My favorite Children’s Day celebration.
In Nigeria, every May the 27th is celebrated as Children’s Day. On this day, children are free from academic activities, it is more like a fun day or an off day for children. Some states organize competitions, parade events and other family-related fun activities. All programs on TV and radio will be talking about children. Just on that day, children will be treated as they deserve, with all the attention and love.
Well, today is another children’s day and it reminds me of the one time I was glad to be inside instead of outside with my brother all day.
I have an older brother that I so much admire. I always want to be with him even though we aren’t twins or age mates. He was a very bright pupil, and it’s not unusual for him to represent our school at competitions and other activities. I, on the other hand, was an average pupil and was never selected to represent the school during any Children’s Day event.
On every May 26th, I have an already prepared speech to pitch to my dad and try to convince him to allow me to follow my brother to any event he is attending, even though I am not part of those selected to represent. Every year, my dad kept saying no, and even though I kept asking hoping he would change his mind one day.
Well, this year I didn’t ask to follow my brother. Wait, are you thinking I got selected to represent my school? Aha, it’s not a movie. Your girl was never selected to attend a children’s day event.
That year, I was on medications and my mum had a baby on May 25th, so I was so busy smiling sheepishly at the baby that I didn’t bother asking my dad. Everyone was surprised, which was typical of me, even as a child.
Everything was going well and the sun was shining brightly. Suddenly the weather changed and became cloudy. Everything became dark and heavy rain poured. It was so loud that I couldn’t hear myself breathe. Not a scene I loved. In less than 2 minutes, I was cuddled up in the wardrobe with lots of clothes around me simply because I was scared of the thunder and lighting. Right inside, I thanked God for making me not ask my dad for permission. Who knows, he might be happy about the new baby and grant me my long-cherished desire?
While I was wondering what would have been my fate if I followed my brother, I heard my mum’s cheerful voice welcoming her son back home. She was telling him how worried everyone was because he was out in the rain alone. Everyone was trying to fix him a meal, a hot bath, and make sure he was comfortable.
Was I jealous of the attention he got? Yes, I was
Was I sad for not going with him? Never!
It wasn’t the best children’s day celebration for me, but I was glad I was inside, not outside!
Do you have a children’s Day story? Feel free to share below
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