The morning crept in gently. A soft warmth brushed Lota’s face as golden sunlight spilled through the curtains, kissing her eyelids. She stretched, her hands moving as if searching for something—her silver pen? No, she was reaching for him. But she could not feel him.
Slowly, she opened her eyes. Her husband was not beside her. “Where is this man?” she mumbled. “Does he not know this baby needs cuddling—especially on a day like this?”
Dragging herself out of bed, she waltzed through the house, looking for Laja.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/children-s-team-building-on-green-grassland-296301/
Laja had been at the door of their son's room for over two minutes, quietly enjoying the sight of his 8-year-old son struggling to knot his tie. He could not hold back any longer—he laughed out loud.
“Daddy! What are you doing in my room?” Tayo yelled. “Eh? Young man, you live in my house, remember?” Laja teased. “Well, my daddy’s house!” Tayo replied, giggling.
That was Laja and Tayo’s way—playful, always teasing each other. Lota had once said, “Such a son fits a man like Laja.”
Laja bent down and helped Omotayo knot his tie. “Thank you, Dad.” Laja smiled
“Omotayo, Happy Children’s Day, my dear son,” he said.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/joyful-moment-parent-lifting-baby-outdoors-32225998/
“Today, I celebrate the amazing gift that you are. Watching you grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life. You bring light, laughter, and love into our world every single day.
May God guide your steps, protect your heart, and fill your life with wisdom, courage, and kindness. May you grow in strength, purpose, and grace. I pray you always know how deeply you are loved and how much you matter.
You are destined for greatness. I will always be here to cheer you on, support you, and walk beside you. You are my first fruit. You make me proud. I remember how little and fragile you were eight years ago—and now you say you are big.”
“Of course I am, Dad,” Tayo whispered. Laja smiled and placed a hand on his head.
“I pray that you never lose your wonder. You are light—you will shine bright. Your light will not be dimmed. You will tour the nations of the world. You are called blessed. The joy you bring into this home will never stop. Amen.”
Laja and Tayo locked eyes and shared a quiet smile.
Lotachukwu stood at the doorway. “What I was told is that it is girls who are usually their father’s favorite. But in this house, it is the other way round,” she said, folding her arms.
Ah, Lota, you are awake? Since when have you been standing there?” Since when father and son started loving up and abandoned the queen of the house.
“Wait, can you perceive that?” Laja teased. “What?” both Lota and Tayo asked. “Jealousy,” he replied, grinning. Lota hissed, You people should continue loving up. Your school bus will soon be here. If you are late, you will miss the Children’s Day summit.
“Oh well,” Tayo joked, “I will still take over the celebration anyway.”
Do not worry, Lota replied, Temiloluwa Chidera will soon be here. At least I will have a companion. Ahhh, pregnant women and their hormones, Laja teased. Which one is companion? So what am I?Laja asked. They both laughed.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/pregnant-woman-standing-with-her-husband-and-son-and-smiling-23158505/
Just as the laughter began to fade, Tayo knelt by the baby bump, cupped it with both hands, and whispered, “Happy Children’s Day, Adeoluwa. I cannot wait to meet you… my baby brother.”
Lotachukwu laughed. “Baby brother? Again?” Yes! A brother to play football with! “No, my dear. I am believing for a baby girl this time—a little princess to braid and dress up,” she smiled.
Laja shook his head in amusement. “Whatever the gender, may this child be a blessing just like Tayo.”
Then his eyes softened.
“You know,” Laja began, “Today is not just for the children we see, but also for the ones we carry in our hearts. To every expecting mother—may their joy be full. To every woman still trusting God—may your womb be blessed, and your arms filled with laughter. To every mother—thank you for the love, the strength, the prayers you give. You are seen. You are celebrated.”
Lotachukwu nodded, her eyes misty. “Children truly are gifts from God. And we celebrate them all today—born, unborn, and those yet to come.”
They all shared a quiet moment, then Tayo broke the silence with his usual wit.
So… how about going on Children's Day dinner date? all expenses covered by my lovely, caring wife, Laja said with a wink.
That sounds great, mum! Tayo shouted, jumping around the room.
Lotachukwu rolled her eyes - it is safe to say you are both children. Because if not - what is this?
They all laughed.
THE END.
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