TAI 26, LAGOS

I bought flowers for my mom for the first time during my final year exams as a way to show my appreciation for everything she has done for me and my twin brother.

 

I come from a polygamous home; my dad had five wives and countless children. Some of them I didn’t even know until his funeral, when we all came together to lay him to rest. My dad was a kind man; he took care of all of us to the best of his abilities and always ensured peace among his wives and children.

 

One thing I dearly miss from my childhood in Ibadan is listening to my dad’s stories every evening after dinner. My dad always had captivating tales to tell, particularly about the animal kingdom. All of us, his children, and even the neighborhood kids, would gather around my dad as he sat on mats, sometimes with our mothers joining in too.

 

I recall how tranquil and serene our compound used to be, illuminated by the moonlight, with a gentle evening breeze caressing our skin and the faint chirping of crickets outside our enclosure. I miss those times, gazing at the moon and stars, admiring their beauty and brilliance in the night sky.

 

After my father’s passing, my mom relocated us from Ibadan to Lagos to ensure we received a proper education and a better life than what we were accustomed to. It was a challenging journey for her. She sold bottled water and soft drinks during the day and cooked fries at night, all to ensure we could eat and go to school, even on her weakest days.

 

The day following my final exam, my thoughts dwelled on my incredible mother, and I wanted to find a way to truly express my gratitude for the hardships and sacrifices she endured to provide for us.

 

After much contemplation, I settled on giving her flowers. I know what you might be thinking—flowers for an African mother, who might prefer fabrics or edible items. But I wanted to offer something unexpected, something she wouldn’t have considered.

 

So, I procured the flowers and hastened to her shop, elated at the prospect of seeing her delighted by the beautiful yellow roses I had chosen for her.

 

Upon my arrival at her shop, she was tending to a customer, so I went to her office and patiently waited. Over time, circumstances improved for us, and my mom opened a sizable convenience store in Ikoyi. Eventually, when she finished, she came to her office, embraced me tightly as if we hadn’t seen each other for years, and offered her congratulations.

 

Then, I disclosed that I had a gift for her. Initially smiling, she transitioned to a more serious expression and said in Yoruba, “Kosi owo” (I don’t have money), explaining that she had just paid the rent. I remained silent and fetched the flowers, presenting them to her.

 

As she smiled and examined the blooms, she remarked, “Aren’t these the same ones we see on TV and with those famous people?” I confirmed and added that they were fresh flowers. She continued to study them and humorously said in the local dialect, “Wetin you want this time, this one na bribery o, i no get money” (What do you want this time, this seems like bribery, I don’t have money). I assured her that I wasn’t seeking anything in return; I simply wished to convey my gratitude for everything she had done for me and my brother.

 

With her arms wide open, she rose from her chair, a broad smile on her face. She embraced and kissed me on the cheek and offered her prayers. Then she requested that I take pictures of her with the flowers, expressing her desire for her friends to see.

 

 

This is Adekunle Taiye

A Business Expert

August 19th 2023