Life isn't all about Work
Many years ago, my dad received a call from his siblings, the call notified him that my grandfather (his own dad) was seriously ill. With a sense of family and a sense of urgency, he left all that he was doing and travelled to my grandfather’s home.
I was with my parents at the moment, although already an undergraduate, but I had an academic break. I was present with my dad when he received the call. As he made the move out of our home that day to see his own dad, I began to imagine my grandfather’s face and his state of health at that moment.
But I had only seen my grandfather once, then I was very small. He came to spend a few days with us (at my own parents’ home). I remember the room he slept in. I remember myself eager to see grandpa after school.
Even though there was a level of language barrier, as at that moment I could only speak the English Language. I was brought up from childhood with English Language. I didn’t understand Yoruba. But the Language barrier was not an issue to the little me who wants to be with grandpa, neither was it any issue to grandpa who was filled with joy seeing his own grandson.
Grandpa and I communicated that day in a language only the both of us understood. That is all I know, the way we connected was beyond words.
A few weeks after my Dad’s then visit to his sick dad, I was already back to my higher institution of learning. Then I received a call from my Dad that grandpa was dead. I received the call on a Sunday.
My heart snapped out of itself for a minute. I tried hard to gather many memories of him, but I had just one. The one I just shared with you. That was the only memory of him I had. Yes, I know he’s elderly, but I still wish he could stay here a bit longer. I had always looked forward to a time with him when I’m done with my first degree.
But that call told me that it was no longer possible.
There would be no end to labour, until this world is rolled away. We would not come to the end of work. Definitely, productivity comes with valuable rewards. But look into the face of a dying man and ask him that which matters most. Relationships and Time.
As much as you want to create a great future for your kids, they still want to have memories of their fun time with you. As much as you want to settle the bills, your spouse still wants to experience that spark of love that you shared at the beginning.
As much as you want your siblings to be proud of you, can you also maximize the moment you have to create memories that last. When it’s all been said and done, there is just one thing that matters. Relationships! Your relationship with God, your relationship with the ones closest to you (family).
Spend time with your loved ones this weekend.
I love you!
Oluwadurotimi Okediji.
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