Happy Birthday Mama

Mama

It takes a whole village, says a Yoruba proverb, to raise a child. In my case, I think it is taking the whole of ECOWAS to raise me. I am, perhaps, the only person with a Nigerian root and foster branches all across West Africa. I have a Nigerian Mother, a Ghanaian Mother, an Ivorian Mother etc. and that means I have families in all these areas.

Today, I wish to pay homage to my Ivorian Mother. The woman behind the little broken French I speak. She is an Ivorian and as you would expect, had problems speaking the English. In order to communicate well with her, I had to force myself to speaking the French. Although I have not made much significant improvement, she thinks I am doing great. I can say unambiguously that she loves me as her son. I do love her too as a mother.

I think my love for her is stronger than the love her daughter Esther has for high-hill-shoes and selfies. It is stronger than the love her son Daniel has for “Mallam.” It is stronger than the love her grandson Emmanuel has for “Kalypo”. This unexplainable love is fueled by few things we have in common. Example, her birthday is 14 days away from my biological mother’s birthday. Her love for music is equal to none etc.

She is a woman of great worth. She’s a mother who is ever alacritous and ready to open her door to you any time, share with you whatever she has whether big or small. Because of her, I am an adopted Ivorian. Her kitchen skills are so excellent that I found it so hard to resist her food. She is ever ready to prepare any food for me especially delicious Ivorian dishes. Her name is Marguerite but tenderly called Mama. 

Motherhood is a divine role and I can say that Mama is playing it divinely well. When the June 3^rd disaster happened in Ghana, my apartment was flooded. Mama came without any qualms, eviscerated, washed, and kept my things in order. I am so grateful to Mama for her love, care, support, and prayers for me. Things would be impeccable if I become her son in-law J'ai essayé que si mais cette porte est fermée.

Mama is woman of strong faith. Her love for God influences all she does. It is only once Mama gave a shot prayer in family home evening. Her prayers are usually long and she would mention the names of all in the room in her prayers. It’s isn’t surprising to hear her grandson praying like that. What a great example.

Mama as you celebrate your birthday, it is my prayer that God will continue to bless you with good health, sound mind, and Beaucoup de petits-enfants. You would live to enjoy the many sacrifices you make for your children and all around you. Et que Dieu fournisse des moyens pour que deux mille dix-sept, nous voyagions en Côte d'Ivoire. Happy Birthday Mama.