A wise man once said that people are not truly happy until they’ve had reasons to be sad. Bad days teach us how to truly appreciate the things we have. I know this is true because I have had my share of bad days. We tend to take things for granted but whenever what we have is threatened; our health, friendship, happiness, a relationship, our jobs or anything that is ours, then we realize how important it really is.
I had a really bad day recently and it came so unexpected. After my husband and I returned from working overnight at our jobs, we were excited because we were both off duty on a Saturday. After taking showers and having breakfast together as usual, we relaxed and listened to some old music, music we listened to while still in Nigeria. Our last child Cheche was really enjoying watching music videos by musicians like Chaka Chaka, Brenda Fassie and Lucky Dube with us. I remember how surprised she was when she found out some of the tracks she attributed to Brenda were actually Chaka Chaka’s.
I had planned going out that morning but couldn’t because I came back later than usual from work. Little did I know that it was our own version of the calm before a storm. Everything changed very quickly and in just an instant, I was riding in the front seat of the ambulance that took my husband to the Emergency Room of Wake Med Hospital.
The days that followed were very stressful and almost unbearable it did accomplish one thing; I appreciated more the little things we tend to take for granted. The house felt very different with my husband in the hospital, I lost my appetite and nothing seemed important anymore. I prayed more and made silent promises to God. I appreciated more the gift of family and laughter and jokes, the gift of just knowing that everyone is feeling well.
I sat in a cafe right inside Wake Med one morning after a short visit with my husband and with tears in my eyes, i felt really lonely and scared. I realized how much I missed the daily little things we did together including the arguments and how I didn’t realize how much they truly meant to me. I am so glad that he is back home and recovering fast.
I have once again promised myself that I will cherish every moment I spend with family and friends and that I will appreciate the little pleasures of life. To you my friends, I wish you do the same. Let us be grateful for the little things we have and for all the bad things that we have been spared.