In a typical African home, there's a stage a lady in the house would reach without anyone coming for her in marriage, or where the relationship she is in is not materializing into marriage, and it becomes a big concern. Most times, the parents or the family at large would try not to exhibit this concern too much, but in one way or another, they are feeling it and wishing for the daughter to get married soon.
Well, I have a sister—an elder sister. It's not that she's very old, like between the ages of 26 to 30 years, no. She's within 23 to 25, done with school, served, and is working. Although she's earning a low salary, she is sustaining herself with it. However, the biggest wish for the family right now is for her to get married. We are not forcing or pushing her into it; we just want her to settle and begin to grow her own family. If this happens this year, then it’s going to be one of the most memorable years for us—it’s going to be one of the best things to happen this year.
She's the eldest child in the house, and all our prayers are for her to open the floor as the eldest child, while others (us) will follow her footsteps. Moreover, it's not like it's a bad thing for the younger female siblings to get married before her. She is human, and when that situation eventually plays out, even though she'll be happy for our younger sisters, at one point or another, she might still feel a bit sorry for herself and also disappointed. If care is not taken, she could slip into depression. I don't want such a situation to happen. I want her to have the best of happiness.
Not only will the event bring happiness to her, but it will also be a big thing for my parents. They'll be listed among the families that have direct sons-in-law. I'm imagining how they would dress and dance on that day. I'm imagining the kind of show they'll put up during the wedding preparations. My dad is the type that has a lot of friends, and I'm sure all of them will come through for him during the runarounds. I'm also sure they'll make unique attire for the occasion.
For us, the siblings, the wedding day is surely going to be a big one. We are going to have a big celebration—dancing, eating, drinking, and also spraying money. You know, there's a special treatment given to the siblings of the bride. That special treatment is what we are going to feel on that day, and we are not missing any part of it.
Well, it's not just about the wedding day; it's also about the joy of her getting married and being in safe hands as she goes about raising her own family. Let this dream, wish, and prayer come true for us this year. Amen.
Thank you.
I wrote this in response to the Hivenaija contest