By Habeeb Olokooba
I wasn’t informed that I left home so I could return to reciprocate the shelter it (home) gave me. It is basic. The echoes of the reality in my abode are ebullient enough, to pass the message: loud and clear.
Like myriads of other Danfodites from humble families like mine, the story is the same. traveling over 600 miles away from home is no child’s play. Yet, our voyages might seem alike, but our paths are different. It’s not easy building without a helper. The prophecy of what the conceived tomorrow contains leaves us with sad hearts. Our parents are expecting excellence cum upliftment from a wretched life: retirement from the job they took up decades back.
Poverty! Really a serial ailment. Nothing seems to work out in penury: your garri will never rise, your toothpaste will finish, and you will be all moody and sad. Wealth is the only cure. Though sad, slum is the condition of where most of us come from. Yet, we are to be grateful at all times. Some don’t even have a home to return to. While others do not even have the luxury to go home. Reality check.
When I see Danfodites cheering about the thought of going home, I smiled. But then it came to my mind “Have we thought about those who have no home to return to? What about those that were consumed on the rough road?” or did we just choose not to pay attention to them? Well maybe people will always be hurt regardless of what we do. Life.
A thorough look at my mom: I saw a tired woman, pale in the eye, her shrill voice getting sullen as day went by, but wouldn’t express her weakness. She is doing everything to make us stand. In the field of parenthood, the cost is now expensive. Even the staple food for the poor has ceased to be called so. Luxury. And in reality, nothing really matters other than retiring her. Dad is no more and the burden hasn’t gotten flimsier since then. Thank God she lives. Grateful.
On this rough road, I have learned that things will get tough for some people, harsh like they offend God. It will be easy for some like they have bribed God. And it’s all fine, life goes on. On this road, some will pass, some will die, but it is still nice. People will be happy and people will be sad. Just do you and be happy. The goal is to change the situation at home for good. And for those without a home, May the Almighty bestow you the ability to build lovely family for your issues. Something, which you didn’t enjoy as a kid.