PARENTING IN THIS CENTURY

Having kids is the most amazing experience for anyone who have them. Whether you are tight-ass person, a thug, straight or crooked, rich or poor, whoever you are, seeing your kid for the very first time, bring up some unexpected emotions in you, you never thought you had. Yep! A kid can do that to you. 

Now, don't think I don't know there are some off - people (here I put a question mark), who have traded their hearts for rocks - this very people never get any reaction from this experience - well, all I can say is, 'Y'all need Jesus!

So back to the real and true people...so kids can make a 300pound man behave silly or even force an irresponsible guy to grow up.  So you get the gist, right? 

Becoming a parent forces us to reevaluate our own relationship with our parents (the lucky ones who still have theirs around) and we then begin to see everything they did for us or to us through a parent's eye and not through a child's.

Here is the thing, being a parent is a privilege and even more being a parent in this technological century is a great blessing.

However having said that, parenting in century is the hardest and most challenging thing ever. Is it the drugs, cults, bullying, identity manipulation, sexuality and sexual orientation,social pressure, cultural diversity, looks, education etc, the list is unending and to top it up, the world is new a global village. So now you have more pressure and problems not only from your immediate society but the big world.

The days of 'It takes a village to train a child is fast becoming over'. Trust issues are becoming the norm.

Not to forget that kids these days are smarter and wiser...thanks to Google - the brain most parents don't have. How can I motivate my child to study hard in school just like my parents did, by telling me the oldest trick in the book. Remember when our parents use to say, 'I always took first position in school, never second'. But you can't use that, now that everyone's results are just a click away. Parents these days are so confused and delusional when it come to their kids. There's the question, "should I be a friend or a manager or a parent? 

Yet the greatest gift this century brings is technology has also made it easy...not easier, to bring up a child.

All it takes is modesty and balance. Giving a child a balanced life.

Parenting is sure becoming tougher as the years roll by, but the amazing thing is that once done rightly it is the most rewarding and beautiful thing ever.

So shout out to all the 21st century and beyond Parents, thank you for being so true and real. YOU ALL ROCK!

WILLOWY CHRONICLES- Chapter 1 Cont'd

CELCO Inc. is owned by Susan though bought off the hand of a family who could not hold it together and needed to sell the company to a proficient hand who could. She needed to try her hand on something new after working for Logistics and Management for more than seven years. How she could make something out of nothing is still something the media is trying to solve like a mystery. But her mother knew that the company had cost her a lot – her life – and she knows why. Susan is a strong, dedicated, and hard working woman who loves what she does. She had worked – still working tirelessly to ensure her company is one of the leading company in town.

After several hours of tedious meetings and going through documents she decided to take a break by calling up her mum. 

“Hi mum, what are you up to?” Susan said. 

“Hello darling, how are you? You sound exhausted”, her mum replied on the other end. 

“Yes mum, I think I maybe coming home early today, should be finishing all meetings early”, replied Susan. 

“That’s good. I guess we can have your favourite dish together tonight”. 

“Okay mum, that’ll be fantastic and thanks. How is Chico and Dora? Back from school yet?” 

“Not yet but they should be walking in any moment now”. “Okay, just needed a break that’s why I called”. 

“Okay dear, take care and see you”. Hanging up the receiver, she returned to work. 

Closing the day with a meeting with her Asian representatives, she decided to call it a day. Buzzing her secretary Lucy, she asked her to inform Joe to get the car ready. 

“I would be closing early today”, she said. 

“Right away, Ma’am”, replied Lucy her secretary for almost three years. Fifteen minutes later, she was down the hall, walking towards the elevator. 

“Good night Miss Billy!” someone called and it was Paul the Chief Operating Officer.  

“Good night Paul. I hope all logistic and procurement documents will be ready for my review with the Board by Monday morning”, replied Susan 

“Yes, they will be on your desk first thing”. “Okay then, see you on Monday and have a good weekend”, she said as the door of the lift closed.

As she got outside her office, her driver was waiting with the car, getting in, he drove off.

“That’ll be all for the day, Joe. But I would appreciate it if you could come round tomorrow let’s say about ten o’ clock”, Susan said to Joe before stepping out of the car. 

“Okay Ma’am, it won’t be any problem. Goodnight Ma’am”, Joe replied and left. 

Ding dong….. 

“Will someone please get the door, oh God, do I have to do things round this house all by myself”, cried a voice from inside. 

Susan smiled, imagining how her mother will look right this moment, the kids are driving her crazy again but the nice thing is that she enjoys every moment of it. 

“It’s me, Mama”, she call with a laugh 

Opening the door, her mum gave a hug and ushered her in. 

“Oh my…mmm, that smells good”, Susan said getting caught up in the aroma coming from inside the house. 

“…and you look worn out”, replied her mother looking worried. 

“…and very hungry too”, added Susan cheerfully as she stepped into the house. She drop her bag and files on the closest cream sofa on her way to the kitchen but meets a well-bred, beautiful, black and white collie on her way.. 

“Hey Chelsea girl, how are you today. Missed me…hope you've been a good baby to mama today?” she said playfully hugged and stroked her. 

“Woof, woof”, replied the dog. 

“That’s my girl and if you keep this up all week, you will be winning a trip to the park”, Susan said holding Chelsea’s face in both hands. And with that Chelsea licked her face and gave her a little dance. 

“Yeah I know, I am a weakling with good behavior and now if you would excuse me, I’m famished”, Susan added laughing out loud. Just then her Ma steps into the kitchen and said, “Sit and I’ll serve your meal. You know, seeing you with that dog one would know that you are going to be a wonderful mother, one day”. 

“Oh Mama, you know Chelsea and I have come a long way”, she sighed. 

“You know it is the truth”, her mother said as she placed the meal in front of her.  

Taking a mouth full, Susan mumble, “Hmmm, this is so tasty mum”. 

“I know you will like it”. 

“And that remains me; mum, I hope your schedule is free tomorrow because I want to take you all out. It has been a while we went out as a family, don’t you think?” Susan said taking another bite.

“Ok, I wanted to give you the good news on a full stomach but since you are impatience….as usual, I will tell you”, smiled her mother excitedly taking her seat adjacent to her daughter. 

“What’s it?” Susan said looking anxious. 

“Oh nothing, just that Dick …...well, he just made me a Grandma”, her mother said excitedly. 

“Oh Mama, that’s so fantastic!” Susan exclaimed. “But why didn’t you tell me when I called earlier?” Susan stated. 

“The call came twenty minutes after you called and beside her labor was a very quick and easy one. Dick said it took less than forty minutes and since you said you will be coming home early, I wanted to break the news to you in person and at home where you will be more relax but I guess not ”, her mother explained

“Still mum, you should have called me. He should have called us to the hospital”. 

“Yes I know, but he called at least”. 

“But that’s so unfair”. 

“Susan, please dear, let’s not make a big fuss out of this, okay? You know your brother, he will not hesitate to call on any of us if need be and you of all people should understand how considerate he is”. 

“Okay mum but can we go to the hospital now”? 

“Why not, he will be waiting for us anyway, told him you will be back home soon and as soon as I break the news to you, we will be on our way”. 

“Okay mum but where is Dora and the little one?” 

“In their rooms I guess. That boy is one handful. He was so thrilled when I told him the news, been on the phone with his friend. Your bill is going to double this month, believe me”, her mother smiled adorably. 

“And I will trade him to the telecommunication house if we can’t pay”, Susan replied with a laugh. And as the laugh subsided, she stated genuinely, “But you know mum, that I do appreciate all you have and are doing for me with them”, she said reaching out to place her hand on her mum’s who is now sits on the chair closer to her. 

“I know dear, I know, but you know I love it…..I should be thanking you for giving me another chance at being a mother again”, replied her mother giving her hand a little squeeze. 

“So, when do we go to the hospital to see the newest addition to the family....my niece?” 

“…and nephew, Dick gave us twins for a start”. 

“Oh! Gosh Dick really outdid himself this time”, Susan said looking dumbstruck. 

“So what do you say we go see the new additions to the family?” Mrs. Billy said beaming with joy. 

“You need not ask. How about those two, aren’t they coming?” 

“Nope, they’ve gone to see her besides I don’t think the best time to call for a family reunion at the hospital is at this time”. 

“Okay, I would freshen up and be ready in 30minutes”. 

“15minutes”. 

“20minutes”. 

“Okay, 20minutes”, her mum agreed loving it when they negotiate things especially time. 

THANKFUL HEART!

It was my birthday few weeks ago and I look at my life, I see how far I have come and how far I still have to go. Despite this, I'm grateful for where I am. From being a naive and timid girl, to a mature and confident woman. Still growing though! And for that, I have a lot of people to thank.

Firstly, I want to thank God Almighty for creating me, someone unique and special. For making my dad find my mum. And not just that, for making my dad forget what condom was the night I was conceived. 

For designing the blue print for my life journey. For sticking with me when others forsook me. For being my anchor, rock and shield. For teaching me what true love really is and help me believe in it. Thank you!

To my family, who stood by me all these years and still remain firm behind me despite my imperfection, they believe in me regardless. Nurtured me, fought with and for me and never ever giving up on me. You guys are my rock and my platform. Thank you! 

To the my true friends, who know that there isn't any thing known as perfection and that imperfection is a great and truthful way of life - life that is meaningful and purposeful! Thank you all for having my back. To those friends, who mocked my stupidity and toughness behind me and smile sweetly in front of me, thank you for helping know what the meaning of true friendship and to cherish it with all I've got. Thanks!

To all them teachers who said I won't amount to nothing because they felt I wasn't bright enough and to those teachers who still believed and saw greatness beyond this slow learner, therefore help propelled me for success and fought for me. To you all I say a big Thank you!

To all my good, the bad and the ugly lovers, who taught me what love is and is not...who helped me discover that "I am enough". Who, through pain, hurt and disappointment, I reached that point of self discovery, strength and appreciation. Who showed me that I am tougher than I look and that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I say a fantastic thank you!

To all my bosses, for believing in me enough to give me the responsibility to show my strengths and weaknesses. Thank you!

To everyone who I have come in connect with in this life journey and will come in connect in the future...thanking you for the impact you have and will have on me.

And to those I forgot to mention, thank you too!

Kisses and Hugs

Your Gal,

Gentlehawk!