Pause, longpress rewind...

It's my baby sister's valedictory service in a few weeks and all the preparation is taking me way back, sending me on a trip down memory lane. I remember the days when my most paramount concern was how to make my hair grow long enough to weave for valedictory service. I remember the consultations with my friends about what each person should wear and the ensuing arguments with my mum about the definition of 'decent'. I can't believe it's been so long already. Where did all the time go? How did I go from worrying about my Biology result to worrying about house rent?

I remember hanging out with my friends, counting the days to the release of our jamb results. Hanging out was basically playing games in Oyinkan's house, watching movies in Bolu's house or pretending to be singers at Tomiini's house. All those Saturdays Deola, Lolade, Moyo and I spent looking for okada on the streets of Ibara GRA talking about boys, teens church, Nora Roberts  and the latest high school movie. We had such passionate discussions, such intense arguments as we dreamt together and envisioned our beautiful future. Tolu recently reminded me of soul planet, the late night radio show I was going to have. Blame it on Cruse Control and Soul Serenade.

Amazing  that the future is happening already, some according to script, others totally unexpected. And the journey has been awesome, filled with twists, turns and too many stories to tell. Should I talk about friends that stuck with me while I discovered who I was, the ones with whom I shared gist of first love and crushes amidst whispers and meaningful stares. Desola probably had the worst of it, listening to me blab day in day out till WASSCE results finally saved her from my unending drama. And Lekan Junaid, always interested even if I am telling the same story for the fourth time.

University was amazing too, although it didn't feel like that at the time, but God blessed me with friends who have become family. Shout out to the '12'- burden bearers of life.  Michelle, Nike, Imisi, Oiza, Glory and all the other angels featured gloriously in my campus chronicles. The Adegbites, Tayo A and the brothers who watched over my wandering feet when I would not sit in one place. Many of these people still surround me with their love till today, and although I have lost some friends I have gained some too, like Faith who constantly colours my world with her sense of humour. Maybe I don't say it nearly enough, but I have nothing but love for you. You who knew me before I emerged, you who found me along the way, you with whom I dream of tomorrow.

Going down this road I realise that memories are not made of events, actions or places, it's first about the people you share them with.  I have changed a lot in all these years( I didn't fulfil my dream of marrying a Bode and I still don't have that radio show or paperback novel), grown and dreamt new dreams. Yet, everywhere I turn, I find I have people and that's more than enough. When others lament that friends are terrible, I cannot relate because I have only had the best. Even now that we are all busy with certifications, weddings, babies and the serious things of life, it is relaxing to know that as the journey called life progresses, I will still have people. Some ahead, some beside, always around. Indeed, eniyan laso mi. 

To my little girl taking a step towards the future, I have but one advice. Don't lose today in your pursuit of tomorrow. God brings everything your way for a reason, whether it is serious or just fun, maximize each opportunity, treasure each friend. To be fruitful and happy, this is the way.