Gratitude in Nigeria

 

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates vision for tomorrow- Inerspace.
Being a good guy as mama would want was not very easy. Her ideas were considered archaic and ludicrous until recently when I realised that those ideas were to prepare me for the responsibilities in the future. Mum and Dad has always wanted the best for me but somehow, I was not giving my best. We lived few streets from my grandma whom we fondly called Nene.
I was busy on a sunny Sunday afternoon in the kitchen in November 2005. The heat was much and the sun happily smiled all the way. We have had power failure in our town for two weeks. I had to pull my shirt because of the heat and I also wanted to wash plates. Mum came Cunningly and gave me a slap that sent waves through my spines because I have missed the Sunday mass. The ceramic plate in my hand fell to the floor and was shattered. Mum simultanously gave me the beating of my life. The punishment for this was to go without supper. Although, I knew I must take supper if dad comes around. Mum was still very angry with me so I had to flee for safety. I soon found myself in the next two or three streets in Nene’s house my grand mum.
Granny was happy to see me but since I came alone, she knew that if it is not a message from mum, then all is not very well. Nene was fond of yam porridge which she always added vegetable. She had a vegetable farm at the back of her small house. She made arrangement to prepare the porridge which I also ate with relish. Nene is fond of stories especially when she talks on gratitude. She will always tell us that it was because of her gratitude that made her mother in-law introduced her son to her who is my grandfather. Though I never knew him. Sad!
Soon the porridge was ready and as nene would always do, she presents you with a small portion. If you eat and grumble that would be your meal for the time been. If you eat and appreciates her, she tells you were she kept the pot so you could go and serve yourself. When the little portion came as asual, I ate and thanked Nene and she in turn showed me were she kept the pot. I got more ate to my satisfaction and finally slept off until in the night when mum came around to look for me because I had to go to school early the next morning for morning functions.
Gradually as life unfolds, I realised to be a man is not a days job and all the hard work of mum payed off. She is a supper human. Nene always wanted me to grow up and become responsible. Thanks a million to Nene though she died few years ago. I have always felt strong, inspired and hopeful. Although things are not working all well now, I know it is a matter of time.
I finally got admission to a state university and realised I have learnt so much from mum, dad and nene. This enhanced my relationship with my lecturers, course mates and all. Surprisingly, very recently, I realised that all my room mates are gradually taking after me and would appreciate every little thing no mater how little.
Thanks to dad, mum, nene and all those who contributed to my success. You have made me a pace-setter. This character developed over time, has and still inspires me, making me stronger and hopeful.

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