Wow! It’s sixteen (16) whole years already. Glory be to God. On 3rd December 2001, Toby Ashike Oshoko (TanpioruObari as his grandma, my mother calls him) was entrusted to us…I remember the days around his birthdate and draw lessons there form again….

I recall that was the period of the year when my Church has activities. My Mum has come over to assist me as moving around had become a drag but they had to leave me at home for the evening service. So I am sitting at the balcony and I felt pressed. Before I could enter the parlour I had peed on myself! Ah? Na so the piss serious? I asked myself…Okay naau.

They returned and I jokingly narrated my experience to my Mum. She just looked at me for a while and continued with what she was doing.

The next morning 2nd December 2001 was a Sunday and everyone was getting ready for Church. I peed on myself again. I laughed and told them in the house. Nobody said anything.

My big brother called to speak with my Mum that morning. After the greetings, he asked to speak with me. We gist finish and I said “Eh hen Brother, me I don’t understand this one that I am just peeing on myself anyhow o.” And I told him what had happened. He said okay. I shouldn’t go to Church. I should pack and go to the hospital and tell them I want to see my Gynaecologist. That I should make sure I don’t talk to any other person.

 And the entire Sunday…no urine, no nothing. Just there. At night I asked what was going on. I was told my water had broken the previous day and they were waiting for the child to initiate the process of coming out. 

Early morning of 3rd December 2001, we had to go to the Labor Room to for assistance as it appeared the child was not in a hurry to show. Along the line, I was told my Threshold of Pain was very high since the medication was not having the desired effect fast enough. The enema, the induced contractions  etc (interestingly when the pain came rather than cry, I sang unto my God)…and by evening my Gynae had stopped smiling because the moment had come…and with a scissors I heard some cutting sounds…not long after I saw the chubbiest most handsome 4.5kg boy ever, with sweat on his nose dropped on my chest, then they handed him over to his Paediatrician and my Gynae returned with needle and thread to fix me back! 

Now what is my story? I am expectant and gone through the months…as the end drew near the pain was becoming unbearable. The signs of the end came but I didn’t recognise them but God in His infinite mercies sent my brother to call at that moment. By medical estimates we were running out on time and the boy had gone quiet so we are wondering what’s going on? Then at the nick of time, God orchestrated the entire process, killed the pain (in my mind) and brought forth His son through me.

Now we hardly remember the painful process. It is praise and glory to God all the way! Toby, my One & Only is Sixteen (16) years old today. 

What is that situation you are dealing with? 99.9% of the time when all appears bleak know that God is actively concluding on the matter and you would look back later with enough gratitude. Hold on to God. Speak up. God won’t fail you. His grace is sufficient.