"kids listen. I'll tell you this only once; I'm sure this would be the first and last time you'd see your old man cry"
My grandchildren, Tobi and Seun looked at me with puzzled looks mixed with the original look of worry.
"I know you guys are in a hurry to join your mother. I'm really sorry I've not been the best dad
to you all. I was stubborn and irrational at times but it was for your safety. I'm sorry for not letting you go earlier" just then Tobi stood up to leave but Seun held him back.
"Let's listen to what papa has to say"
"why do we?! He told us our mom was dead till I was 26!"
" Tobi calm down"
Tobi clenched his fist and sat down where he sat earlier.
" I told you I'll tell you how your grandma died when and what happened to your dad. When I'm about to die" I said and coughed.
"papa stop please" Seun looked at me tearfully.
I cleared my throat and began.

"Your grandma was the most precious thing that ever happened to me. I met her in Teaching college. She was a Chemistry major, I was maths; that's where Seun got her great maths prowress from" I said I chuckled but none of my grandchildren laughed at the joke. I continued
"It was love at first sight. I worked so hard to earn her love and respect. We got married as soon as we graduated from school. We tried so much to get children for a long time but we couldnt. I prayed a lot, and fasted. I made sure we met with the doctors to give us tips on bearing children. And after 8 years of Marriage we bore a bouncing baby boy, we named him David.
Then it happened. As soon as David was born your grandma was diagnosed with bre*st cancer. It was a big blow to us. I was hurt and I cursed God for letting situations like this happen. We had no money for chemotherapy then. She stuck to drugs and was always on the bed.
David was a strong boy that grew up to be smart sharp boy that wanted to help people after he got a wind about his moms condition. Everyday he'd sit on that brown chair in my room and recount his entire day to his mom. He loved his mother dearly. As he grew he knew more about her condition and her condition worsened. My family members asked me to get remarried but I refused. Everything was fine. I learnt how to cook from your grandma from sitting at the bed. I did the cooking and cleaning and took care of Her and our son until he grew. Everything wasnt rosy. Your grandma couldn't move. The drugs were not working. David grew distant trying to help people. He joined the Red Cross. He wouldn't stop yapping about what he does.

There was a particular retreat all red crosses we're supposed to go in Abraka, Delta state to help injured victims from community clash. He prepared so much and wouldn't stop bothering him mom. We were so happy for him.



The day finally came. He was about to leave. He had this habit of kissing his mom before he left. I was by the window making breakfast for your grandma. That morning was different. Your grandma held your dad very tight
" David please don't go. You'll go to the next one. Stay with maani and read her stories" she said.
"mama I have to go. A lot of people need my help" he said freeing himself of her grip and walked towards the door. Then something shocking happened

Your grandma that had lost her ability to walk for 6 years stood up with gusto from the bed towards the gate to the bus stop in front our house and hugged David from back then the bus came and stopped a distance from our place. According to what David told me, her grip was so tight she didn't let go till the bus left. David ran after the bus but couldn't catch it. By then I'd already ran outside and carried your crying grandmother who had collapsed inside. As soon I dropped her on the bed...... She died"
At that time I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. I started crying uncontrollably in front of my grandchildren.
"David came back to see me crying with his dead mother in my arms. He was so broken, he tried committing suicide twice and didn't speak till after her burial. That was where he met your mother. She was the daughter of your mom's co-worker. She helped your broken dad get better and I couldnt be happier. They dated throughout their university days and got married later. Four years later they bore twins. They named then Tobi and Seun. Soon after your mother was diagnosed with cancer. David went back to square zero instantly. Your mothers parents were rich so they didn't let her stay in the country anymore. They had her divorce David and had her flown to Germany for treatment. Leaving the kids for David . They kept in touch till she stopped talking and David was convinced that she was dead. I felt real pity for my son. He rarely spoke and I was sure he didn't know a thing about keeping kids so I took you two in. Soon after he told me he was going to join the paramedic team for the Biafra war. U was getting old and I couldn't convince him. After 5 years 6 months I received a letter from the military that your dad had been killed by the Biafra rebels during duty. U mourned him for weeks. Then you were seven. I'm not sure you guys remember the day I took you guys to that big spacious room. That's where your dads remains were kept before I requested to give him a proper burial.
Then when you guys were ten I received a strange call from your mom. She asked of David and you guys. I broke the news. She was truly sad and she wanted to see you guys but she warned me that her parents would come to take the kids away that I should never give them away that if they should reunite with her they should be old enough. She was right. Her rich parents started coming. That brought sophisticated lawyers. True I couldn't fend for two kids with my pension. But I wanted to honor your mom's wish. I fought with my last strength.Luckily God was on my side and I was given custody of the kids and they were to provide financial assistance.
So time flew. You guys were good children. I wanted to tell you when you were 18 but I decided it best to wait till you graduated from Nigeria in case anything should happen. Cuz that was what your dad told me before he left. I didn't mean to.... I didn't mea-" I was cut short by the two people that meant the world hug me tightly crying.
"papa I'm so sorry..." Tobi said amidst tears.
"I forgive you "
Then it came. It was time to go. I could feel my hands go numb. I couldn't hear properly. My vision was blurry.
" I love you Tobi and Seun. Your family is all you have. Never take any for granted. Love them through their flaws. Pray for them, support and care for them." I said as the last tear dropped from my eyes as my soul wandered into the abyss