The topic I was assigned this week is about Distance. Being so far away from my daughter, who is au pairing in America, and has been for the past 14 months, and yet still being as close as we are. I was asked how I do it, and if it has been easy.
If she is reading this, YES its been super
easy! Haven’t even noticed she has been away. Been a breeze. Great. Wonderful.
If you are wanting the truth, then also yes,
and no. When she left, it was for a year and I was coming mid-year to visit
her. We only had to survive without each other for 6 months. Which is really
not a long time. Except, we are inseparable. We are best friends. I raised her
on my own for 19 years. I know this means a little bit of distance would be
good for us. Help us live alone. Sever the ties that bind and prepare her for
her own existence sans mommy. I get it.
And then, COVID hit and lockdowns prevailed.
Borders were closed and an unseen and unknown enemy lurked everywhere, wanting
to steal our loved ones from us. But this was March. July, everything will be
clear and ready for us to be reunited!
This, clearly, did not happen. Never mind I
thought, December and Christmas would be an awesome second prize! South Africa
then presents another strain of COVID. Thank you very much for coming! The world
is even more terrified of us than ever! America says a very stern NO thanks to
me bringing my germs into their borders. Nikita decided to extend her stay and
will only be returning in January 2022. And I have come to terms with the fact
that I more than likely will only see her again when I welcome her home at the
airport.
However, we are closer than we have ever
been. Sorry for all of you, no curing of the ties that bind. No severing the
cord. And I have to be honest, this is predominantly thanks to my now 21 year
old young adult daughter. She calls me every single day. Without fail. Even when
I am in a foul mood. Or hungover. Or sick. Or grumpy. Or have a flat battery.
Sorrry for me. She is on that phone. Seven hours behind me or not. We video
call. We share photos, we share all news. I update her on our pets. I update
her on my love life or lack thereof, and she shares her journey of falling in
love for the first time. Of teaching children to read. Of travelling, of
getting tested for COVID. Turning 21. Driving on the WRONG side of the road.
I think that all things can be overcome if
there is love. And I love my beautiful child more than I have breath in my
body, or money in the Nigerian lottery. She is my best friend. And she has
shown me that any relationship can survive. If you are loyal. If you are
dedicated. If you are honest. And if you love.
Thank you my darling Nikita. You are my
sunflower and my cosmos.
