MY DEAR NAIRA

 

I was thinking this morning..... I was only 4 years old when I was introduced to this lovely girl called Kobo. It was Christmas morning when my siblings and I kitted our Christmas clothes and were visiting our neighbours and relatives to 'do Christmas for us.' After eating Christmas rice, one of our hosts took my hand and pressed a coin on my palm. It was one Kobo. That was the beginning of my friendship with Kobo. We became quite close and always spent time together every Christmas. She was a dependable friend.

Many years later, Kobo introduced me to her elder sister called Naira. She was very fair to look upon. For the next few years Naira and Kobo were inseparable. Whenever Kobo came visiting, Naira was with her. With time, I noticed Kobo became scarce. She was no longer visiting with Naira. I initially thought it was out of jealousy, but later understood that Kobo was seriously sick. It seemed like a terminal illness, because Kobo became permanently confined to her death bed and went completely out of circulation.

I remained close to Naira for many years. She was a darling and brings happiness by her mere presence. Everyone wanted to befriend Naira because of her beauty. I studied hard at school and ran errands for my parents so Naira could be allowed to visit and spend time with me. When I became an adult, Naira and I became inseparable. She was very valuable and well sought after irrespective of the colour or garb she had on.

It wasn't until recently that I started observing changes in my good friend, Naira. She had emaciated and completely lost her beauty, obviously a sign of a debilitating illness. I am worried that if nothing is done, my dear friend, Naira may go the way of her sister, Kobo.

Oh my dear Naira, what aileth thee that thou has become frail and scarce? It's time for you to change your medical team and go for a comprehensive medical check-up to identify the root of your ailment. Your absence this Christmas is worrisome and making many fall for the two oyinbo babes called Dollar and Pound. I value our friendship a lot and look forward to seeing you in the new year revitalised and shining again. My prayer for you is that you shall not die, like your sister Kobo, but live (Psalm 118:17).

May the joy and good tidings of Christmas enable your quick recovery. Oh my dear Naira, get well soon.

Stay hopeful. God's got our back.

Happy Sunday and Merry Christmas!

......Just the thoughts of a certain Wey Mey