From Old You to Young Me

Momsie,

I came across this note on Facebook (that social networking website a lot of people seem to spend their time these days), a friend of mine shared it on his page from AARP's page. I'm sure you would have wanted me to know this but be rest assured it would have been unnecessary (I would have thoroughly enjoyed playing role reversals with you.)

My dear girl, the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don't interrupt to say: "You said the same thing a minute ago"... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep.

When I don't want to take a bath, don't be mad and don't embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl?

When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don't look at me that way ... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life's issues every day... the day you see I'm getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I'm going through.

If I occasionally lose track of what we're talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can't, don't be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you.

And when my old, tired legs don't let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don't feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I'll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I've always had for you, I just want to say, I love you ... my darling daughter.

Original text in Spanish and photo by Guillermo Peña.

Translation to English by Sergio Cadena

With Loving Memories,
Deeso Mama

Just a Note

Momsie,

There are loads of things I would have loved to share with you but cannot. I remembered the first time I felt a flutter in my belly during my first pregnancy, I was already reaching for the phone and then I remembered... Idunnu is 3 now and she never ceases to amaze. I'm sure you would have loved to hear stories of her numerous escapades. You need to hear her recite the Nigerian states and capital. I get her to do it just to have a good laugh. For instance, instead of Borno - Maiduguri,  Dudu (I fondly call her that) would say Borno - Maikudiri, or Eegun - Tabeokute instead of Ogun - Abeokuta. Her rendition of the National Anthem will leave you reeling on the floor with laughter. 

She is lively and very playful. She and Dara (that's her younger sister) would climb anything. Lie on the bed and Dara would use your head as a footstool to reach the window. I can't take my eyes of Dara. the other day I found her in the bathroom swirling the water in the toilet bowl with her sister's toothbrush. Please don't ask me how it happened. One minute we were all in the sitting room, the next minute I found her in the bathroom. They both keep me on my feet. I really need to know if I was such a handful when I was their age. Each time I ask dad, he goes "Where do you think you got the nickname - Tom Boy from?". 

Anyways, don't mind my rantings, I absolutely love them the way they are. 10 mins without them and I'm missing them already. I have to go now, but more letters would definitely follow this. I should have started long before now but you know me and my procrastinating attitude. All the same better now than not at all.

With Loving Memories,

Deeso Mama