As the day goes, and evening be fast approaching, we would all look forward to the fun we would be having later that night. The harmattan breeze, always at that time of the year, reminding us it's Christmas, would add Flavour to all we will be doing.
With the half crescent moon being the major source of light, we would all gather under the big baobab tree. This tree has practically grown with every member of the family. Me, my siblings and cousins, we would take turns to tell stories of our various activities in the cities. Of course, everyone has a story to tell. Some sweet and some sad. Most times dad would join us and tell us stories of his time as a young man, especially his escapades during the war.
But Then It's Christmas
Christmas was always fun for everyone in my family. It was always a time to play catch up. With everyone coming from different parts of the country, the village has always been the destination for us. There is this cultural group that goes from house to house, village to village, dancing and singing for money. My cousins being good dancers were always part of them. They are glorious to watch. I always look forward to seeing them every Christmas I travel home. For me, they are one of the highlights of the festivity.
Sadly a lot has happened over the years.
It's been four years now and I have not been to the village. Believe me, I have not seen my siblings in that four years. Same with my cousins and relatives. I don't know if the baobab tree is still there. I really hope it is.
Unfortunately we had lost dad and one of the major reason why we loved going home had died with him. Mum has been staying with her daughters(our sisters). Alternating her visits among the three of them. This has further killed any urge to travel home. Perhaps if she had agreed to stay in the village, we would have found another reason to go there. But she has not.
As I sit here reminiscing about how it used to be every Christmas, particularly under the baobab tree, I have but one wish. I wish DAD was still alive. So you know, dad has always been a unifying factor for us all. He is the centre of everything.
I speak to my siblings and mum every now and then, but like I said, I have not seen any of them in 4 years. It hurts so much. As they are all scattered all over the country . The security situation on our roads has made traveling by road so risky. I would really love to spend this Christmas with them.
I miss the festivity, the walks along the village paths under the moon light. The village harmattan. The village maidens, lol. Honestly, I would do anything to be with all my siblings under one roof again. My nephews and nieces would have grown so big, can't wait to see them again. I wonder how tall our last born is now, he is probably taller than I am. If only dad was... .
There are wishes you know are practically impossible to come true, but you still go ahead to wish them all the same. All being said, I wish my dad was still alive. A lot would have naturally fallen in place.