Letter to my mother: Temilayo Awofeso

Dear Mom,

My gratitude for you is ineffable and no word in any earthly language can express my love for you. I’ll try.

Firstly, I want to thank you for accepting me for who I am. There were a lot of choices I made and attitudes I put forward that you did not particularly agree with, but you never made me feel I was wrong for the things I thought; you simply told me that I had an interesting perspective and we could debate our philosophies.

It amazes me how you’re able to joggle being a mother, wife, teacher, friend but you’re still able to reflect your true self amidst all the above-mentioned. You’re amazing, you know.

Thank you for your discipline when it was needed and your sweet words when I couldn’t have done without them. I remember those days when I made you so angry in the car on the way to school and you would give me a university style lecture for the length of the journey. I can still hear your voice ringing in my head “But I’ve warned you, you always [insert something I never do].”

Mama, you were always there for me when I needed anything. You’ve even almost given up your life for me. And I thank you. I miss you so much and it’s so hard for me to wake up every morning seeing you’re not by my side.

I remember the times in the car when we would blast Wizkid’s or Davido’s songs and you “pretend” to sing along even though you didn’t know the lyrics.

But seriously Mum, thank you for being my backbone and treating me with respect and maturity. I love you so much because unlike a lot of Mothers I’ve seen you talk TO me, not AT me. I love the little moments we have, watching Nigerian movies and imitating them, dancing to old school songs, pranking Daddy and making fun of ourselves. I miss all that and it sucks I’m in school in another country and I cant get a dose of that every day.

But thank you once again,

Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you will do.

I hope someday I can try to pay you back for all that you’ve done for me.

I love you so much mama!

Your one and only,

Temilayo.