I haven’t published anything in a while although I never stopped journaling/writing. Putting thoughts to paper is kinda my thing. Lol. I couldn’t stop even if I tried. Forgive me, because seeing that it’s been a while, this will be a fairly long post.

I love the fact that I can articulate my thoughts and my experiences; sharing my life through print. More importantly, I am very grateful that I get to live a life surrounded by real people who touch my life in no small way. Having an online family is oh so great but I beseech us to ensure that we cultivate our ‘offline’ relationships. They have a tangibility to it that is undeniably and unquestionably deep.

As we welcomed the New Year, my husband, a friend turned sister and I, took my father to the National Theatre to go watch a life play, titled ‘Aare Ona Kakanfo’. Just a few months earlier, my dad had a fall in the bathroom which led to a concussion, series of blood transfusions and a mild stroke. A silver lining followed that dark cloud and within months of the incident, he was practically back on his feet.  Following the ordeal, my siblings and I decided it was best for him to stay with me for some time to enable him recuperate while having some medical checks done. Taking him to watch a live play seemed like an optimistic and great way to start the year.

We chatted and reminisced as we made our way to the theatre. With little or no traffic, we got there in record time. The show did not start at the slated time but we were undeterred as we had made up our minds to enjoy our outing. Good thing, we had also packed up a few snacks and drinks for the trip. We chatted some more and took loads of silly pictures while we waited for the show to begin.

Begin it did, although almost two hours after the scheduled time. It was a well written and presented play. The story line, drama presentation, staging and overall production was a testament to the calibre of talents that this country has. It was a fresh of breath air to see actors across varying generations take their crafts very seriously, enjoy themselves on stage and deliver their best with such finesse and professionalism. The energy in the room was lit and the vibes very positive as they delivered a very engaging and believable performance. Oh I enjoyed every single bit! My father was filled with nostalgia and gratitude. Everyone was happy. 

Valentine day seemed to come in earlier this year; as it was before us just a few weeks after we ushered in the New Year.

In celebration of the season and what it represents, a dear cousin of mine, sent us tickets to go watch a Nigerian live play/musical at the MUSON centre, titled ‘Beautiful Wilderness’. Only my dad and I honoured the invitation as it was an opportunity to have a father-daughter time. Our drive to the centre afforded us time to talk and laugh.

We were immersed in the richness of the story and watched the play with rapt attention. We were spell bound by the acting prowess of many of the actors as they commanded the stage; working it like the professionals they were. Their voices brought chills as they sang. It did not feel like a play; for it felt like we were in a world so true, one carefully constructed to speak to each and every heart present in the theatre. They told their story with conviction, sensitivity, humour and finesse.

When the play was over, I literally coerced my dad to take a picture with me at the event to serve as a record of our valentine day date. Heck, I bet that even my mum and husband would be jealous for being left out. Moments like these may come and go but they sure stay with us for a lifetime.

Again, as mentioned at the beginning of this piece, I want to challenge us to build better interactions, treasure the people in our lives; taking time to tend and nurture the various types of relationships and associations we have.

I have a lot of love in my heart for you, yes you!