Lots of love

  What a day it’s been in the cozy city of Abuja! With the weather sitting at a crisp 24°C and rain coming down like it’s auditioning for the next Noah’s Ark reboot, it’s the perfect day to snuggle up with a hot cup of tea or coffee, a cozy blanket, and a book or movie that sweeps you off to another world. But don’t go asking if I actually did any of that I’m keeping the mystery alive!

Now, let's talk about what’s been on my mind today: jollof rice and beans. Not just any jollof, mind you, but the kind that’s so rich with onions, tomatoes, and enough “animals” (you know, the good stuff chicken, beef, fish, whatever your heart desires) that you can practically hear them mooing or clucking their approval. Ah, the simple joys of life! Well the things my imagination do to me with food.

But before I get too lost in the deliciousness of jollof, let me move on to the real reason for this post: gratitude. Today, I’m feeling especially grateful for my parents. Yes, both of them are still alive and kicking, and for that, I praise the Almighty. Their presence in my life is like that comforting, warm bowl of jollof rice on a rainy day always there to fill me with love and keep me going.

Speaking of warmth and comfort, I’ve got to tell you about this pigeon that’s taken up residence on my window. She’s been there for a while now, turning my window into her personal maternity ward. She laid her eggs and has been diligently sitting on them, keeping them warm and safe. Sometimes I wonder if she ever sneaks off for a quick snack I mean, I haven’t seen the male pigeon dropping by with takeout, so who’s feeding her? My human instincts are kicking in here, and I can’t help but wonder.

Today, I discovered that she’s finally hatched her eggs! I was over the moon, practically shouting “Congratulations!” like she could actually hear me. Yep, that’s me, talking to myself and to birds typical. But honestly, it made my day. There I was, doing my laundry, with one eye on my washing and the other on my new pigeon family. I wished I could give her some food, but there’s a net on the window acting as a barrier between us, so all I could do was watch and cheer her on.

Even in the rain, she flew off to get food for her babies. When she came back, she found them fast asleep, and she started making this little noise like she was trying to wake them up. At first, I panicked, thinking maybe they’d fallen out of the nest my motherly instincts kicking in, of course. But no, they were just peacefully napping, and she was doing her best to get them to eat. It was so cold that she eventually gave up and snuggled them under her feathers, keeping them warm and safe.

In that moment, all I could think about was my parents and how they must have cared for me when I was a helpless infant, completely at their mercy. I’m so grateful for the sacrifices they made, for the sleepless nights, and the countless ways they put my needs before their own just to see a smile on my face.

I’m also grateful for the values they instilled in me like contentment. I remember one time I borrowed a scarf from a childhood friend, and my mum, well, let’s just say she wasn’t too pleased. She gave me a good talking about appreciating what I have and not looking elsewhere for more. Omo, that lesson stuck with me like glue! Since then, I’ve made it a point to be content with what I have and to find joy in the simple things.

My parents have shown me love and kindness in more ways than I can count, and they’ve taught me to spread that love and kindness to others. Whether it’s through their words, their actions, or just the way they’ve lived their lives, they’ve been my greatest teachers.

So today, as I watch this little pigeon family grow, I’m reminded of how blessed I am to have my parents in my life. Their love is like that warm blanket on a rainy day, and their guidance is like a well-cooked pot of jollof nourishing, comforting, and always just what I need.

If this post made you smile, think of your own parents, or even crave some jollof, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your family and friends, and let’s spread the gratitude. And hey, I’d love to hear your thoughts drop a comment below and tell me about a moment when you felt especially grateful for your loved ones. Let's keep the conversation going!