June 20, 2013 — Lamikayty
June 20, 2013 — Lamikayty
Rushing out of the house this morning, I was convinced I had escaped my daughter who I thought was still fast asleep. NEPA had finally ‘remembered’ us — she sleeps longer when there is light — but I was wrong. As I got downstairs her shout of Mummy and her legs pounding down the staircase could not be ignored.
I called out to let her know I had not left and was stunned to find tears flowing down her cheeks. Hugs and kisses stopped the flow of tears but I doubt my explanation of starting my leave soon convinced her much. 1 week away is a long time for a 5 year old. I refuse to think of how much time I’m missing with her. She’s on a 3-month holiday and I’ll spend one whole month with her, but even that doesn’t assuage my guilt at having to leave her all day.
Why can’t I come to work with you? She asks. I don’t bother to reply with words, only a smile. I know she’ll ask again and maybe then I would have an answer.
I ponder on the answer to her question as I drive down Third Mainland bridge trying to get to the office before 8 even though I left my house at 7:05am. Almost impossible, but not. I make it and feel good with myself.
During my lunch break, I go downstairs and realize it is raining. It’s a no-brainer, even without an umbrella, I head out even though it’s more than a drizzle. My hair is natural and I’m not afraid of rain. It’s a choice that serves me well on days such as these.
With NEPA refusing to give us light, I have given up on buying any food. I log on to a new site with an incongruous name ‘Lazy appetite’ and order lunch to be delivered to the house. It is delivered, after a short wait and several phone calls later. The verdict is “Best meal in a while”.
Not the best choice overall but at that moment, it’s the best available choice. That’s the answer my daughter needs but does not yet understand.
— -
About Lamikayty: Lagos wife, Lagos Mum, Lagos worker! Emphasis on Lagos! Blogs infrequently at lamikayty.com and tweets more frequently @lamikayty.