One time I asked her, "Mama, why do you stress yourself washing bitter leaf, why not just cook egusi that is easier?" She laughed and said, "My child, life is bitter like onugbu. If you wash it well, patiently, the bitterness will go and it will become sweet. That is how you must handle life." Since that day, I never forgot that lesson.

Your mother taught you an excellent lesson using a beautiful metaphor. It is a wonderful reminder of how to handle life.

              !LADY 

!ALIVE
!HEARTBEAT
!BBH
!INDEED