*”Akin, Akin, Akin!” How many times did I call you?
”Three times mummy”Akin replied, staring into her expressionless face. He couldn't decipher her intents nor understand the reason why she woke him up at 2 a.m, so early in the morning but his filial heart could not grumble about it.
”Akin my son, you know that I as your mother will not lead you astray. This is concerning your future. You know how much suffering this family and the circumstances that surrounded your birth”.
”Pay heed to my words, my son. Stay away from Politics. It is a dangerous venture. I don't want to lose you too. From eight eggs to having only you. I can't lose you too. Don't follow in your father's footsteps. Choose any other career path but not politics. I'm I clear?” Mummy Akin asked while using her two fingers to stretch her left ear as a symbol of seriousness.
Akin just stared at her.
First, he felt shock at what she'd said but it soon evolved to pain but realizing that she meant well for him, he could only nod in response.
The small lantern by the door illuminated his actions to his mum who felt satisfied at his response before leaving his bedroom.
But Akin was left with mixed feelings. He had his own expectations which was very different from what his mum wanted.
He tossed and turned on his rickety old wooden bed, all through the remaining hours of the night and even during the day, he was lost in thought.
”Akin, what's up with you? You have been absent minded for quite a while now. You didn't even hear my question”.
”I'm sorry Jude. I just have a lot on my mind”.
”Care to share?” Jude asked expectantly.
”Hmmm, it is pertaining to my mum's request for me to steer clear from politics and not follow in my dad's footsteps. You are well aware that I want to read political science in the future because I believe I can make an impact like my dad did while he was alive, serving as a commissioner in this state”.
”I understand my mum's expectations for me. She doesn't want to lose me like she did my elder ones but my dream is to be a politician. I want to help my community and my state by serving in government but what do I do so that I don't hurt my mum or fail myself?” He asked Jude looking expectantly at him like he had all the solutions.
Jude sighed.
”This issue is perplexing but there is always a way and that way out lies with you Akin. Your mum's fears are legitimate and so is your dream. You will need to find an appropriate time to communicate your vision to your mum so that she will support you and not feel sad”.
”Life is short and we cannot afford to live it with regrets. Your dreams are a pathway to your succeeding because it is what is fueled by your passion. You can't afford to abandon it or life will be dull. Think carefully about this and make a wise decision”.
Akin nodded.
”Thanks bro. Okay let's get back to our notes. What was the question you asked me earlier?” Akin asked Jude as they both went back to perusing their books.
Eighteen months later…..
”Mum…. mum, where are you?”
Akin searched frantically through their small house in search of his mum.
”I’m at the backyard son”.
Akin rushed to the backyard delightedly. His feet were as swift as the wind and his face carried a beautiful smile of victory.
Akin's mum could sniff the excitement that surrounded her son and so she halted him in his tracks with a quick guess.
”You passed your O'levels examination right?”
”Ah, ah mum. You're a good guesser and you're right. I scored eight distinctions with one credit. See my result” He said lifting a hardcopy paper to her face.
She smiled, nodding knowingly.
”You are your Father's son, so I'm not surprised”.
But that simple sentence set Akin's heart on fire. He will speak to his mother tonight. His dreams would not die.
5 a.m the next morning...
”Good morning mummy” Akin greeted as he prostrated fully on the ground. This was customary amongst the Yoruba tribe.
”Good morning my champion. How are you this morning?”
”I'm fine mum. Thank you. Mum, please have your seat. I would like to have a little chat with you ma.”
Mama Akin was briefly taken aback by her son's proactiveness but she sat down to listen to him.
Akin was on fire that morning and it was with that fire that he spoke passionately about his dream to help his community and state by venturing into politics. He assured her that he would not dabble into things that didn't concern him and he would strive to live well and not make her worried for him.
While he spoke, Mummy Akin could see the fire in his eyes, the delight in his voice and the zeal with which he expressed himself. ”My son's dream will not die” she thought as she listened to him.
”So mum, I hope you can support me in this?”
Silence...
*”Tearfully, Mama Akin stood up and did something that shocked her son. She hugged and cried. Not a bitter cry but one that sounded almost joyful and hopeful.
The hug lasted for a long time even though it was just a few minutes. Akin stood there comforting his mum, allowing her to pour out her heart in fountain form.
”You have my full support, my champion son. I shouldn't have portrayed my fears unto you. Fear is a dream killer and I would not want you living your life miserably. So go ahead son. Chase your dreams with passion”.
Ade smiled and hugged her again.
Because of his mum's solid support, Are rose to become the best graduating student in his department and this attracted the eye of a famous politician in their community who immediately took him under his wing, showing him the ropes.
Akin rose gradually but steadily till he was elected commissioner of education in his state. This was his lifelong dream. He settled down to have a family and to proving that dreams do come true when one has enough passion and support.
Mama Akin smiled as she watched her son speaking at a conference on television. She was glad she didn't stop his vision with her fearful expectation.
I drop my pen ✍️
I appreciate your time on my blog.
Images source : Meta Ai
