When I was younger, my family and I lived in a particularly unique neighborhood. It was a neighborhood filled mostly with people who can be categorized as middle and low economic class. I loved the neighborhood because of the level of cooperation and the community lifestyle. We were more like one big family.
It was a neighborhood where one neighbor would usually look out for the other neighbor's child. There were barely any crimes, and if there was a need to cooperate to achieve something, the occupants would cooperate to ensure it is done.
One family in particular was dearly loved by the community. It was the Obis. Mr Obi and his wife were the sweetest couple. They were involved in every activity that was beneficial to the neighborhood. If there was a problem with electricity supply, or security, or anything at all, Mr Obi and his wife were always involved to make sure such problems were solved.
Mr Obi was literally in every committee formed in the neighborhood to ensure that things moved smoothly. Every festive season like Christmas, Mr Obi would buy two or more goats which would be killed in order to make a wonderful meal for the neighborhood. Christmas was always a feast at the Obi residence for everyone in the neighborhood. It was a time for everyone to have fun, discuss and bond more.
One thing stood out when it came to the Obis. After 5 years of marriage, they didn't have a child. Mr Obi usually dismissed it by saying they weren't ready for a child yet, but most people in the neighborhood saw it as a weak excuse.
Mrs Obi was always sweet with other kids. Most times, she would gather the kids of other neighbors and buy them toys. She would also give them food. Everyone saw that she was excellent with kids. The only thing left was kids of her own, and I could tell everyone in the community wished for her kids of her own.
One afternoon, as I sat in front of my house, I saw Mrs Obi walk past. There was a little bump on her belly. I looked at her better to be sure of what I saw. I quickly turned to look at my mom who sat next to me and also saw what I saw. She had the same look of wonder on her as I did.
"Mrs Obi is pregnant" I said in excitement.
"Yes, I think so too” My mom replied.
Within a week, the news had spread in the neighborhood that Mrs Obi was pregnant. I could tell that everyone was happy for her. I was too. I couldn't wait for the baby to arrive.
Months went by and Mrs Obi's belly grew bigger. One day, Mr Obi drove back home in haste. He was in a hurry to enter his house. A minute later, he came out with Mrs Obi who appeared to be in labour. He managed to get her in the car and they drove off. Everyone in the neighborhood was waiting patiently for the news of her giving birth. Soon, Mr Ken, who was very close to the Obis , shouted with joy. He had just confirmed that Mrs Obi gave birth to twin boys. There was widespread celebration in the neighborhood.
We had a tradition of pouring powder on the head of the man whose wife just gave birth. It was a way of celebrating the child's arrival. Everyone got their powders ready, waiting for Mr Obi to come back from the hospital.
As soon as he came back to the neighborhood to pick up some supplies for his wife who was still in the hospital, everyone welcomed him.
"Congratulations, you're now a father. I'm happy for you" my dad said as he gave Mr Obi a handshake.
"Thank you sir" Mr Obi replied.
Mr Obi received many congratulations that day, and he knew there was a baptism of powder coming. Everyone who was around took turns pouring as much powder as they could on him. I, too, had my turn to pour some powder on him. That was just the beginning of the celebration.
The next day, Mrs Obi was back home with the babies. I remember dragging my mom to go see the babies
"Mummy, Mrs Obi and the twins are here. Let's go and pay them a visit" I said.
"You're in too much of a hurry. They just arrived. Wait for them to settle in" My mom replied.
We waited for a while and then we went to visit them. Mrs Obi looked healthy and strong. The twins were so cute and handsome.
The arrival of those babies was a source of happiness, not just for the Obis who were very loved, but also for the entire neighborhood.
