Many people hold their last drop of hope, like this kid holding on to this piece of tangerine and being lost in deep thoughts. What will be your fate if this plan you have now goes bad?
When I lived in Lagos, I saw many people walking the streets or inside the bus, lost in thoughts. One day a keke napep hit a Corolla around my estate. The Corolla driver alighted and started to shout at the keke driver. But then the shouting slowly turned to soft tears of frustration as he said, “Where do you want me to get money to repair this damage now? You no get and me too no get. Wetin we go do now?”
I felt sorry for him, and after a nearby panel beater assessed the damage to be around ₦30,000, I transferred ₦10,000 to him. I was inside the keke, and the alternative to what I did was for the keke rider to give up all he had earned that day. Under that hot sun, everyone was sad and frustrated.
I have some pictures on my drive I am hoping to post someday. I know you may have one or two pictures hidden somewhere, and each time you pray and work, you hope to succeed so you can show the world those pictures and let them know where you are coming from and what you had to endure to succeed.
In that bus or taxi, you are lost in thoughts and wondering if it will ever be worth it. And deep in my heart, sometimes I fear, what if I don’t succeed as I wish and get to share these pictures to inspire someone?
Like this kid, you have something in your hand that is sustaining you. It could be a job, friendship, relationship, family or anything worth your while. But each time you look at that thing or person, you are inspired to keep fighting.
I appeal to you to keep hope alive. You can be lost in thoughts at 1:00 am or 2:00 pm, wondering if you are the only one going through tough times. From the depth of my heart, I want to assure you that you are not alone and that it can get better.
I have seen good and bad times. Yet, I have held my tangerine and fought for my life and right to succeed. I hope these stories and others in my book, Everyday Humans, will continue to sustain you.
We go dey alright!
Till we get to the Promised Land, I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race.
#TheMBN
Martin Beck Nworah
