The last party I attended was held in Ikorodu, Lagos State, Nigeria, and it wasn't just a random celebration but a one-year remembrance of a dearest friend's late mother who passed on the previous year. It wasn't all celebrations, because it doubled as both a deeply emotional gathering to honor a woman who meant a lot to many, including me, and as a party. It wasn't like we were blood related, but I can remember how this woman treated me like I was one of her own during her life, and that's one of the reasons I traveled down to Ikorodu from Epe to honor her.
This is a woman who has that warm, motherly energy that pulled people in, and each time I visited their house, I never once felt like an outsider. She was a rare gem who made you feel important and cared for, so immediately I saw the invitation to her remembrance, I didn't think twice before I concluded that I'd be there in person, which I see as more like my way of saying thank you as we celebrate the beautiful life she lived.
The remembrance event was held at their family compound in Ikorodu, and it was everything you'd expect from a Yoruba celebration of life such as that, although not as colorful as many Yoruba parties due to the nature of the event. But then it was emotional and lively as I got to listen to the cherubim and seraphim choir sing, because that's where she used to attend, and I used to love their church style of singing. Overall, the event was full of love. From the moment I arrived, I was met with mixed emotions, which is expected. On one hand, we were remembering someone special; on the other hand, it was a party filled with good music, plenty of food, and the opportunity to meet old friends.
The most enjoyable part of the event for me was how it brought people together. I mean, these are people I've not seen in over a decade. That event was an opportunity for us to catch up, reminisce about memories, and laugh about them. We also took some pictures. At that moment, it actually felt like nothing else mattered because I was reminded of some of the childhood memories and fun we had. Her remembrance service was a wake-up call to realizing how powerful community and connection can be.
Not forgetting the food, I mean, what is a party without food? There were few menus to pick from, from jollof rice to small chops, amala, and asun, and I made sure to grab a taste of each one. Although some neighbors who came brought beers and alcoholic wine, since I don't take any of those, I'm pleased with the mineral water I was given to wash down the food. We also had moments where family members and people were asked to give a recount of their encounter with the woman, and it was all emotional and a wake-up call to live a life of positive impact on everyone around us.
She left behind so much love and good memories, and this left me thinking about the legacy I'm building at the moment and what would be remembered of me when I'm gone, because her impact was what made people come from far and near to honor her despite the fact that she's been gone for a year, so that's about it on the last party I attended, which was an interesting blend of celebrations and remembrance.
All photos are taken and edited on canva.