I am convinced that I am not the only one who would always fall into the traps set by parents when we were kids. I was four when as usual, I became a victim of their tricks. My mom would start her nursing studies in a few weeks hence the need for her to send me to the rural areas where I would stay with my grandmother till further notice. Knowing fully well that I was not too fond of the rural areas, mama had to use my favourite auntie as bait, and I fell for it.
The journey was enjoyable as I was of the notion that we were visiting, then from there, we would proceed to my auntie’s. The first two weeks were a lot of fun with a lot of activities. The joy of the so-called short vacation in the rural areas was short-lived when one day, I woke up to the news that my auntie had gone back to the city. She had left whilst I was in the dreamland. Once again, I got tricked.
However, grandma came to my aid by comforting me. She would pamper me with my favourite snacks, and together we would play games and all. Our bond became strong. She became my emergency contact and teacher of unconditional love. I would find myself sharing the good and bad news with her first, and she was the best in comforting me when needed.
Grandma was my biggest motivator, she took pride in all my successes. She filled a void, and I am so grateful to her.
At my early ages, especially in rural areas/village, grandmothers played an important role in assisting mothers to raise kids. This boost from our grandmothers causes high life expectancy to humans, according to scientists. They are fountains of wisdom, continued patience and affection. These gifts from grandmothers still dwell in some of us today.
Grandma was someone who spoke love and demonstrated it in every aspect of her life. Indeed, she was my teacher on unconditional love and fountain of wisdom which is even helping me now. I still remember how she helped people and would give even to those who did not appreciate. From that, I learnt that love is an attitude, a nature that comes from the Spirit and passes through the soul then revealed via the body through conversation and actions. One of the statements she used to tell me that continues to ring in my mind whenever I see someone in need is that I could be famous and travel around the world, but If I do not love right, it doesn’t mean a thing. Being my greatest cheerleader, she taught me to treat everyone with respect regardless of their status in society.
Apart from all the love my grandma taught and poured on me, she taught me important lessons on leadership that I would later grasp when I got the opportunity to lead. My grandma was a fantastic chef, mainly on traditional meals, and she would put in a lot of effort preparing food for every person. I observed something from her whenever we were eating; she would serve everyone first and herself last. From that questionable gesture, I learnt that I should put others first and a leader who inspires sacrifice themself for the improvement of those they lead.
With all these lessons from grandma, I am so grateful for the amazing love. Her gifts shaped me, and I will continually celebrate her.
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