this book has really blessed me.it has opened my eyes spiritually. God bless Rick Warren for using this book to bless the lives of many. The book is powerful and insightful. Before I read this book,I had little knowledge on purpose.I didn’t clearly know why I exist as a child of God.yes…iam a believer but, with little wisdom about my purpose on earth. I recommend this book to many.trust me,you won’t regret reading it.
Its time to go home..,pick up the baskets and other stuff we’ve got..(children running and screaming).
Hey mum, can we stay a little please(child frowning and puting on some facial expressions). Oh no darling, we really need to go. (Child still insisting) Come oh..you no hear wetin I talk? (Sounds like a typical Nigerian mum)
We’ve been family friends with the Jacksons for many years and we only get to see during the holiday because,we live at Ibadan while the Jacksons live at kano. We got along so well especially with their two kids, Joel and Jordan. The both families are average Nigerian families. The both mothers are into business. Mr Jackson works with a company in kano while my dad, Mr Godswill works with the government in Ibadan. I was in same school with the Jackson’s. we blended so well that other children thought we were siblings.
From primary school, we went to same uni after some years. Growing up, I became so close to Joel. we were in same department. we studied together, walked together and visited both families sometimes for weekend. For us, we were just childhood besties that got eachother’s back anytime.
As time flies, we graduated from the uni. Joel got a scholarship to further abroad. for me, going for my masters wasn’t on my list.(I always imagined myself working and earning good). Of course, I got employed in an international company here in Nigeria. I was really comfortable and happy.
After two years, Joel got back from the UK. (Both families excited and exchanging pleasantries) It was a welcome dinner for Joel. everyone was so excited to see him back home after a long time. (Ehen..why is he so full of himself like sey na on top him head school for abroad start..mtwwww) My thoughts…
Joel has really changed. he acts so differently. He has become so arrogant and proud. Trust me, I was so eager to travel back to Ibadan the next day. my parents wished they could stay for few more days with the Jacksons. Ahn Ahn…see Joel of yesterday o(my mum exaggerating things again). he has become so big and more mature. lily, what do you think? Think about what?? That moment, I pretended I was blank to what she meant. My mum always loved Joel and always called him her daughter’s husband when we were kids but, I didn’t like it. I and Joel were just close friends. Weeks passed and my parents started mentioning Joel in every conversation(it was really annoying). I didn’t take it serious because I know my parents so well but, to my surprise, they were really serious about Joel and I getting married. (Somebody should just wake me up from this terrible nightmare) Soon, the Jackson’s started sending gifts to us and visited very often. Obviously, they want me to marry their son joel “you both are very compatible. Remember you grewup together. always running around like little puppies” (Mr Jackson giving a little history as usual). To cut the long story short, we both agreed to marry each other(of course,to make our parents happy and fulfill their wishes).
Our wedding date was fixed immediately and, everything was fixed accordingly. Finally, we got married but, I never thought or imagined that my wedding night would be my worst nightmare. Like a normal couple, I showered and lay on the bed. Joel also headed for the bathroom. (Na which kind baff person dey baff for almost one hour) I tried calling him from the room but, there was no response so I decided to open the bathroom door to see what was happening. I have never been this shocked and clueless in my life.
I found Joel on the floor laying helplessly. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Joel has been on drugs for the past years he travelled abroad. no one knew about it because, he appeared to be a saint everyone admired. Getting to the hospital, Joel passed on. According to the doctor, he overdosed the substance he took and from all indications, he has been an addict.
I felt broken… I thought we could make our marriage work as time goes on. My family’s selfish desires pushed me into becoming a young widow. it wasn’t part of the plans I had for myself. The Jackson’s were broken and shattered. Nobody knew what Joel went through abroad. No one knew why he changed so much. No one knew why he decided to overdose himself that night.
Opane_ 