandably overcome with dismay. She administered several firm smacks to our lower backsides with her hand—a measured and corrective gesture intended to impress upon us the seriousness of our misdeed. She then directed us to our bedroom, commanding us to lie upon our beds and remain still. With a voice both resolute and just, she declared, “As soon as I have mopped up this mess, you shall both receive the hairbrush.”
(pause) As we lay in silent reflection, our older sister entered the room. She was eager to share the events of her day at school, now that she had advanced to junior high. Our mother, while diligently mopping the hallway, invited her to sit upon the chair in our bedroom.
(pause) Thus, my brother and I remained on our beds, while our sister conversed with our mother, who continued her labor in the hallway. Naturally, our sister inquired as to the reason for our predicament, and, siding with our mother, expressed her disapproval of our actions, emphasizing the gravity of our transgression.
(pause) When our mother explained that we were to be disciplined, our sister asked what implement would be used. Upon learning that it would be the hairbrush, she smiled knowingly, recalling her own experiences with this particular form of correction.
(pause) “That will surely impart a valuable lesson,” she remarked, “for the hairbrush is most effective in ensuring one remembers the importance of obedience and respect.”
(pause) Presently, our mother said, “I must empty this water, dear. Would you kindly fetch the hairbrush from my dresser and bring it here?” Never had I seen my sister move with such alacrity; she returned swiftly, the hairbrush in hand, before our mother had even finished her task.
(pause) Our mother expressed her gratitude, then approached my brother’s bed. With calm authority, she drew him across her lap and administered a thorough and deliberate spanking with the hairbrush. Each stroke was delivered with the intention of instilling a sense of responsibility and the understanding that actions have consequences. The discipline was neither excessive nor cruel, but rather a firm reminder of the standards expected within our home. When my brother’s lesson was complete, it was my turn to receive the same corrective measure, while my sister observed with wide eyes, understanding the necessity of such instruction. Our cries, though heartfelt, were a testament to the seriousness with which our mother regarded our upbringing.
(pause) Upon concluding my discipline, our mother returned to my brother and, as a further reminder, administered an additional series of spanks—each one reinforcing the lesson that respect for property and obedience to parental guidance are virtues to be cherished. She then repeated this act for me, ensuring the lesson was firmly impressed upon our minds.
(pause) Later that evening, we attended the church dinner as planned, though sitting proved somewhat uncomfortable. I noticed my sister whispering to her friends, who glanced in our direction and giggled discreetly. I felt a deep sense of embarrassment, for I was in the third grade and believed myself too mature for such correction. Yet, I understood that my mother’s actions were motivated by love and a desire to guide us toward proper conduct.
(long pause) As I reflect upon these experiences, I recognize that further lessons in discipline awaited me, even as I progressed into junior high school. Each instance served to reinforce the values of respect, obedience, and personal responsibility—virtues that have shaped my character.
