26/04/2025
Today, something happened that shattered me deeply
I had my own share of emotion&l turmoil right in the middle of the market. I broke down. I cried.
I was standing to buy something when I felt a soft tap on my body.
Mommy, please, I be barrow. Make I carry your load,the little voice said.
I turned. It was a little boyabout the same age as my Favour.My heart skipped.
I looked down and saw the barrow in his hands.
Confused and heartbroken, I asked, Why are you pushing a barrow? You’re too little for this.
I tried to give him some money. Just to support.
He looked up and said something that shook my soul:
Nooo, mommy. If you dash me today, what of tomorrow? I fit carry the load.
That moment did something to me. I held back my tears and allowed him to carry the lighter items. For the heavier ones, I got another barrow.
As we walked, I asked, What class are you in?
He replied, Mommy, I been dey go school before my papa d!e . Since then, I no fit go again.
My heart, it sank.
I asked about his mum. He said she sells in the market. So, I told him to take me to her.
Before I reached her, I met one of the neighboring sellers and asked about the boy just to be sure this wasn’t a strategy.
And you know what? She said exactly the same thing.
Word for word.
Then I saw his mother.So young. So worn. Selling okro, just trying to make ends meet.
I asked why she let him do such hard work.
With tired eyes and a broken voice, she said, We are trying to raise money to register him back to school… He’s in primary 4.That was it.
I asked how much and gave her the money and held her hand, Please, don’t ever let him push barrow again. Please.
I gave her my number. I will be paying his school fees. I will walk this road with them.
Because it’s not always about caring for the children we birthed.
Sometimes, it’s about caring for the ones life brings our way.
To every child carrying more than they should, may help locate you.
To every mother struggling silently, may light shine in your darkness.
To every fatherless home, may destiny send helpers.
Let’s not walk past people.
Sometimes, one moment of kindness can rewrite a child’s entire story.
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