Rest in Pieces

 

Let me tell you her story. For a long time, she felt lost and burdened by the weight of expectations. She was always trying to live up to other people's standards and felt like it was suffocating.

She pretended everything was okay, even when it wasn't. It felt like she had to put on a show for everyone else, but inside she was struggling. She was tired of surviving and she knew it was time to start living.

Why dance when you can cry? Don’t judge her just yet cause when my mouth ceases is when my heart starts speaking. 

Don’t get it twisted. She didn’t mean to sound ungrateful to her Maker but again, what is left of us outside of our experiences? Hope’s light was getting bleak and the light of her faith was almost out.

Each wax of her confidence trickled down as the thread of her love was burning out.

It wasn't easy, but she started to be true to her heart and herself. She allowed herself to be vulnerable in order to uncover who she really was. It was scary, but realized that it was better to tap out than to pass out.

She stopped measuring her worth in stars and gram, and instead focused on living a life that brought her joy. 

It time to let go of the need to master the art of decoy rather redirect your focus on being authentic, even if it cost you your life for better living.

You can be free from the burden that once held you down. Find your way back to yourself and live your life in your own terms and that of your Maker. 

I know that hope may be frail, but it's indeed hard to kill. Be grateful for every day you get to live your life in a way that feels true to you.

If you have to rest, but don’t rest in pieces.

The Borderline

 “Considering Others” is what distinguishes those who are selfless from those who are selfish when making a decision or taking an action.”

Ejiro and Tejiri were two childhood friends who grew up together in a small village in Nigeria. They were inseparable and did everything together, from playing in the fields to attending school.

As they grew older, they began to develop different interests and aspirations. Ejiro had always been interested in agriculture and wanted to become a farmer, while Tejiri had a passion for fashion design and dreamed of starting her own clothing line.

Despite their different paths, Ejiro and Tejiri remained close friends and supported each other's dreams. Ejiro worked hard on her farm, growing crops and raising livestock. Tejiri, on the other hand, spent countless hours sketching and sewing, creating beautiful designs that she hoped would one day become her own fashion brand.

One day, a devastating drought hit the village, and Ejiro's farm was among the worst affected. She was devastated and unsure of what to do, but Tejiri came to her rescue. Tejiri suggested they team up and create a line of clothing made from Ejiro's crops and livestock, with the proceeds going towards helping other farmers in the village who were struggling.

Ejiro was initially hesitant, but Tejiri's selflessness and consideration of others won her over. They worked together tirelessly, using Ejiro's crops to dye fabrics and incorporating her livestock into their designs. The clothing line was a huge success, and they were able to help many farmers in their village during the difficult times.

As their business grew, Ejiro realized that she had not only learned about the benefits of considering others, but also about the importance of following her dreams while doing good for her community. Tejiri, too, learned that sometimes the most fulfilling path is not the one that is solely focused on oneself, but one that considers the well-being of others.

As time went by, Ejiro and Tejiri's friendship only grew stronger, as they both learned the value of being selfless and the rewards that come with considering others. They remained successful in their respective careers but always found ways to give back to their community, making a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

As Ejiro and Tejiri's clothing line continued to grow, their success brought new challenges. They hired more workers to keep up with the demand, and Ejiro began to take on a more prominent role in the business. She had always been ambitious, but as the profits increased, so did her desire for control.

One day, Tejiri fell ill and had to take some time off from work. Ejiro saw this as an opportunity to take over the business and make all the decisions herself. She began to make changes without consulting Tejiri, and some of the workers started to feel uneasy about her actions.

The workers had always known Ejiro as a hardworking and selfless person, but they started to see a different side of her as she became more and more focused on her own goals. They worried that Ejiro's selfishness would cause the business to suffer, and they knew that they had to do something to stop her.

As the workers discussed their concerns among themselves, they realized that they shared a common goal: to protect the business and make sure that it continued to serve the community. They decided to come together and confront Ejiro about her actions.

When Ejiro arrived at the clothing line the next day, she was met with a group of workers who stood united against her. They expressed their concerns and told her that they were not willing to let her take over the business and ruin what they had all worked so hard to build.

At first, Ejiro was defensive and refused to listen to their arguments. But as the workers continued to speak out, she began to realize the error of her ways. She saw that her greed had blinded her to the needs of others and that she had lost sight of the values that had made their business successful in the first place.

With tears in her eyes, Ejiro apologized to the workers and to Tejiri, who had since recovered from her illness. She realized that she had been so focused on her own goals that she had forgotten about the importance of considering others. She promised to work with Tejiri and the workers to create a more inclusive and collaborative environment, one that put the needs of the community first.

Over time, Ejiro proved to the workers that she was sincere in her desire to change. She worked alongside Tejiri and the workers to make decisions that were fair and just, and the clothing line continued to thrive.

In the end, Ejiro learned an important lesson about the benefits of being considerate of others. She realized that success is not just about achieving one's goals but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others. And with the support of her friends and colleagues, she was able to grow and become a better person, both in her personal and professional life.

Half a Dozen Part 2

 

(See Half a dozen Part 1 in link below) http://asorhoyoma.blogspot.com/2018/03/half-dozen.html

As Bolaji was driving them back to Houston, he suddenly pulled over on the side of the road and turned to his wife. "I have something to tell you," he said, his voice unsteady. "I know this may be difficult for you to hear, but I have to be honest with you." His wife's heart sank as she prepared for the worst.

"I cheated on you," Bolaji admitted, his eyes downcast. "It happened a few months ago, when I was on a business trip to Atlanta. I was feeling lonely and vulnerable, and I made a terrible mistake. I'm so sorry."

His wife was stunned. She had never suspected Bolaji of being unfaithful. She felt angry, hurt, and betrayed, but she also realized that she could not be too judgmental, considering her own past transgressions.

As they sat in silence on the side of the road, Bolaji's phone rang. It was Lakunle. "I need to talk to you," he said urgently. "Can we meet up?"

Bolaji hesitated for a moment, then made a decision. "I’m not sure about that," he said. 

As Bolaji hung up the phone, his wife stared at him in disbelief. "What's going on?" she asked. She could recognize Lakunle’s voice from the phone.

Bolaji took a deep breath. "There's something else I need to tell you," he said. "Lakunle is not who I said he was."

His wife looked confused. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Bolaji explained that Lakunle was not actually his brother, but a con artist he had hired to investigate his wife's past. 

He had been suspicious ever since he found out about her affair with Lakunle during NYSC, and he wanted to make sure that there was nothing else she was hiding.

As Bolaji finished his story, his wife was speechless. She felt violated and betrayed, and wondered how she could ever trust her husband again. But then, she remembered something her father used to say: "The truth will set you free." 

Bolaji told the whole story about Lakunle, and how it had haunted him ever since. He also told her how he had felt guilty and ashamed, and how he had promised himself that he would never lie to her again.

I listened quietly as he spoke, my face expressionless. When he finished, I looked at him with a mix of sadness and understanding.

"I'm not going to pretend that this isn't painful," I said. "But I also know that we can get through this. We both made mistakes, but we can learn from them and move forward. We can choose to forgive each other, and choose to love each other."

And with that, we embraced, both of us feeling the weight of our past lifted off our shoulders. We knew that their relationship would never be the same, but they also knew that it could still be strong and meaningful, as long as they were honest with each other and committed to their marriage.

The next day, Lakunle showed up at our home to apologize for causing any trouble. He explained that he had no idea I was married, and that he would never have come to the wedding if he had known. He also told me that he had found religion and that he was no longer the same person he was during our NYSC days. He had found redemption and was trying to make amends for his past mistakes.

Although I appreciated Lakunle's apology, I knew that I had to focus on my marriage and my commitment to Bolaji. Bolaji and I returned to the United States, and we started working on our relationship. It was not easy, and we had to have some tough conversations about trust and forgiveness. But, over time, we were able to rebuild our relationship and grow stronger as a couple.

Looking back, I realized that my affair with Lakunle was a wake-up call. It made me realize the importance of honesty and integrity in a relationship. It also made me appreciate the kind of man that Bolaji was, and how lucky I was to have him in my life. Bolaji had shown me that love is not just about finding the perfect person, but about finding someone who is willing to forgive and work through the tough times.

Today, Bolaji and I have been married for 10 years, and we have two beautiful children together. We still face challenges, but we face them together, with honesty and integrity. I often think about Lakunle and wonder what kind of person he has become. I hope he has found the same kind of redemption and forgiveness that I have found in my life.

Half a Dozen

For the life of me, I couldn’t fathom at first why dad use to say there’s a difference between six and half-of-a-dozen but now, it all adds up.

Lakunle and I were posted to Kaduna for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). I barely could pick him out at first as many of you know, orientation camp is where you will see many fine boys, as in; mouth-dropping-gorgeous dudes that gets us analyzing and giggling and investigating to find out if the guy is seeing someone. In some cases, some girls don’t even care if they are engaged or married; but that’s not me.

The last week at camp, I went for evening fellowship. Sitting next to me was Lakunle. I usually keep a straight face but his cologne was really good that I had to catch a glimpse. That glimpse was my undoing. I became so self-conscious and my imaginations did not help matters. I almost did not realize when service ended as I was in fantasy’s lane.

He gave me a nudge and held my hand as we sang “the family song”

“I love this family of God, so closely knitted into one, they have taken me into their arms and I’m so glad to be a part of this great family”. 

I lavished every single moment singing the song as it both made me feel relaxed and that he held my hand. That was how he did not let go of my hands. He said if I didn’t mind him buying me dinner at mami market; I obliged.

Few days to passing out, they already had a nickname for us; Jack & Jill. I was so into him that if my Jack literally fell down a hill, I would tumble after him. Everything was happening superfast but none of us was ready to reduce the pace.

We were out of camp on a Tuesday and he was posted to a different local government - 4 hours away from the state capital where I was. Saying goodbye felt like heartbreak. I sulked for three days stretch as I could barely even make any tear-free sentence when he called to check up on me.

Saturday morning, I heard voices saying Jack! Jack!! From a distance. I brushed it off as I thought my mind was playing a fast one on me. Someone knocked on my door and it was Lakunle. I was shocked and speechless as I felt my emotions gush like a fountain.

He dropped his bag, grabbed me and gave me a very long kiss. After we cooled down, he said he couldn’t stay any longer without seeing me and that he wants to move in with me. I said yes without hesitation but I was already battling with my conscience. I quickly excused myself to the bathroom. Looking at the mirror, I asked myself if I was ready for this.

My head knew I wasn’t, but my lust and emotions aided in drowning the voice of my conscience. That was how we stayed together for the whole service year. We exploited our bodies and whatever our hearts thought and set out to do, we did.

7 years later, we had long lost contact and all attempts to connect with each other prove abortive. I later went abroad for my masters and PHD. I got a job and a resident permit. I met this devout guy, Bolaji who worked in the same office I was but a different department. He was born in America and has only been to Nigeria just once as a child. He loves God and respected me. He proposed but I told him if we get married we will still come to Nigeria to do our traditional wedding. He agreed and we got married.

Three months later, we were in Nigeria for our traditional wedding in Lagos. We planned to have dinner with their family the night prior to the traditional wedding. We had started eating when Bolaji got a call. He told me he wanted to go show his step-brother in that was at the gate. He added they haven’t seen or heard for over 15 years and that he just got in from Germany on hearing the news. That he didn’t want to miss that.

Bolaji walked in giggling and holding on tightly to his brother only to discover it was Lakunle. I choked on the wine I was having on seeing him. While everyone motioned towards me, Lakunle was frozen and slowly took a sit at the table. Bolaji knew me well to figure out it was on seeing Lakunle that the whole thing happened. He also observed how I tried not to look at his brother.

It was bedtime when Bolaji walked into the room. He told me his brother said he couldn’t stay for the wedding anymore as something came up that he had to leave first thing tomorrow. That he couldn’t place why the sudden change of his brother’s attitude towards it and wasn’t saying much either.

I tried to hide the tears from my eyes but he noticed and asked me to tell him everything. I have never lied to my husband and didn’t know how I was going to get away being a very detailed man that he is.

For the life of me, I couldn’t fathom at first why dad use to say there’s a difference between six and half of a dozen but now it all adds up. He used to say the truth is absolute and anything that will make me ashamed to say it like it is, I should not be involved with it.

I told Bolaji everything but that changed everything thereafter.

3 days later...

We stayed a bit to spend some time with our families and visited some friends before we travelled back.

It was 13 hours of silence sitting next to Bolaji “my husband” on our way back to Houston after our traditional wedding. When I asked him what was on his mind, he’ll feign a smile and say “nothing”. Trust me all kinds of thoughts ran through my mind. I know that he’ll never hit me even if I solicit for it but I felt hitting me was somewhat better than this silent torture.

“Titi, we have landed” he said tapping my hands slightly. He did not allow me carry any of my hand luggages even when I insisted. When we got home, I was still very tired and sleepy. I sat on the couch in our living-room to remove my shoes. I slept off before I could remove the other pair of my shoes.

I heard knocking from a distance. I tried to compose myself after jolting from shock but it wasn’t working. The knock became closer. I heard it landing on the door where I was. I couldn’t really pay attention as I was trying to figure out what was happening. How did I get here? Whose nightwear am I wearing? The room was definitely not mine. “Room Service” was followed by the knock on the door again.

I could hear the shower running in the bathroom. “Bolaji is that you?” I called awaiting to get a response to calm me down. I heard mumblings from the bathroom and thought within myself, he definitely pulled a surprise for me.

I went to the door and it was the waiter with breakfast on a trolley. He greeted me with a smile and went straight to the table to set it up when I let him in. I caught a glimpse of the Hilton logo on his jacket and realized the hotel I was.

Was this another honeymoon or what? I was enjoying it but was still puzzled how the same person who didn’t speak to me all through is suddenly being overwhelmingly nice. Was happy to tag along hoping that I will get to know what was on his mind.

I lost touch of time and felt really famished. I already started helping myself with tea and the nicely prepared waffles when I noticed the shower stopped and the door opening. I was looking towards the door with a radiant smile to catch Bolaji’s gaze.

Jesus! I exclaimed with great trepidation. The waffles I had, feel off my mouth. This must be a dream! I said out loud “it can’t be”. It was Lakunle. He said I should take it easy that he will explain. “Explain what?” I quickly covered the exposed part of my thighs.

I was heading straight for the door but he got there before me, stretching his hands apart to stop me. I just wanted to get out but he wouldn’t let me. I threw things at him and tried to push my way through while putting up a good fight but he said I needed to hear him out, holding me firmly. That point I had a flash back and realized how I missed being in his arms but I knew this was trouble if I relaxed.

“Where is Bolaji?” “How did you get here?” “I saw you leave back in Nigeria” “How did you find me?” “Where is my husband? Where is Bolaji?” I asked all these questions one after the other in a loud voice. Lakunle kept insisting there’s something I needed to know.

I came out of his arms and told him I was listening. He told me he actually boarded the same plane with us but sat some rows behind so we couldn’t see him. That he wanted to know where I was staying in the US. “Are you kidding me? So where is my husband?” I interrupted.

He told me he was going to get there but I needed to listen. I was already getting visibly impatient. He said I was the cause of everything and that it wasn’t meant to have come this far but I indulged him. “Are you out of your mind? How can you put this on me? Weren’t you the one that came back to my room in Kaduna?” I asked furiously.

“Titi yes I came over but I couldn’t stand your tears over the phone. It felt like you were going to die and didn’t want that to be on my conscience. That’s why I am back to apologize to you in person. I really want more though but you are married to my brother and I do not intend to come between you.” I had this swell of emotions and wept uncontrollably for minutes.

He came closer to pat my back on the couch where I was sitting. Then he knelt down in front of me to hug me. At that point I couldn’t really resist. I was too emotionally drained to fight back. I just needed some comfort and his came in very handy.

“I held on to him so tightly like he shouldn’t let go. The chemistry between us still

remained a mystery. While the thoughts of kissing him crossed my mind, he was already making a move. We started kissing but then I stopped immediately and told him I needed to use the bathroom.

I went straight to the mirror in the bathroom. Looking at myself I said almost inaudibly “Lakunle, this feels both right and wrong especially as I’m now married; married to your brother. But how can my past feel like a future at the same time? I’ve been through this path before and I am even yet to make things right. Titi you will be strong and you will fight for what is right. Dear Lord Jesus, I can’t do this on my own. I need your grace to help me through this to your praise and glory, Amen”

I washed my face afterwards and had my hair packed. Stepping out of the room he was already lying on the bed and had removed the towel he had on. I so wanted him my emotions echoed. I walked towards him slowly and covered him with the duvet. I told him that can wait and asked where Bolaji was. “In the hospital” he replied angrily. “He came out to greet your neighbor across your street and a bike hit him. I rushed him to the hospital and came for you afterwards”.

I fought the emotions and tears that was already swelling up within me. Which of the hospitals? “I want to see him right away” I spoke to him softly but couldn’t fight the tears this time. He put on his clothes immediately and said he was going to take me there. I got dressed as well and we left.

On getting to his ward, I met a doctor in the room. I introduced myself and asked how he was. The doctor said he has been stabilized but will be in the hospital for some days as he suffered some severe bruises. The doctor stepped out while I sat next to him. I held his hands and told him I was sorry while sobbing continuously until I dozed off. Lakunle had left by the time I woke up.

Bolaji was discharged 4 days later and I was supposed to resume back at the office the following day (Valentine’s Day) as our leave days had ended. The past two weeks felt like two years. I was not looking forward to tomorrow’s goodies like Bolaji usually spoil me with knowing he was just out from the hospital.

Walking into my office, the scent of freshly cut roses gave me a warm welcome. Next to the flower on my table was a beautiful cake and a lovely wrapped box. How did Bolaji pull this one off? I thought within myself. Opening the small card on the rose I saw “Courtesy Jack”. Seeing that ruined my whole mood immediately.

There was another note on the box with his hotel room number, 7pm and a concluding note ...the final goodbye... I was livid and looking forward to closing out on this chapter. I had my colleague Neye share the cake to the rest of my colleagues, and gave every member of my team a stem of rose flower. No one asked questions as it was my culture; sharing things. I was thankful but skeptical if Lakunle was going to be gone for good.

I was at his hotel room door exactly 6:59pm. As I was about knocking, Lakunle opened the door. He wanted to hug me but I quickly walked past and went straight to the chair and sat down. He asked if I cared for a drink and I accepted. He asked why I was smiling and that he wasn’t expecting I show up. I said but I’m here. I got a call and all I responded was “yes”. He asked who that was, and I said never mind and asked why he wanted to see me.

There was a knock on the door, and I asked if he ordered for anything. He said no but let him check. Opening the door he saw Bolaji. He was frozen and almost didn’t want him to come in. I stood up and went to Hug Bolaji. I told him he was just in time. Lakunle couldn’t understand what was going on. “Titi told me everything and I really didn’t expect you to stoop so low” Bolaji said. I never saw Lakunle that abased. He was so embarrassed and broke into tears. He knelt down and asked us to forgive him. Bolaji looked at me waiting for my approval because he knew how hurt I was from everything that transpired. I accepted.

Bolaji told him to stand up that we have forgiven him. Lakunle never bothered me again.

See Half a Dozen Part 2 

http://asorhoyoma.blogspot.com/2023/02/half-dozen-part-2.html 

Crossroads

Angela

"Give me another chance, I'll be better for you. I'll give you anything, I mean, if there anything beyond everything, I'll give you if you just stay with me. I've loved no other but you please don't close the door of your heart towards me. I'll be empty and broken if you go away. I don't even know if I'd be able to love without you..."

That was my very lines when Steven called it quit. I gave him my heart and my body and with that breakup, he almost took my soul along. I feel this hole inside and  I don't know what I can do to fill it up. After Steven, there was Femi, Chinedu and Ahmed. They gave me money, good clothes, bags, shoes, phones... Ahmed even bought me a car but I feel even emptier afterwards as none of those things could make me feel complete. I'm still searching for the right one...

Jacob

I have heard my folks say repeatedly I must not end up like my neighbors children. To me, these guys had it all. They did anything their hearts wanted. They hold a party every weekend in their house that attracts all the prettiest girls in town. I never thought I was missing anything at first as my parents could afford anything I wanted. I have gone to the top ten countries for vacation repeatedly. I'm friends with several senior citizens - Governors, Senators, Ambassadors etc. sons and daughters. We either attend the same schools or we happen to see where we spend the holidays. The ladies tell me I'm a really nice guy but that's pretty much about it. I feel so unwanted and unloved. I'm caught up in the "nice guy's" dilemma and I know I'm done with it. I really want more and I'm searching for the right one.

Angela

I was shortlisted for one of the girls considered to represent my state on campus. They took us to a hotel where the first screening was to be done. I have never been in an aircraft before. It was like what we see in movies; a fleet of SUVs drove into our hostel to take us straight to the airport that evening as we were going with the 8:45pm flight. A girl coming from a very humble background celebrated in this fashion? It was not even a dream come true. How could I even have such dreams when my dad only owns an okada. We only had an opportunity to ride with him once every six months because I had 5 siblings and each get the biking privilege monthly, making it twice a year. After we returned from the first stage where I overall first and got a deal for the national pageant screening; my classmates could barely recognise me. I changed my hostel to a private one outside campus. I did not even pick a single thing from my former room. To me, I was done with that life and nothing was going to take me back there. I first sent N30k to my family. I had earlier told them that I got a job alongside my studies. It was like Christmas came early in July. I can remember the joyful expressions on their faces. I really looked forward to being the one who will sustain that joy in my home. From N30k to N50k then to N100k but by then, I was doing private pageant for those who could afford to pay. My family moved to a new apartment by December of that the same year. It was the best Christmas we had since I became aware of the celebration.

For the first time in 2 years, I did not send any money home. My folks felt so uneasy. It was like they had never experienced not having before now. My mother told me, I couldn't afford to stop and whatever I needed to do to keep the money coming in, I had her permission. Sadly it was just when I decided to be done with that life, mom's pressure won't let me make a clean part as I don't want to be responsible for them to go back to the slum. Who will help me? Can't someone decent just come into my life so all these can change?

2 years after, I was done with my NYSC program when I met Jacob. He told me I was beautiful and that I was his delight. He assured me no one could ever take my place in his heart. Those were the most beautiful, sweet and kind words I heard the 30 years of my life. Could he be the one I've been searching for?

Jacob

I just turned 37 years and my eldest son is 4 years old while the other one is 2 years old. My 5 years old marriage feels like 2 decades. My wife and I have tried to make the experience beautiful and evolving but I feel tired already. I wish I was not known in my church, I would have filed for a divorce. I feel I'm missing something. Maybe I did not choose rightly. I imagine every other lady being better than my wife sometimes. She has become so withdrawn to everyone including me. I've tried to help her deal with her past but it does not last for long. I know I had a part to play looking for love in all the wrong places in abid to belong by all means. It's either I live with it or leave the church. I'll keep low for a while then part ways with her. My attempt to be better for her makes it worse. Maybe we are not good enough for each other as it appears. It's tiring to imagine getting back into the vicious cycle of searching for the right one as against being the right one.

Count Down

Three: I’m not sure about the definition of reality.

I once heard first-born is a synonym for responsibilities but my immediate elder sister is a carefree-goddess. The only world she recognizes is the one in her head. Growing together enabled me to understand the relationship between the sun and the other planet – everything revolves around her.

I also learned last-born kids are often pampered. They get away with anything but I am actually not sure to what extent. I breastfed my immediate younger brother till he was one year old while I was in high school. I had to take up part-time weekend jobs to cater for his basic needs. Tomorrow he turns 7

Two: At what point is water thicker than blood?

We are not fatherless if that’s what you thought. My friend calls her dad superman. I have two dads yet I play the character of wonder woman having to shoulder the responsibilities of my mother. It sometimes appears I am father less.

Step dad offered to take care of my siblings and I. Relief right? I was the only one who accepted his offer. He is soft spoken, generous, devout and easy going. Everytime I hear him say I still love you; I never succeed in holding back my tears. The weight of each drop exceeds the blood of my biological dad.

One: The crossroad when right becomes wrong.

What do I see when I look into the mirror? Strong, independent and bluntly naïve lady who hardly ever breaks a sweat. My reflection is karma.  My life would have passed for a reincarnation but I am alive as well as my loving mother. Initially I could not understand how my uncle could be mother’s brother and her son as well.

Grand dad passed on the eve of my uncle’s 7^th birthday, thanks to my mother. I remember the footnote she added on my 21^st birthday card

…every seven year is an opportunity for perfection, a time to make every wrong, right…

I went over to my biological dad’s place to be the first to wish my brother a happy birthday on the morrow and most importantly to make the right thing wrong unknowing to anyone.

11:58pm, I woke daddy from his deep slumber on the very same couch of my dilema. His eyes opened as though he was going to breathe his last. When I told him I forgave him and like step dad would say in a very gentle tone; and I still love you; tears streaked down his eyes like a baby.

Courage may not always be courageous but I’ve seen how it transformed the heart of a fully formed man and most importantly, me. 

Scented Roses

Growing up as a child, one of the cherished moments was walking home in the evening.

The cool breeze bearing gently the fragrance of the scented flower within our premises

It saturates the street and your nostrils with every step that takes you closer and closer home.

With no words spoken, it oozes tons of unreserved affection to everyone around

No pride nor prejudice – old, young, male, female, dark or light skinned; it’s gracious to all

Varying seasons - Rain, Cold, Dry or Hot, their fragrance is always very reliable.

Thinking about it simply brings a smile to my face even through the years.

Loving without holding back, giving so much when having little or nothing

Your friendship is as a clear as Crystal Sea and refreshing as the desert oasis

You’ve earned the medal to be christened the field of scented roses…