And as the year keeps ticking to the end,I kind of need some noise to think,well that's kind of how I seem to work better,having noise around or playing music,sometimes they are just this kind of uncomfortable sounds,today I want some of that o think,something like the humings of generators,the chatter of neighbors or a constat blaring of horns.Well I had to just opt for neighbors chatters... So we good to go.
It's been a year of ups and downs,of triumphs and tribulations and as I think about the digital memories I've accumulated over the past 12 months,this particular one stands out to me,yep its a whatsapp voice note from my grandmother.
It's a simple recording,just some few minutes long,but sincerely it's a treasure for me,filled with memories,emotions and love.In it(the voice note)my grandmother's voice was weak but it was so full of warmth,I wasn't around during her passing, but the voice note consist of the stories of her childhood,of growing up in a small village Kwara state,she even talked about her parents,her siblings,her children,my aunts and uncles.She shares with me the struggles she faced,het triumphs and the lessons she learned in it all,indeed it was parting gift,and she decided to make that for me,not her own children or my other siblings, but for me,no...I really do cherish itsnd m keeping it.
First time I listened to the voice note,I kind of transported back to my childhood days, those days when i sit at her(my grandmother's)feet while listening to her stories,I remember the way she used to make me laugh,she was a very funny one,but at thhe same time I remember the way she used to scold me when I misbehave and the way she used to hug me,reassure me when I am sad or when my mum or dad makes me feel bad.
To me,the voice note is more than just a digital memory,it connect me to my past,it still shapes me,it reminds me that am loved and sufficient, it had shaped me into who I am today, anytime things seems to go awry,there are certain places in the voice notes that seems to meet the needs of each problems I have atimes,and no matter where life takes me,I will always carry it with me,yes,I will I already stored it,recorded it on another phone an kept, and I will save it for my unborn children too,the voice note was less than 20 minute,but it consist of words of wisdoms,I wonder how she manage to say those stories,give those warnings, teach,and do all within that short time and still the record holds such a value.
As I save this digital memory,to me,it is not just about preserving a piece of my personal history alone,it is also about honoring my grandmother's legacy while keeping her memory alive.It is also about sharing her stories,her wisdom and her love with my own children and grandchildren one day.
In a world where digital memories can just last got a short period of time and where technology can sometimes feel overwhelming,this voice note of mine is a reminder of the importance of holding onto what truly matters,it even makes me realize that amidst the noise and chaos of modern life,we must still make time to cherish,to honor and to preserve the memories that make us who we are.
As I look back on the past year, I'm grateful for this digital memory, and for the opportunity to reflect on it,it has really helped me navigate life,sometimes when I face certain issues or situations of life,mere remembering a part in the voice note gives me inspiration of what to do at that time it the kind of response to give am grateful for that....and yes...am keeping it for as long as possible.
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