It was time to serve my nation with a one-year mandatory service, and fear gripped me, Hmm! Especially at the thought of being posted far away from my home state to a place I knew nothing about. The dread of leaving my mother, my comfort zone, was overwhelming. I became a prayer warrior, seeking strength for the journey, when I have never traveled far from home for anything in my life. I am from the Western part of Nigeria and my serving in the west was under probability.
When I received my call-up letter, tears streamed down my face. The reality hit me so hard: I was to serve in the Northern part🤔 Leaving my beloved mother was my utmost concern. Have you seen Mom and daughter cry over a journey? We cried and consoled ourselves. The moment arrived as I boarded the vehicle with her, and we both cried again, unable to hide our emotions. She clung to me, refusing to leave the park as we made a scene that drew pity from the other passengers. It was there that I met Tolulope; a kind-hearted stranger who moved closer to me, offering comfort through my tears as we headed to Bauchi State and we arrived at the camp the next day.
Myself and Tolulope💕
Arriving at the camp, the realization sank in that I would spend a year away from my mother. With no easy way to travel back and forth unless I was financially equipped for air travel, the tears flowed freely once again. But amidst my sorrow, Tolulope and I began to forge a strong connection. She became my pillar of support, easing my worries and offering companionship that made everything feel peaceful and manageable. The bond we formed was as if we had known each other for ages. Tolu is a sweet soul!
Myself and my bestie
Throughout our three weeks at the camp, every moment was filled with new memories. She is a girl am at peace with as the peace I found within myself was unexplainable👌 As God would have it, we were posted to the same local government for our primary assignment, and our friendship grew stronger. Tolu and I discovered we shared so much in common; our values and upbringing kept us grounded and aligned at the same pace.
Our year together was peaceful, remarkable, and enriching. This is far better than any past relationships I have experienced. After we got back, we started job hunting in our different locations. I was in Ogun state while she was in Lagos state. Just when I thought, the friendship won't be as deep as it was before, Tolulope took it a step further. One beautiful morning, she called with surprising news: she had applied for a teaching job on my behalf. I was astonished! My mouth was open for a while when flies wanted to rush in, so I decided to close my mouth🤣 She was unbelievable! Her selflessness was a testament to her beautiful soul, and I marveled at how someone could care for me so deeply without expecting anything in return.
How can God give me a sweet soul like Tolu on a platter of gold? How did I do it when our paths crossed? These are the questions I asked myself as I reflected on how much my life had changed meeting Tolulope. We both eventually married, with Tolu serving as my chief bridesmaid and I did hers too. Our marriages flourished, and our husbands became friends, creating an extended family of love and support that continues to grow.
Now, a month without seeing Tolulope feels like a punishment. I cherish her friendship more than words can express. How I wish I had known her all my life, a sweet soul who has transformed my world and brought such joy into my life. The mandatory service to an unknown land gave birth to a beautiful soul like Tolulope. It was such a destined encounter!
Tolulope is my sister from another mother, my blessing, and my friend. Together, we are stronger, and we celebrate the beautiful encounter we started sometime in the year 2010 and today we are still counting. Forever is the deal, Dearest Tolulope. You are a bond beyond borders, a treasure I can never trade for anything.
I love you!
All images used are mine.
Thank you for reading 👏