Life is full of deep and lovely memories, one that can never be forgotten even in old age. There are times when I flash back to the days when I laughed, had fun, and cheered myself up; I would smile and look at myself again and render soft praises to my creator for keeping me alive to this date.
One of these joyful moments happened when my big sis was getting married some years ago. She and her fiancé had prayed, gone for several counseling sessions with the church pastor, and strategized everything; all arrangements were made ready. In fact, she was so happy that she was finally getting married, and I felt the joy as well.
Yes, my sister never left me out of any of her plans, not just me, but also my other female siblings nearby. However, two months before the wedding date, the bride-to-be fell ill. She was taken to the hospital where a series of tests were conducted.
The results stated that she had fully developed appendices in her system ready to burst, which is very dangerous, and she must be operated on as soon as possible. When I heard the news, it really broke me; not just me, but the entire family was worried. "What could have caused it?" I thought, because my big sister is quite selective with food and other edibles.
Although something else might be the cause that I may not know, eventually, the operation was carried out successfully. She spent a few more days in the hospital before she was discharged. I never stopped visiting her every day until she finally returned home.
Her healing was fast. Her fiancé also arrived the day she was discharged from the hospital to check up on her. He was in a faraway city, working. He had taken two days off work for the journey, and he spent a few days with her before traveling back. After this, another two incidents occurred which affected a large part of the final aspect of the wedding.
The groom-to-be's elder brother got into trouble involving a court case. According to the story we heard, it was a land ownership case between the groom's brother and a community member. The two had taken the case to court for settlement. However, the uncle was guilty. He was asked to pay a sum of ₦500,000 (five hundred thousand naira) before he was bailed, and then the groom and other siblings contributed for him. Our groom-to-be had to touch part of the money he saved for the wedding and spend it.
All was moving fine again until another occasion showed up. The groom's father became critically ill just a month before the wedding day. My in-law (the groom) had to take money from his savings along with his two siblings to cover the hospital bills. The wedding date was approaching quickly. Two days before the date, one of my extended relatives also lost his second male child. We cried because the little boy was supposed to be the ring bearer.
We also had prayer sessions as a family for the wedding day, and we are thankful to God because this was the last negative occasion experienced before and after the wedding. The day arrived warmly. We had joyful moments coming in one after another. The bride's birthday was a day before her traditional wedding day (engagement). We sang, laughed, danced, made wishes, and prayed for her and her husband-to-be. We were so happy, eating, drinking, and making merry.
The day that followed was her traditional wedding day. My big sis was so beautiful. She didn't use makeup before, but as the occasion demanded, she had to put on makeup, and she looked so gorgeous that I felt like marrying her myself, hahaha! There was so much joy, peace, and serenity during the traditional ceremony and the rest of the events.
When it was time to bring the bride out, my sister burst into tears; oh, she ruined her makeup, but the makeup artist quickly applied little touches and gave her a handkerchief to control her tears. Those were real tears of joy. Now I understand why some brides cry on their wedding day. The journey wasn't easy.
After the engagement comes the bridal shower. We had so much fun all through the night. We played games, sang for the bride, made new friends, took pictures, and I noted some lessons too. My older married female relatives gave the bride various good advice and tips in diverse areas of marriage, including finances, child training, and so forth. I really enjoyed those moments.
The following morning, we all awoke very early to prepare for the white wedding. We had our glowing makeup, and we dashed off to church. The most beautiful and joyful moment I experienced during my big sister's wedding was when the pastor pronounced, 'I hereby present to you the latest couple in town.' I don't know when I jumped up, clapping with joy and shouting, 'Yes!'. Those memories, I will keep for life!