Family Stories & Experiences

There is this incident that whenever I remember it, I feel very awkward, it happened years ago, but I still feel bad till date. It was during Christmas, my cousins came to spend the holiday with us, we had lots of fun and explored places together. Everything would have still went on smoothly if I admitted that I couldn't do a particular at that time, other than try to impress somebody, hmm.

One of my cousins that was around my age could drive, he drove his father out, and when he returned home, he asked me if I could drive, he was around my age and I didn't want to feel embarrassed, my father was still teaching me the basics, so I answered yes. He told me his father wants him to get something for him, so he will be going with the car and I should be the one to drive. How could I object.

I only knew how to start the engine and put it into gear, I felt I could get myself to do what I have never done, just to make sure I avoid the embarrassment. What followed next horrible, I ignited the engine, I can't even remember what I did next, I drove directly into my father's car, damaging the head light, the wind screens, the bumpers and many other things. Two cars damaged at the same time, now the embarrassment I was avoiding came to me in 100 folds.

My parents and my cousin's parent were shocked at what just happened, I was heavily scolded, my parents spent a lot of money to repair the damages done. It's not an embarrassment to admit that you can't do something, it's better than to try doing it just to impress somebody. Now, I'll always be myself no matter what, I won't admit what I can't do and I won't do something just because I want to impress somebody. The money is still very fresh in my head.

Well, I've always wanted my auntie to allow me to try out driving the car. She would not let me even try it out, not even when I sat in the front seat behind the steering wheel. She would always warn me not to turn on the ignition. She constantly discussed its dangerousness.

Well, today, while she was parked and went into a shopping mall, I decided to try something that I had been watching online. I had been looking at some tutorials just to know how to start the car and maybe move it a little. So, I turned on the ignition, and then I was able to move the car a little bit and park it back, turning it off like nothing happened.

I had thought before that driving required a lot of skills and years of experience because of the way Aunty exaggerate driving, but it didn't feel harder than playing with some toy.

I returned home after a very stressful semester, it was a very tough semester with lots of challenges, but I thank God that I wasn't consumed. After the conclusion of our exams, I didn't want to travel home for the holiday because some of my colleagues were going to be around, but my parents insisted that I must return home and so I couldn't refuse, I saddled up and travelled back to my state.

I had been away for months that I even forgot the kind of reception I always receive at home, I should have been the one to insist that I must travel home. Immediately I arrived home, I was served a very delicious rice and stew, compared to what I eat while at school. Life at school is a very different one, you can never see a free food, you will starve if you don't cook. I wish my colleagues would know what they are missing by not traveling home.

Back at school, I live alone, so I'm literally bored almost all the time, but here, you can never get bored with siblings and parents around. About three hours after I arrived, white soup that I have been craving for in school was served again, I would have said that it feels like I'm dreaming, but that is the reality of home. Just imagine my mum saying if the food isn't enough I should let her know, meanwhile at school I measure the portion of food I eat to save money. Ha!

And then I thought to myself, imagine a person without a family, without a home, you can't enjoy these things then. The joy and love that is shared in a family, you can't feel alone in a family. I have some rest now from the stress of looking after myself, at least for now, it will ease the pressure and give me strength when I return to school. The musician that sang the song " wherever where you go, remember the road that will lead you home" know the feeling. It's good to have where to go and rest up for a while after series of stress, and that can only be home, family.

A while ago, I sent my uncle some money to buy an external hard drive and waybill it for me, he deals with computers and so it was just like patronizing him, because I paid him for everything. He is a young man in his early 30s, not yet married, but he was certainly doing well in his business. Not as if I couldn't buy the hard drive where I was, but I was very sure that he will get the best hard drive for me.

While on my way to go and pick up the hard drive from the transport park, I was communicating with my uncle on Facebook, and he told me he has paid the driver for the waybill, of which I sent him money for it. This was 8:30pm in the night, that is the time the drive arrived the park. But I was shocked when I called the driver and he said that I should not forget to come with my waybill fee, that he has not been paid.

I called my uncle and told him what the driver said, and he ended the call on me immediately after I told him. I called back several times and he didn't answer the calls, I was even more shocked at this kind of behavior. On getting to the park, even the driver called my uncle on phone and he didn't answer, I chatted my uncle on Facebook but no reply, he was online and was seeing my messages.

I understood at this point what was going on, my uncle has used my head. I had to pay the driver again, collected the hard drive and boarded a taxi home. I was very angry, and sad at the same time that my own family member would do this kind of thing to me. I started doubting if the hard drive was even good, considering the kind of game he just played with me. And it turned out that the hard drive wasn't working, it was damaged and yet he sent it to me.

He knew that the hard drive wasn't good, because I sent him a message about it, which he never called back or replied. And now, that same uncle of mine is getting married in few days, my parents wants me to help in the preparation, something that will take my time, energy and sleep. I'm still wondering why I should get myself involved in anything concerning my uncle, he turned me down, big time. Even if I decide to pretend as if he never did what he did, some things will just never be the way it was before, not even in the nearest future.

My father always warned me about one thing whenevet I was playing with stones. He always warmed me never to throw stones up in the sky He would repeat this every time he noticed a stone in my hand.
But I loved it, There was something magical about picking up a stone, feeling its weight in my palm, and then throwing it high into the air. I would watch it fly, with excitement as I aimed for the bright blue sky. The joy it brought me was like nothing else. One of my friends was the one who taught me the bad habit.

I remember those afternoons spent in the open field near our house, sunlight pouring down like liquid gold. I'd stand there, surrounded by tall grass swaying gently in the breeze, and pick up stone after stone. Each one had a different shape, size, and color. I would imagine that if I threw them hard enough, maybe they could reach the clouds. It was a simple thrill, just the feeling of freedom and my own little adventure, aiming for the sky and nothing else.

But my dad never liked seeing me throw stones, maybe because I was a girl but he tried to make me understand that a stone thrown too high can come down with great force and it might land on someone’s head or it could hit something important, like a glass window, and then I'll have to deal with the consequences. He always told me this.

Despite his warnings, I couldn’t help myself, I would hide when my Dad wasnt looking and continue with my habit, but deep down, I knew my dad’s words were wise, just didn’t think it would happen to me.

Then one afternoon, everything changed. I was playing in front of our compound after throwing my selected stone high up in the sky, I saw it go above the tall palm trees and above roof tops.

I stood there in shock, my heart was pounding as I processed what had just happened. That crash sounded all too familiar like a shattering glass.
Till today, I cannot tell all that my buttocks saw in the hands of my father.
After the inhabitants of the house that I broke their glass window came to report to my parents.

In my childhood days, there's this day that everybody in our family was at home, it must have been on a Saturday or during holiday. We had breakfast, and then we all slept off again around 10 am in the morning. It was raining, and I enjoyed sleeping when it's raining, I guess everybody else liked it too.

I waked after it stopped raining, it was pretty quiet, my parents and my siblings were still asleep, I had enough of the sleep, so I just laid there on the bed. Getting a little bored, I moved my hand on the floor and felt water, my first thought was that one of siblings must urinated while sleeping, so I moved my hand to another spot, but I still felt water.

I got up and looked around, I was very surprised, there was water everywhere in the room and we were laying in a pool of water. The rain flowed into our room while we were sleeping. I woke everybody up immediately, I remember having to do a lot of work that day because of it. We had to take our bag of clothes outside to dry them up, our foam also got soaked and we had to dry it too. Sweeping of the water followed in earnest, it was a big stress.

When I placed my hand in another spot and felt water, I knew that all the urine in a person's body at once can't be that much. We thanked God that it didn't spoil anything, thoughts of how floods gets into people's home and drowns them to dead isn't so much different than in our case, but we were all safe and didn't lose anything in the incident, as our wet clothes and foam were dried up.

Clarissa’s POV : The chirping of the birds 🦅 outside my window 🪟 , woke me from sleep, just when I thought I had had the worst morning, my alarm ⏰🕰 rang so loud and I heard a bang on my door 🚪.
"Clarissa wake up 🛌 , the school bus 🚌 is almost here ,you don’t want to be late for school🏫” That was twin👯‍♀️ sister , Claire. I hated school so much that I would skip classes with the claim of being sick. I snuggled out of my bed which I never want to leave and went to the bathroom to prepare for school. Our housekeeper had already ironed my school uniform the previous day. So after prepping for school, I went downstairs to have breakfast ,waffles 🧇 ,scrambled eggs 🍳 and coffee ☕️…………,
while Claire was almost done with hers, such a foodie, gosh🙈😬

Claire’s POV : Hey guys, how are you doing? Ooops sorry where are my manners?

“~ A little introduction about myself <<< Claire is my name >>> I am about clocking sixteen years. I have a twin sister; her name happens to be Clarissa. Clarissa is a bit of a hard nut to crack, she hates school unlike me the social twin, yeah you heard that right, I was the social butterfly 🦋. I couldn’t wait to resume school, today was the first day of resumption and I can’t miss it for anything in this world. Peem 🛞peem🛞 ~”

The school bus honks I drifted out of the house hurriedly after kissing and bading mom bye, see you later mom, love you 💋…. I said.

At School 🏫 “~~” The school bell rings🔔

Claire’s POV : As we got to school ,we waited for our class teacher 👩‍🏫. Few Minutes prior to the the time the bell rang, a blonde woman in her late thirties entered our classroom and we saluted her…
Good day class, welcome to sophomore year. Another year to reflect on and improve your grades and also your final year at high school 🏫.
You may have your seat 💺. You can call me Ms.Clara, I’ll be taking you elementary mathematics…. Please turn to page 173 of your textbook.
If you don’t have one yet you can pair but ensure you get them before your test. As we’d be having weekly test to groom you in preparation for your final examination, our teacher said.

Soon it was time for lunch,we went to the school cafeteria and ordered for mashed potatoes 🥙 with cheese 🧀 and had our last class for the day….. We got home and ate ramen 🍜 for dinner 🍽… I was so excited because I’m about to clock my sweet sixteen …and our parents promised to allow us go to be beach for the first time. A moment I’ve always dreamt of… becoming reality “~~”“<<<<<>>>>

Clarissa’s POV : Our parents organized a picnic to celebrate Claire and I sixteen birthday 🎉 🧺,more like a family tour which happens to fall on weekends after a hectic day at school and asked our parents if K² can tag along;lol 😂 that what we nicknamed them... Our best friends et Soul Sisters 👯‍♀️ , Katherine and Khloe 👯‍♀️ We grew up together with our parents in Cambridge, England🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿. But they moved out of the states when their parents got a divorce.

~”“~~”“~~”“~~”“~~”“~~”“~ FAST FORWARD TO PICNIC OUTING🧺 ~”“~~”“~~”“~~”“~~”“~~”~~

The day started off with a family outing to the beach. Claire, ever the planner, had packed sunscreen 🧴to protect their skin from sunburn , beach towels 🧖‍♀️🧖🧖‍♀️, snacks like popcorn 🍿,sandwiches 🥪,French fries🍟,corn dog 🌭,hamburger 🍔,a box of pizza 🍕,drumsticks 🍗,pancake 🥞🧇,a bowl of ice cream 🍨 🍧,lollipops🍭,chocolate doughnut 🍩,cookies 🍪,few slices of cake 🍰 et cupcakes 🧁 and fruits like banana🍌 ,apples 🍏🍎 ,orange 🍊,blueberries 🫐 ,pineapple 🍍,strawberry 🍓,avocado pear 🍐 🥑,watermelon 🍉 ,grapes 🍇,kiwi 🥝……,lots of them in their picnic basket 🧺 to munch on and also not forgetting juice 🧃 and a pack of bottled water to stay hydrated.
Clarissa, lost in her thoughts, had forgotten her sunglasses. As they spread out their blanket, Clarissa sighed, wishing she could be a mermaid swimming in the crystal-clear water. Claire simply smiled and handed her sister a pair of sunglasses 🕶 she had brought just in case, what her sisters for.

Khloe’s POV : We started building sand castles🏜🏝🏖 and got into swimming to wash our body and applied our sunscreen, we then decided to have lunch with some food we packed for ourselves. Claire, being the foodie, reached for the freshest catch of the day. Clarissa, not particularly fond of doughnuts 🍩 , opted for a plain hamburger 🍔 . As they enjoyed their meal, Clarissa started telling a story about a fairytale🧚‍♀️ . Claire, amused by her sister's imagination, listened intently.
In the afternoon, they decided to take a boat tour. Claire, always up for an adventure, was excited to see the dolphins. Clarissa, however, was a bit nervous about being on the water. As they sailed along, Clarissa spotted a beautiful sea turtle swimming nearby. She pointed it out to Claire and they both watched in awe as the creature gracefully glided through the water. As the sun began to set, they returned to the beach to watch the sunset. Claire and Clarissa sat side by side, while Katherine and Khloe sat opposite them gazing at the sky .
For a moment, the two pairs of twin sisters seemed to share a special connection. Clarissa realized that even though she and Claire were so different, they could still have wonderful experiences together. And Claire learned that sometimes, it's okay to let go of the plan and simply enjoy the moment. While Katherine and Khloe seemed to have a lot in common, their sense of humor, beauty and amongst all intellectuals being.
They had a whole lots of fun 🤩 and soon it was time to go their separate homes.
Indeed, it was a day to remember.😊

It’s hard to believe that lectures have already started ed in school . Just two days ago, I saw photos on our departmental group chat of my friends back on campus, smiling and ready for another semester, I laugh at them. I am still in my father’s house, enjoying the comforts of home, going back to school any soon is not even a thought to think.

My mother have reminded me like the hundredth time, her voice with concern about my academics, but still, I have no plans to return that soon.

The thought of packing my bags and enduring the run around and stress of school again just doesnt go well with me.
Here, in my father’s house, life is good. I wake up to good smell of food oozing from the kitchen. I can start talking about all the good food my mom makes without having to worry about exams, group projects, or struggling for seats in a crowded lecture hall.

With not so much choice, Just a few more days I’ll go back. But deep down, I was in no rush to leave this land of peace or my soft bed or even this region.

I am someone who values health and wants everyone in my household to also see their health as important as I do.
I want everybody basking in good health and then bubbling strong even when they are aging especially my Dad and Mom.

So after looking up some health tips, I studied on diet and exercises and how they could help elongate lifespan

so in a particular Saturday, I was able to convince my parents and all my siblings to come out for a little jogging.
But before the jogging, the evening earlier, I already bribed them with some drinks. I just used my little savings and got some bottles of drinks for every member of my family and then at that moment I seized it and convince them to follow me to sporting the next morning.

Well... I wanted them to value the proposed activity more even though they reluctantly prepared.
we all later went for the jogging and it was a good time together, I pray they all agree to join me this coming Sartuday too.

My family always gathered in our living room to watch movies. My dad would usually sit in his favorite chair, located at the center of other cushions. No one dares to sit on it while he's in the sitting room.

We were still using what we called cartridges back then. I remember how we would select through the pile of cartridges trying to find "Igodo" our favourite movie.

The cartridge is inserted into the ... I can't remember what that one is called again.
To me, those were the good old days when high quality movies were produced in terms of educational and motivational before CD-ROMs, GoTV, or DSTV became part of our lives.

We sometimes called these cartridges cassettes, but whatever the name is, they held the power of good story in them. Each movie had a lesson to teach, and it felt like every actor on screen was wise beyond their years, the likes of Pete Edochie, Osuofia, Nkem Owoh, Keneth Okonkwo, Gentle Jack, Chika Ike, Chioma Chukwuka, Chinwetalagu and many more. Every scene had an interesting story to tell they were not just filling space, like the recent directors do.
I didn't know a lot then but as much as I could remember, back in those days, stories that were more than just entertainment were made.

My siblings and I would sit on the floor, captivated, while our parents shared the couch. The fun of sitting on the floor had this soft comfort that satisfies us as we glued to the television.

This morning, in our WhatsApp group chat, we received a message reminding us to purchase a whiteboard marker on the way to school. We didn't know what to do, everyone was asking questions on the group chat. I on the other hand did not know the use of the whiteboard marker that we were told to buy so instead of wasting money I decided to just go with my usual 6B pencil

. This raised concerns among us about the unusual requirement, as we were accustomed to using 6B p

encil for our exams on computer answer sheets. Many of us didn't buy the marker, unsure of how it would be used in the exam.

When the exam began, the coordinator explained that using a marker would allow the computer to detect our answers more easily compared to those marked with a pencil. I had brought all my materials, but I felt anxious as I watched my classmates struggle with the last-minute change.

Quickly, I dashed out and got my own whiteboard marker. No be me Go risk my exam marks

Today was quite a busy day for me. I spent most of it helping my aunty at the market. She needed to sell some of her goods, and I was there to assist her with packing everything up. It wasn’t easy, but I was glad I could help her out. By the time we were done, I was already feeling exhausted, but happy that I could support her.

When I finally got home, I just wanted to relax. As soon as I switched on the light, fire sparked from the wire on the wall. I was confused for a second because I wasn’t expecting it, but I quickly rushed to the power switch and changed it over. I was so thankful nothing serious happened and that I reacted fast.

After the shock, I realized I couldn’t leave the damaged wire like that, especially with the risk of another fire starting. I didn’t have the skills to fix it myself, so I had to figure out a solution. It was already late in the evening, so I wasn’t sure where to turn for help.

I remembered a good neighbor who’s good with electrical stuff. I gave him a call and explained what happened. To my relief, he agreed to come over and help me out, even though it was already getting late. I felt a bit guilty for calling him at that time, but I didn’t really have a choice.

He came over not long after and quickly got to work. It didn’t take him too long to fix the problem, and by the end of the night, everything was back to normal. I was so grateful for his help and felt really lucky to have such a kind and helpful neighbor. The day had been long and tiring, but it ended on a good note, and I could finally rest easy.

It's weekend again and just as usual no office duties and more excitingly no school activities, we all woke up with our phone on our hands nobody was ready to help with any of the house chores. My mum having seen our mood pretended as though everything was fine knowing fully well that we will soon be hungry and request for something to eat.

Though we're not ready for food at that moment but my mum can suspect so for my dad so she just had to prepare something for her lovely husband, when we saw her moves it was a relief but I can't necessarily tell why she decided to cook all of a sudden. Then out of curiosity we asked her what her reasons were, she answered with a smiling face and side "outside having you all as a blessing from God I was also blessed by a caring and a loving husband"

Dad settled into his favorite armchair, with his Bible , preparing for Sunday's sermon. My brother slipped out to grab some snacks, and we dive into it just like a hungry lion while focused on a video game competition. Meanwhile, Mom worked her magic in the kitchen. The tantalizing aroma is something else and none of us could afford to miss.

Just as we were about to sit down to eat, Mom ran out of the kitchen, all we could hear at the moment was her shouting voice. "Jesus! Oh Jesus!" repeatedly as she runs. My heart skipped a beat. What was wrong? The gas cylinder had malfunctioned, shooting a massive flame into the air. Mom was frantically calling for Dad.

Dad dropped his Bible and rushed into the kitchen. I followed, my heart racing. But incredibly, the fire had gone out, despite the gas still leaking. Dad immediately removed the cylinder, and we all exhaled in relief. Mom was shaken, repeating, "How did the fire just go out?" Dad wrapped his arms around her, his eyes closed. "It's the hand of God," he whispered.

We stood there, frozen in gratitude. The near-disaster turned into an impromptu prayer session, thanking God for saving us. Afterward, we sat down to enjoy Mom's delicious meal.

I had plans to work on my system for days, expecting to use the electricity to power my work. But NEPA had other plans. For days on end, they failed to bring light, leaving me frustrated and unable to achieve anything.

I tried to find an alternative solution by buying fuel for my generator, but the current fuel price in Nigeria was too expensive. I couldn't afford it, so I was stuck.The deadlines for the summition of my project was fast approaching , but unfortunately there is actually nothing I could do to help the situation.

Just when I thought all hope was lost, I remembered my friend's place, which has a renewable energy, and as such not affected by the unfortunate situation. I packed my bags, grabbed my system, and headed to their house. Luckily, they welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to use their power to boost mine. I was finally able to work on my system.

My project was done in few hours and I found my way back home, just few steps to my compound I heard a shout "UP NEPA"

Last week, I left home to our village, I have been there before but that was a long time ago. With a sense of adventure and a curious heart, I packed my bags and set out for a week filled with new experiences, I was eager to meet with my cousins, dance around the family tree, like we did when we were young.

As I entered the village, everyone I came in contact with could tell I was new here, my hair, look, dress, bags gave the simple message that I am from the city. There was no network, so,I couldn't call my Aunty to tell her I had arrive. A man approached me to ask if I was a corp member, I told him I was here to visit "Iya Shade"(My Aunt), with excitement, he took me to my Aunty's house.
I was happy and relieved (at least they didn't use me for ritual😅). My Aunty welcomed me with open arms, and led me to her cozy but, adorned with flowers and with the scent of fresh herbs. Some of the villagers gathered with their eyes sparkling with curiosity, every need was anticipated, every comfort I needed they were ready to provide, except for electric light. I couldn't come online, because they had no electricity, I had to listen to stories from my grandpa or go to the king's palace in the evening to watch cultural presentation in order to kill boredom.

After some days, I felt a sense of belonging, like I am part of a larger family, the villagers showed me that even in a world of strangers, there exists a deep well of kindness. It was unbelievable to me, that a small village and typically traditional could bim with such openness.

As I prepared to leave yesterday, I was given some foodstuffs, the Baale gave me a bottle of honey, I left with a heart full of gratitude, the village might not have electricity but it shine brightly with warmth, love and especially delicious food 😂.

I'm back to give Y'all reminders🤭

After our first semester examinations wrapped up, I couldn’t contain my joy that I ran all the way home the next day. It felt refreshing to be free from the stress of exams and back in the comfort of my house. For the next two weeks, I relaxed, ate my mom's delicious cooking, and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.

But then, last week, I saw a frightening update: that second semester was going to start soon. Even though according to the timetable, classes were supposed to begin on the 21st of September. I was displeased and I lamented all through.

Before I knew it, the first lecture was fixed, and I found myself making my way back to campus. It was a uneasy to rebigin my studentife again but, I still went from home to school rather than from the school hostel.
In the past week alone, I had been to three classes.

My friends tease me about it. They laugh and called me a family girl, a home girl, and I jiust smile about it. I didn’t mind their playful remarks one bit. I felt blessed to have a loving home to return to and my special about home-cooked food and for now, I'll still be attending any lectures from my father's house until I am satisfied.

A very long time ago, I think I was about 9 years old as at then, something happened in our family that really touched everyone, even the smallest of us that was about 3 years old, felt it the same way we all felt it. I remember the tension in the house, the lost appetite, the sleepless nights, the tears, the worries. I'm the eldest child, and I remember having to comfort my younger siblings during that time, it was a very critical time in our family and even till today, we still remember it, how God turned things around for us.

One day, my mother's neck started swelling, it was very painful as she could not eat or drink or even swallow saliva, she was always awake at night due to the pains and crying and praying for God to heal her. She went for a test, the test result was very scary, she was told that fibroid was growing in her neck and the only solution will be a surgical operation in the neck. It was during holiday, because I remember we were always at home, assisting my mother to refill a small container with sand for her to spit saliva in, since she couldn't swallow. My mother didn't eat for days, she slimmed down and even as a kid, I lost appetite for play, food and many others.

She went to the hospital and booked a day for the operation, and about two weeks to the operation, a stranger met her on the road and told her that God sent him to tell her not to go for the operation, that she will be healed. My mother was very surprised, she never told anyone about the illness, neither did we, she instructed us not to tell anyone about it, so really it was God. The day of all other days came, where the tension, cry, lost of appetite and so on climbed to the fullest, my mother wanted to go to the hospital for check-up on how fatal the fibroid had grown and if she still had much time left. I remember I was eating with my siblings in the kitchen when my mother walked in and told us she was going to the hospital, and that she doesn't know how her visit to the hospital will be, she said this in a breaking tone as if she was about crying.

And immediately, we lost appetite, tears started rolling down from my eyes, and my siblings started crying too, my mother at this point could not hold her tears anymore, all of us cried including the last born. My mother tried to console us, but how could we be consoled when she was still shedding tears. My siblings and I immediately remembered God as the great healer and physician, and so we said a little word of prayer for my mum while tears was still flowing, that God should heal her. We watched her leave for the hospital, the cry didn't stop, and I prayed so hard that it shouldn't be the last time I'll ever get to see my mother, everyone had lost appetite for everything. She returned from the hospital with a happy and nervous mood, the test result showed that the fibroid in her neck had disappeared without traces, and she was completely fine, as no illness could be found in her. She was nervous because the throat was still swelled, but amazing the throat returned to it's normal form within two days, and she was fine as if she was never sick, the illness vanished the same way it appeared. God had healed her and kept her alive for us, since then I see it that God is fast to act when children cry and are heartbroken, it might be.

I had been looking forward to going home for a short break, but things didn’t go as planned. Life threw lemons, and before I knew it, the opportunity slipped away. I couldn’t make the trip, but I knew I had to find another way to show my love and care. So, I decided to send a gift home instead, something that could carry my heartfelt thoughts.

I reached out to a trustworthy friend and shared my plans with him. He understood how important this was to me and agreed to help. Within two weeks, he traveled to my state, picked up the gift I had prepared, and headed back home to deliver it directly to my Mom.

Then, the moment I had been waiting for finally came. My phone rang, and it was my Mom on the other end. She was so happy, screaming with joy, and full of gratitude. Her voice was filled with excitement, and she couldn’t stop thanking me. It was one of those moments where you just feel like everything was worth it.

Soon after, my sisters called as well. They were part of the plan too, and they were equally overjoyed. Each of them took turns expressing how much they appreciated the effort I made to make them all feel loved and thought of. It wasn’t just about the gift; it was about the thought behind it, and they all felt it deeply.

After I hung up, I sat there for a moment, letting it all sink in. I felt incredibly blessed. There was something about being able to provide for my family, even from a distance, that made me feel proud. It wasn’t just about being a son or a brother anymore; I was starting to understand what it meant to be someone they could rely on.

I realized that I was slowly stepping into a new role. I was becoming a caregiver, maybe even a man.

I came home after some time at school and working outside. As I was returning, I enjoyed looking at my neighborhood. The palm trees were tall and green, just like I remembered.

Suddenly, I had a flashback. I thought about the days when we were all at home together. I didn't have to work back then. My big sister was still in university, and my little sister was in secondary school. We used to pick palm fruits after they were cut down from the trees. We had so much fun together.

How I laughed when I recall how cunny I was then just to ease my own workload. I always had a way to sweet talk my way at the slightest detection that I was lagging in picking speed.

Thinking about those times made me happy. But now, it felt different. My big sister is married, and my little sister is still in school. Things have changed a lot. I still love my family, but I miss the good old days when we were all together at home but that's growth for you.

Back then, it wasn't really like I enjoyed the stress of picking those fruits with my siblings, but remembering it, all I see is family love.

THE HUMAN CHAMELEON
A person who often changes his or her beliefs or behavior in order to please others or to succeed.
PEEK INTO THE FUTURE💭:
Pim 🚗pim 🚗
Driver :Young Lady ,can you watch where you are going?
Young Lady:Sorry ,I lost my way
…………..
…………………………………………………
🌹Back In Time🌹
Adaeze was a young spinster in her mid thirties ,First Daughter of The Otutuchkwu’s Family. She is a gorgeous lady ,chubby , and has dazzling eyes ,glowing skin and voice that makes ones’ heart jingle,who always helped others succeed but sadly,was a shadow of herself.
She could go any length to make others happy but she was bittered and sour. Her father passed on after a scorpion 🦂 sting on their way to farm one evening,and ever since then ,her and her mother had to take care of her siblings,feeding once a day from the cassava farm then had.
As each day ,month and years passes ,Adaeze was always reprimanded and reminded to bring home a hubby especially her mother who won’t let her hear the last of it ;in her mother’s voice Adaeze “Kedu mgbe ị ga-akpọta di(When will you bring home a husband?),aren’t you go to give me grandchildren?”,you know I’m aging,all your siblings are married yet no one has come to ask of your hands in marriage.
These words always seems to pierce the Adaeze’s heart because suitors aren’t coming by.
All are siblings are all married with children and she is still hoping on God.
She went on job hunting on faithful morning,where flashes of her mom’s life-tormenting words keep hitting on her ,flashing through her memories,little did she know ,lost in thought 💭 she was approaching a moving vehicle which almost knocked her down
Pim 🚗pim 🚗,drifted back from her thoughts 💭
Driver :Young Lady ,can you watch where you are going?
Young Lady:Sorry ,I lost my way
PRESENT 🌻
The young man in his early fourties’ came down from his vehicle and saw Adaeze on the floor,helped her up and cleaned her dress that was dusty as a result of her subconsciousness that drifted her to fall.He offered her a ride,
and asked why she was lost in thoughts and tearing up.
She explained to the young man that she was coming back from job hunting but wasn’t qualified for the job because she barely was academically qualified as her father died early and her poor mother could barely afford a three square meal;so she couldn’t exceed the secondary school level and the job required a BSc holder,and the CEO of the company was desperately trying to have sexual advances on her so she could pass the interview but Adaeze declined the offer and slammed the door.
After the young man heared her story ,he was touched and decided to her find a befitting job of her qualification.
Little did she know it was the young man ,she helped in the past shivering on a park bench after a heavy downpour,with his clothes drenched.Without hesitation, Adaeze offered him her jacket and directed him to a nearby shelter.
He later recognized her ,approached her with a warm smile, his eyes filled with gratitude.
"I'll never forget what you did for me that night," he said. "It changed my life."
Adaeze was surprised but touched. She had no idea that her small act of kindness had had such a profound impact. The young man, whose name was Alvin, told her how her jacket had kept him warm that night.
As they talked, Adaeze realized that Alvin had become a successful business man and established several companies over the globe. She was filled with a sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that her compassion had made a difference in someone's life.
Few years passed and Adeaze beauty draw Alvin’s attention.He proposed to her in the park they first met ,they lived happily ever after.
Unfortunately her mother died but she was fulfilled that her mother’s ever wishes for her to get married was visualize .
Who would have thought that her compassionate mind would help her.
Moral Lesson:Be Compassionate
Don’t give up ,God is always on time,As the saying goes God’s timing is the best

Adaeze POV:
So kids its time for bedtime
Go to bed
Adaeze :Early to bed
Carl And Bethel ☹️Adaeze’ Sons)
Early to rise …,they said

I had taken a nap from 6 — 9pm, and it turned out to be exactly what my body needed. It was an unexpected rest that helped me recharge and get back on track. When I woke up, my phone was buzzing. It was my mom, she never misses our Sunday call routine.

With a dizzy voice, I answered the call. She immediately started to apologize for disturbing me, but I cut her off. Honestly, what more could I ask for than the love and care of a devoted mother? Her calls are a regular part of my week, and they mean a lot to me.

Nobody else calls me as often as she does, especially on weekends. Her calls are a check-up on my progress, my health, and, most importantly, whether I made it to church. It’s something I look forward to each week.

Today, everything was in order. I had made it to church, my health was good, and I updated her on everything she wanted to know. The stress I had been feeling lately seemed to lift, thanks to her love and concern. It’s amazing how such a simple phone call can have such a positive impact on my day.

Hanging up, I felt much better and more grounded. It’s moments like these that remind me of how lucky I am to have such a caring mother in my life.