Olanrewaju Hikimot Abidemi As I reflect on my journey

Olanrewaju Hikimot Abidemi As I reflect on my journey, I realize that one experience stands out as a defining moment that shaped me to become the person I am today. It was a challenging experience that taught me valuable lessons and helped me grow in ways I never thought possible.

One of the most defining experiences of my life was the loss of my mother. Her death was not only a moment of deep sorrow but also a turning point that shaped me into a stronger, wiser and more purposeful version of myself.

It all began on the 10th of November 2013, I was in school, young and very naive. It felt like a school play not well organized, a very distant uncle of mine came into my school premises with his red car to pick me and my younger ones.

I got home and my compound was filled up with people like a swam of bees. Everyone was grieving but I still don’t understand what was happening until I was asked to come into a room where she was laid lifelessly. My grandmother called my name as I moved towards her, she hugged and patted my back saying it okay, it’s okay. Everything moved so fast, they wrapped her up, prayed on her and was buried that same day

At first, I was innocent but as time passed on I began to see her absence not only as a loss but as a reminder of the values she instilled in me, the love, the resilience, hardwork and compassion

Her death thought me the importance of appreciating the people we love while we still have them. It also pushed me to take responsibility for me and my younger ones in ways I hadn’t before. I learned to be more determined and empathetic towards others who are going through pain.

As I navigated my grief, I underwent a significant transformation. I began to appreciate the little things in life, cultivate gratitude and prioritize what truly matters. I used it as a motivation to grow into someone my mother would be proud of.

Today, I see myself as a better version of who I am, I am more patient, more focused and more committed to make a meaningful life and guide my younger ones throughout the hurdles of life.

The loss of my mother remains one of the hardest experiences I’ve ever faced, but it also became the foundation upon which I build my strength and resilience.

Her memory continues to inspire me everyday to inspire me everyday, while death took her physical presence her influence and lessons she left behind continues to live within me shaping me into the person I am becoming.