#InternationalWidowsDay

It is already 10 years since we have been without our father. And today, It is the World's International Widow's Day.

I want to use this day to celebrate my mother and every widow out there. Here is to the strongest woman I have ever known.

I do not want to bore you with too many stories of how we have survived since the death of our father 10 years ago. But, noteworthy is the fact that the real battle began in 2015, when 3 of us (myself and siblings) gained admission into the university, at the same time.

That experience remains the toughest moment in my family, as we had to choose from the numerous advice and opinions of people. Many of whom felt it was practically impossible for 3 siblings to go through school at the same time.

Hence, we had opinions like;

"Let the girls stay at home and learn handiwork, while the boy goes".
" Pick one and leave two"
"Pick two and let one stay"
"Let them do part-time"
"Who will sponsor you all" and many more thought-provoking and demeaning options.

Remarkably, with the utmost faith in God that night, my mum asked us all to go. And we all left for our different universities with faith and uncertainty, not sure of what the days ahead hold.

Today, as I look back at how God showed up for us in the university, I am led to encourage every widow out there.

Although, the light at the end of the tunnel may look so faint and dark, be at rest and assured that God will always show up.

Oh! I remember when I was in 300level and it felt like I had come to the end of the road due to a whooping financial constraint at that time, but God showed up and miraculously provided my school fees in a way that leaves me speechless and without words to explain till date. I just cannot explain how it all happened.

Dear all,

I put it to you on the need to know that your kind words will go a long way to calm them (the widowed) and bring relief to their soul.

Don't add to their burden by giving unsolicited advice, while some feel it's their birthright to talk to a widow anyhow.

What such individuals need the most are your gracious and uplifting words. Thus, avoid adding the hurts they do not deserve to their burden with your harsh and demeaning words.

There were nights when we'd slept with tears in our eyes because somebody told my mum, "don't you know your condition before packing all your children to the university at the same time".

Well, that is in the past now, because today we have a heartfelt thanks to God and everyone.

We are not there yet, but we are definitely not where we used to be.

Likewise, I want anyone who may be going through this path of life at this time to stay in faith, live thankfully, and rise above the limitations all around. God will always show up, just keep hope and faith alive.

Finally, for those of us around them, let's do our best in encouraging them with the right words and more. Don't look down on the widows around you, they are not second-class citizens. They are human beings with blood and feelings.

Cheers to every widow and single parent out there shaping lives and taking their stage.

God will always show up!

Drops pen.

Please mods, help push this to front page for all to see and celebrate widows out there.

Cc.
lalasticlala
Dominique's
mynd44

Congratulations to you and your family

Not easy bro.... She's a real super woman....


God will bless her and give her the strength to do more and long life to live and reap what she sowed....

May God bless you guys and keep her healthy and strong to reap the fruit of her labour.

Happy International Widow's Day

OP, congrats for moving to the next level despite daunting challenges but, why do Nigerians always bring in the God factor whenever they are narrating their success?

Congratulations.
I don't know y, I just love to help widows

Thank you for this op. But do not hold a grudge against anybody based on their words, it's what they know and believe, and it pushes you to achieve more. I will have a picture like this hanging in my room in the next seven years. Thank your mum for me for fighting on.

Inspiring.