“Sam, how are you doing? Do you remember me?” I really tried not to act embarrassed when this young man, who is clearly older than I am, approached me pleasantly. After noticing the smile on his face as I couldn’t respond to either of his questions, I knew the cat and the bag were very far from each other. “I know you can’t remember my face, but the moment I saw you, I knew it was you.” Uncle Tosin is my mentor’s first child, and I was specially invited to grace his mother’s birthday party (my mentor’s wife). He’s been out of the country, and we haven’t seen for over 25 years. After he introduced himself, I felt like someone tapped me back to reality! “Could this really be him?!” I thought to myself. It was a pleasant surprise, which I never expected!
I had a different plan for Christmas, but I had no choice but to achieve some and postpone others as I juggled between work and demands from my loved ones. A surprise party was held at my parents' residence even before December 25, 2023. It was strictly for the kids and grandchildren, no outsiders, and it was fun. But my mentor’s wife’s party, which took place yesterday, December 28, was another funny and well-crowded event. However, I had to shuffle between attending the party and being available at work. At some point, we danced. Like a subtle warning and reminder, my head kept telling me to take things easy because I haven’t had rest in a while. This week has been hectic, but thank God for the achievements and much more the fun!
Uncle Tosin escorted me to his dad’s room, my mentor, to review the plan for the birthday party. We already had a meeting where we drew out the plans, programs, and all that was required for the event, but that was done in Uncle Tosin’s absence. The celebrant, my mentor’s wife, couldn’t hide her excitement as she rained prayers and motherly affection on me. It’s her 70th birthday, and just like my mom, she was so lively and emotional at the same time. “May you also grow old to see your children’s children and celebrate more blessed years, my dear,” were the words of the celebrant among other prayers and kind words. “Sam, Sam! God bless you for coming; I’m glad you could finally make it o,” were the additional words of the celebrant’s husband, my mentor. After identifying the loose ends, we all went downstairs to check on the progress of things.
The major fun for me at this party was reconnecting with several people I had lost contact with. People I haven’t seen in at least a decade, a score or more, were all right in front of me, basking with energy and life as we caught up on old memories and funny events in the past. Although the event was more crowded than we expected. “Sam, how many drinks and water do we need to buy?” Uncle Tosin inquired. “I’ll check and get back. Let me check the room to see how many we have left.” This was one of the break in fun moments that periodically emerged, and I had to deal with them as people kept trooping in.
Like a sweet dream one would never want to wake up from, I kept enjoying every bit of the event. From the dance to the gist with old folks, the lovely comments about the celebrant, jokes, cutting of the cake, and lots more, I really enjoyed every bit of the event as much as I could. However, the whole fun was short-lived as duty calls! I had to leave the event for work. But the memories created will stay forever!