A Pleasant Surprise
Hi guys! How are you doing? I have small gist for you guys today, so sit back, relax, and enjoy, because I am somewhat back! (haha).
A couple of days ago, I had the most surreal experience, which reminded me just how fascinating life can be. My mother passed away 15 years ago, and during her illness, there were a few people who played a crucial role in supporting our family through that difficult time. One of them—let’s call him Uncle A—was especially instrumental.
Uncle A lived in the same city where my mother was receiving treatment. Every morning, he would show up and drive her to her doctor’s appointments, ensuring she got the care she needed. And whatever we, the non-sick people needed, he was there to provide it for us. I remember a heartbreaking moment at the hospital when my brother and I, not knowing what else to do, simply held each other and wept. Deep down, we knew that only a miracle could bring our mother out of her suffering.
Uncle A had left the room just before we broke down, but when he stepped back in and saw us clinging to each other in tears, he was deeply moved. Without hesitation, he ran to us and wrapped us in an embrace, sharing in our pain. My mother eventually passed away, and uncle A was there to drive me, my brother, and father, to the hospital to see her before they would take her away. So, you get the gist, uncle A was a source of great support and comfort to us, while we navigated our painful ordeal.
After leaving the city where Uncle A lived, I lost touch with him. It felt as if I wanted to leave that chapter of my life behind, and so, I never reached out to Uncle A or the others who supported us while we were there. As the years went by, and I became more mature, I began realizing that my behavior was wrong, or as we Nigerians like to say; “too poor.” I felt so bad, but the distance between us was so long that going back to make amends felt like pulling teeth. And I detest difficult conversations, I still do. However, I thought of him often.
I blamed my behavior on being young and naive. I remember thinking years ago, that one way I could extend an olive branch was to invite them when it was time for me to get married - especially Uncle A. I think about that now, and laugh, because common boyfriend, I no even get! But before I digress any further, 8 years after my mother’s passing, I suddenly found myself in Nigeria, with no hope of ever going back to America. So, Uncle A and I became worlds apart, though he’d still cross my mind from time to time.
Fast forward to 2023, I heard Uncle A lost his wife. I felt so terrible and immediately asked for his number to reach out to him. I carefully composed my message, like someone who was guilty of something, and hoped that this could be the olive branch that I longed for. But silence. Worse still, the message was read. As heart wrenching as that was, I understood, I wouldn’t say anything to me too. Perhaps my message reminded him of how he was there for us when our mother passed, and how quickly we faded away after the unfortunate incident. I let it go, and prayed that God will comfort him, just as he did us.
Last week, Uncle A came to mind again, I wondered how he and his kids were, and still harbored guilt for how I acted all those years ago, but nothing spoil abi? So, on my way back from the airport last Friday, I knew I needed to stop at a MedPlus to grab my medication and face wash. As we approached Victoria Island, I sighted a MedPlus close to the bank I wanted to go to, but thought to myself, “I’ll just stop at the one on Admiralty in Lekki,” and continued to the bank.
After my time at the bank, I got into the car and went to Lekki. On getting to the Admiralty branch, it seemed like there was some renovation happening, which made me think, “shey you would have just stopped at the one you saw in VI.” Reluctantly, I still asked the driver to stop, and alighted the vehicle, when I saw some of their staff members outside.
I asked, “are you guys open?” and they nodded yes, while directing me to the store. Then the staff said one part was for beauty, while the other was for medication. I entered the beauty part, got my face wash, and went to the medication part. One of the pharmacists then asked what I wanted, and I answered him. After a short while, he came back with the medication and handed it to me, while I made my way to the counter. As I waited for my turn, I looked to my left randomly and noticed the man who stood next to me. His side profile looked familiar. My heart began to race, while I stole another glance at him. “This looks like Uncle A!” I said to myself.
I began thinking, should I say excuse me, so I could see his full face, but what if he wasn’t the one? Abeg I no dey for embarrassment. Ok, maybe I should quickly send a text to my cousin and ask if Uncle A is in town. My cousin was the happening one who knew about everyone’s business. My hands trembled while I struggled to bring my phone out of my purse, and before I could type a word, the man turned in my direction and his eyes almost popped out of its sockets. I was shocked.
He shouted my name and pulled me into the biggest hug, while I stood there trembling. The pharmacy staff watched as we both tried to process the disbelief of the moment. It had been 15 years since I last saw or spoke to Uncle A. For all those years, I carried a deep sense of guilt, but to Uncle A, none of that mattered. The moment he saw me; his only instinct was joy. Without hesitation, he paid for my medication and held onto me tightly, refusing to let go. He asked how I had been, and I took a moment to express my condolences for his own loss. His eyes never left me, filled with emotion as he asked about my father and brother. He ended our conversation by saying, “I must give you something,” and something he gave (haha).
I am still blown away by God’s goodness. This got me thinking about how God knows, hears, and sees everything. He knows our every desire; even the ones we don’t communicate through prayer, and in his infinite kindness he chooses to answer us. Psalm 139:2 says, “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.”
Consider for a moment the chain of events that had to unfold for me to end up right next to Uncle A that day. My medication had to run out at just the right time, prompting me to get a refill. The morning rain had to fall, delaying my departure and preventing me from leaving earlier as planned. Because of that delay, I had to take a back road to avoid traffic and reach the airport on time.
I also had to arrive at the bank at a specific moment and face the exact delays I encountered—all leading me to stand right beside Uncle A. I could never have orchestrated a reunion with Uncle A at that exact Med Plus—the very one I hesitated to enter when I saw the debris outside. And yet, just days after he crossed my mind again, there he was, unbeknownst to me, but God knew all along. All those years of guilt melted away in an instant because Uncle A never judged me the way I had judged myself.
How did I do with my storytelling? Rate me on a scale of 1-10 below (haha). I hope you enjoyed reading it as I did writing it. I am beginning to find my love for writing again, and I truly hope that I can keep up this year! With that said, kindly resist the temptation to savor it alone; share it with others instead. As always, I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the topics I write about. Feel free to leave your comments below or respond to this email.
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How These Strangers Showed Me Kindness During one of My Most Painful Experiences
Hope you stay in touch with Uncle A going forward, he seems like such a lovely person with a big heart 😌
I also shed a tear reading this. Uncle A has a big heart, and I pray God floods him with the love he deserves.