STORIES

FINDING ME: Episode 6

finding me
Things became easier when I began praying for dad. I figured that since I couldn’t judge him, and since I couldn’t confront him, I could pray for him. So I wake up every morning at 5 and begin praying for him. I would pray for mum, Joke and I. and then for Kingsley, and other family members.
Kingsley and I began to set boundaries in our relationship. I requested that we stopped being alone in secluded places. He requested that I stopped touching his hair or his moustache as that would turn him on. We decided that he would meet mum in six months, and I would meet his parents after. Things seemed peaceful between us. I was glad Kingsley and I were good.
I got home one evening. Mum had gone to the market, and Joke was not back from GRE classes. Dad’s car was parked outside though. As I opened the gate, I began to have this uneasy feeling. I couldn’t explain it, and so I decided to just say a prayer. I walked into the house and met dad watching television.
“E kurole, daddy”
He didn’t answer, as usual.
I walked past him and was thinking of what to have for dinner.
“Anike”
He called my name. I turned back as he signalled me to sit.
“How old are you now?”
I laughed. “21, dad”
Oh, that’s good. I married your mum when she was 26. We couldn’t conceive till she was 29. Although there were serious complications, we ended up having you.”
I wondered what he was driving at. I was running out of patience already.

love, joy, peace, patience
love, joy, peace, patience

“Anike, I want things to work between your mum and me”
My mouth was open in shock. That didn’t sound like my dad. He was never mushy mushy
“I love your mum, and I know I have messed up. But I want to make things right between your mum and I.”
His eyes were filled with tears now. I wasn’t sure if he was pretending or if he was real. I just sat aloof looking at him and thinking of everything he did to hurt everyone including me.
How he missed my recitals.
He didn’t show up at my first basketball game
He referred to me constantly as “ugly”.
How he tirelessly compared me with Joke.
How he beat mum.
He flogged me whenever I made a little mistake.
How he never tucked us into bed.
How he never showed concern for issues in my life.
Why was he apologizing now? Why now?
I began to cry again. This time I cried because I couldn’t express my anger in a better way. He was never there when I needed him.

I was there…I am here

He called me ugly several times

…Created in My image and likeness…Fearfully and wonderfully made…

I just wanted him to feel pain!!!!

….forgive those who have hurt you…pray for your enemies…

It was just so hard to let go. I held onto the bitterness for so long but deep inside, I knew it was time to let go. I continued to cry as he put his arms around me.
“Anike”, he began as he cleaned my tears. “You are my first seed and the first sign of my manliness. You are my precious pearl. I am sorry I have neglected you. Seeing how God has changed you in the past few months, and I believe God can use you to unite this family in love again…”
I was amazed and shocked at the same time of how God could help me see things about myself that I couldn’t see before, I was amazed I had so much bitterness rooted in me. Thinking I was a free-spirited babe with not a care in the world. Now, I know better. God has shown me, and I am grateful.
We hugged each other again, and we began to discuss my plans for the future almost immediately. We seemed like old friends who had lost contact since forever. Talked till Joke arrived and joined us. When mum got back, she seemed surprised to see dad gisting with us.
“Welcome home, Baby”, he said as he stood up and gave mum a long, hard kiss. At that point, I and Joke decided to genuinely excuse them. We went to my room immediately.
“Do you think they’ll sort things out, Sis?” Joke asked as I tried to switch on my laptop so we could watch Scandal.
I looked at her and smiled.
“God will definitely see us through. He’s too faithful to fail. Even if they don’t, God will always be God but I have absolute faith they will…”
We began watching Scandal.

…to be continued, Wed 15th Oct

***

Episode 5 HERE

* * *

Written by Oyinkansola Ige

* * *

Thank you for dropping by, hope you’ll leave a comment also ;). Do remember to subscribe with your email so as to get every post directly in your email box.

* * *

Also, check out this amazing story LITTLE WHITE FLOWERS(part 1-10). It was the most anticipated post here on lifegiva2.com last year

* * *

Twitter: @tee_Abraham

Facebook: Oludapo Tolulope

Email: admin@lifegiva.com

Related posts
FaithSTORIES

A Trip to Dukawa - Day 4

Day 4 November 17, 2017 Prayer Culture Shock. That morning was similar to the one the day before…
Read more
STORIES

A Trip to Dukawa - Day 3

Day 3 November 16, 2017 Morning Prayers and Assembly By five in the morning on this day, the…
Read more
STORIES

A Trip To Dukawa - Day 2

Day 2 November 15, 2017 They Pray Too. Very early that cold, dry morning I was woken up by the loud…
Read more
Newsletter
Become a Lifegiva

Get the laest articles, merch deals, personal Q&As, behind the scenes, unmissable news about Lifegiva and more!

Sign up for our Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & freebies. Let's stay updated!

0 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *