Taking a walk down memory lane....

Taking a walk down memory lane,

I CAN'T REMEMBER

when the nurses said "push! push!" and I popped out of you.

I can't remember when I started sucking breast milk.

I can't remember when I had my first immunization.

I can't remember when my cry at night left you uneasy and because of your love for me you had to breastfeed or bottle feed me, singing and dancing to put me to sleep forgetting about your sleep.

I can't remember when I took Ill as an infant and the only way I could communicate with you was to cry but you somehow instinctively knew what was wrong with the infant me that couldn't even say "mama".

I can't remember when you had to take me to those endless regular checkups just to be sure I grew up healthy.

I can't remember when you took me to God by taking me to church for child dedication.

I can't remember how you went on your knees calling out to the staggering me "My mummy come to me, you can do it" then I start feeling jumpy, laughing and smiling trying to walk to you. All of a sudden am falling down but you catch me before I hurt myself and you go through the process of encouraging me again and again (Chuckles).

I can't remember so many things about my infancy but I can imagine what you would have gone through being that I didn't like eating too.

BUT

I remember you feeding me at a very tender age.

I remember you teaching me how to say words and speak.

I remember you celebrating my birthdays no matter how little it was inorder to make me feel special.

I remember your kisses and pecks.

I remember you teaching me how to pray.

I remember you giving me medications.

I remember how I fell ill often as a little girl but you always took me to the hospital and cared for me like no one will.

I remember how you flogged me for taking what was not mine and asking me to return it and say sorry even if I picked it up by mistake.

I remember how you will tell me "kneel down over there, raise up your hands and close your eyes" when a neighbour has any ill report of me whether it was true or not you just disciplined me before you even asked what happened.

I remember you telling me "come on, open your hands" then you will go, lash! One, lash! Two, lash! Three.... "will you do it again?" With tears in my eyes, I'll say "no, I won't"

I remember when they drive me away from school for not paying my fees, I come back home crying, you'll clean my eyes and tell me not to worry then you pick up some of your treasured items like gold, brocade, lace or your Italian stiletto shoes to go sell and in a few days am back to school.

I remember you giving birth to my cute little sister and taking care of her like an egg.

I remember how you sometimes backed my sister on our way home from church and carrying me at intervals when you didn't have enough to pay the fare.

I remember you teaching me how to cook, clean, wash and change diapers.


DOWN TO MY TEENAGE DAYS

I remember you telling me "Onyeka, I don't want to see you with that girl/boy again" and I'll say "yes mummy" with slight anger inside. In some cases, I listened, in some other cases, I went ahead to follow the person and I always got what I deserved for being disobedient. Coming back to you, you will scold me but still advice me.

I remember you painstakingly go through any possible stress to make sure I learnt what I said I wanted to learn.

I remember not seeing my mensuration for 2 months then you called me and asked me "Onyeka, when last did you see your menses? Are you pregnant? Did anybody touch you? Are you sure? We would go see a doctor tomorrow morning". (Meanwhile I was extremely happy I wasn't because it was two months of not having excruciating pains but that ended as the next day it came and you where thankful).

I remember you sleeping with me in the hospital through out the days I had to be there when I had my emergency appendicitis operation.

I remember your advice on relationships.

I remember your sex education segment.

I remember your advice on putting God first in everything.

I remember how you always encouraged me and still encourage me when am at the verge of giving up.

I remember your endless nights of prayers for me till tomorrow.


I KNOW

I can be really tough sometimes, wanting a logical explanation to some of your instinctive advices.

I know I can be really defensive sometimes.

I know I can be overbearing sometimes.


 BUT IN ALL,

I know you are my mum and I know you love me.


Thanks for the lashes.

Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the yelling.

Thanks for the teachings.

Thanks for the care.

Thanks for the prayers.

Thanks for everything cause it made me and my sister better, homely and virtuous.


I just want to say, I LOVE YOU MUM.
Happy Birthday To You Super Mum.
GOD BLESS YOU.


I rest my case.

My Thoughts.


Ala O. Wilcox.