#5: There’s Love at Home
little moments with my parents that remind me I’m loved
I love my parents for many reasons. They're mostly affirming; there's technically no amount of money they wouldn't spend on my education or advancement, and they're super funny. There's literally no way you'll have a dull moment with them.
Two specific ways they add joy to my life come to mind.
First Scenario:
Recently, I realized that the sometimes crazy ambitions I have are fueled and enabled by my parents, and here’s what I mean.
On-site workdays usually go like this: I wake up by 5:30 a.m., leave between 6 and 6:30, get to work around 9, close by 5, and get home before 9:30 p.m.
After this obviously very long day, jumping danfo in Lagos and dealing with ridiculous and insensible Lagosians, I walk into my compound, and guess what?
My parents are sitting outside, and the moment I enter, they start chanting things like “My CEO,” “Managing Director,” “Minister of Works,” and more.
Typically, I smile or not (depending on my mood), greet them briefly, and walk into the house. But deep down, my heart is full and giddy, and I genuinely look forward to that moment every time.
Nigerian parents can be annoying sometimes, but truly, there’s love at home.
Second Scenario:
Last year, 2024, I had a quarrel with my dad over money. I had lent him some money that I needed for transportation to work. I gave him a timeline to refund it so I could make the commute.
Anyway, the day came, and he didn’t give it back. Instead, he told me to call the office and say I wouldn’t be coming. I was pissed. I gave him a piece of my mind when I had the chance.
I also explained to him that I work with a strict budget. Honestly, I’m not at a point where I can lend money and forget it.
Ever since then, my dad has changed my name to “Budget.” Whenever we’re discussing money, he deliberately calls me “Budget” to reference that quarrel and jokingly tells me he’s also “on a budget.”
It’s honestly always funny, and it’s now an inside joke.
In conclusion, my parents are funny, sometimes crazy, often annoying, and I like their energy most of the time.