Chika Jonah Writes

Tag: story

  • Dying Slowly

    Dying slowly

    Dying slowly

    Oma saw Anita coming and quickly wiped the tears from her eyes while she continued writing out the prescription drugs on a piece of paper.

    “Oma!” Anita called.

    “Yes.”

    “I just saw the doctor, he said that so far the treatment has been effective but he doesn’t understand why in recent times she has not been responding to the treatment. They have to perform another test. And…and…its going to cost seventy five thousand naira.” Anita informed sadly.

    “What? Seventy five thousand naira! How the hell am I supposed to get that much money?”, She staggered back and leaned on the wall. With hands ruffling her hair, looking at Anita with those painful eyes. “Take a look at these”, She handed over the prescription paper to Anita and as Anita read through her face changed. “Oh God!” Anita whispered.

    “Now th…i…s too.” Oma fell to the chair and sobbed uncontrollably. Anita rushed to her and wrapped her hands around her.

    “Six months Ani”, Oma spoke in between tears. “Six months of been in this dreadful hospital. Six months of dropping it all. Of trying to save her life. And now there is nothing left. We have nothing. I have nothing to give her Ani.” She cried.

    “No. No. Don’t say that baby.” A lone tear fell from Anita’s eyes as she held her friend tightly. She could feel the pain Oma went through. She had seen Oma go through hell to help her Sister who was diabetic suffering from a lung infection. She left her job to take care of her. She sold everything she had just to afford the hospital bills. Spent sleepless night catering for her and was constantly praying for her.

    Oma pushed Anita away “She should die. She should just die and end this misery.” Oma barked.

    “What? I don’t think you know what you’re saying.” Anita said, uncertain of how to respond.

    “I meant every word.” Oma replied her sternly.

    Anita raised her had and slapped Oma on the cheeks. “Are you out of your mind?” She screamed. Quickly she grabbed Oma’s shoulder and shook her vigorously, “Don’t you dare say that again. If you really meant it, then why are you still here? You should have been at home taking a nap, surfing the internet or chatting with friends. But you chose to be here. Fighting this battle. Don’t give up baby. I beg you. Please don’t give up.” She took Oma back into her arms and Oma cried on her shoulders.

    “I’m sorry. I’m just tired.” She wept uncontrollably.

    “I’m too tired” She whispered. Anita gave her a slow pat “I know. I know baby. You’ll be fine. We will all be fine.” She reassured her friend.

    They sat down there for a long time until Oma stood up “look after her Ani, I’ll go arrange the money somehow and get her the drugs. Lets prep her for this test.” Anita nooded.

    Before she left she quickly took a glance at her sister, who was sleeping softly on her bed. She couldn’t help but wonder what she was dreaming about.

    She walked towards her, leaned to her right ear and said those words she had been meaning to say, “Don’t you dare die on me sis. Fight. Fight hard and come home to me. Okay?” She stroked her cheeks warmly and left.

    Four weeks later Oma’s sister died after a prolonged seizure. She fought so hard for so long, but towards the last week, she went into a coma and didnt survive the seizure.

    There was so much pain and tears and sorrow in the room. Everyone was either wailing or sniffing. Only Oma didnt cry. She stood at a corner too shocked to do anything. She couldn’t speak, she couldn’t cry. There was no more tears left to cry and nothing left to say. Only pain to feel.

    What they didn’t know was that, Oma died slowly every time she watched her sister fight her sickness in pain and agony, pieces by pieces till there was nothing left of her.

    Nothing.

    THE END

    What are your thoughts on the dying slowly story? Did you wish things ended differently for OMA? Just drop your thoughts in the comment below.

    Read the waking up story series here

    Get some fiction stories for free here on obooko. They’ve been a life saver

  • My journey as a female entrepreneur in Nigeria.

    My journey as a female entrepreneur in Nigeria has been a mouthful says Aniekeme Umoren our Guest writer.

    Aniekeme Umoren(Ann) is an entrepreneur, with a degree in Accounting. After been an Auditor for a year, she is currently the team manager of Partylane Dynamic Concept.
    She entered the entrepreneurial world to explore her passion for Fashion and add beauty to human lives. Life to her means family and friends who can be trusted. She is self driven, she takes pride in providing the best products and services to customers/clients.

    Connect with her here;
    Instagram – Beautiful Ankara Fabrics
    Facebook – Beautiful Ankara Fabrics
    Email – aniekemeuby@gmail.com

    Here is what Ann says;

    Where should we start?
    I am grateful for the opportunity given to me to share my experience. Chi, thanks again.
    And to everyone reading, I hope we learn from my intriguing yet eye-opening journey as a female entrepreneur in Nigeria.

    Having an entrepreneurial vision is interesting, I would lie if I say it’s one of the smoothest Journey ever. Hmm…it isn’t.
    I stopped applying for a job when I realised that I was wasting my time doing so.
    Are you shocked to hear me say so?

    Female entrepreneur in Nigeria

    It all started immediately after my National Youth Service Corps(NYSC). I had this poor mindset that after my NYSC program I would find a white collar job.

    Well, it turned out to be the opposite.
    I kept applying for jobs in different places (banks to be precise) I love Bankers and was obsessed with the banking industry.

    Few weeks later, I was called up for interviews at different banks.
    I got rejected at the finals due to the fact that I was newly married and they believed I wouldn’t be able to perform my duty as required; such as traveling round the world, working late etc.

    Should I say… Fortunately, I gave up my dreams of working in the bank and began reading Brain Tracy’s book “CHANGE YOUR THINKING, CHANGE YOUR LIFE” that was all I needed at that point in time. I lost focus, was depressed and full of negative thoughts that my friends have all made it through life and I’m still stagnated. I needed something to get my hopes high, and all I could think of was reading a book. Thankfully, the book did help redirect my thoughts.

    I realized there was something missing in my world and that was FASHION. Fashion has always been my day one dream right from childhood, have always played with colors, pieces of clothes, drawings, threads and needle. smiles

    I had to turn my focus to Fashion. But then I had obstacles; financial obstacles hindering me from getting things done immediately. Like the saying “there’s nothing free in Freetown not to talk of Nigeria.” laighs Becoming a female entrepreneur in Nigeria wasn’t going to be easy so I had to improvise.

    Something that could actually relate to fashion. To avoid procrastination I had to start somewhere, anywhere and anyhow.
    I ordered 15pieces of Ankara fabrics and began selling them to people around me.
    Honestly, It was never an easy task. It took me a month to be able to sell out only ’15 fabrics’ laughs.

    I didn’t know how to convince people to buy them so it made it very difficult to sell out. I was terrible at marketing. An important skill that would help me successfully be a female entrepreneur in Nigeria. At some point I got scared of what my life has become. It was so frustrating and I was a little hopeless.

    After a while, I created a business account on social media( Instagram and Facebook precisely) I bought more fabrics about 15pieces, I uploaded them and waited for response like forever. No one called, no notifications, no DMs. I was frustrated. tears

    I went to my husband’s book shelf again, skimmed through the books. My eyes caught Joe Girard book “HOW TO SELL ANYTHING TO ANYBODY”. I read it repeatedly. It took me days to understand and realize that I had a lot of upgrading and trimming to do with my brand and my self.

    Who wouldn’t follow up procedures in such circumstances? I had to.
    I bought about 25pieces of ankara Fabrics, 16yards of senators, 10pieces of plain and patterns and 12yards of brocades.
    And I started selling rapidly. It didn’t take me more than 2 weeks to be able to sell them all, I restocked and kept the process going. I was so happy for a long time. You may see it as a small win but this victory alone got me motivated to do more.

    It didn’t end there. As time went by I felt I needed to revamp and rebrand my Instagram page and it was done by Chika smiles she did an excellent job. The rebranding alone brought more clients especially on Instagram. I deleted trash of pictures on my Facebook business page and focused on just my brand and what I could offer.

    Today, I can say that I receive calls from people I don’t know before, most of my clients are from social media. The irony. I can now call myself a female entrepreneur in Nigeria. I won’t say that I have blow, in fact, I am just getting started. I’m only at a place where I enjoy what I do.

    So what’s my point here? To be called an entrepreneur in Nigeria or an entrepreneur of any kind is very pleasant but the question is are you ready to face the challenges that come afterwards or are you going to listen to people’s negativity or just quit?

    It is important to have a true inner desire for your passion. And in business that’s truly what it takes at the end of the day.

    6 Tips to help you be a successful male/female entrepreneur in Nigeria

    1. Just stay focused.
    2. Test your potentials(i.e passion, self confidence etc)
    3. Read books.
    4. Avoid procrastination.
    5. Redefine your skills to match your business.
    6. Be self driven (motivate your self, no one will do it for you)

    I trust this piece has been of great value to you
    Thanks for your time and thank you for having me.

    Please leave Ann your feedbacks, questions, kind words and compliments in the comment. She’s right there waiting on you. winks

    Our last guest post by Prince James is a must read by everyone

    Kemi Ojumobi wrote an article for Business day on some of the most powerful female entrepreneurs in Nigeria and the story Its deeply motivating I must say.

  • It could have been worse

    When bad things happen, do you panic? Do you fret? Well its okay to do all that but do it with the mindset that it could have been worse.

    Jamie’s story is one that best defines this statement. So heartbreaking yet inspiring. Follow me as I take you through this brave man’s story.

    It could have been worse

    When the news was broken to Jamie that he had cancer. He smiled, nodding as he listened to the doctors. Feeling sympathetic, the doctors had sad eyes as they wondered if Jamie was braced for what a life of battling cancer meant.

    Shortly afterwards they watched as Jamie was instantly distracted as he began chatting with his friends and laughing in soft giggles. They shook their heads in disbelief and left quietly to prep him for more testing and treatments.

    One week later, Jamie opened his eyes to a room filled with doctors and residents looking at him with concern.
    “Hi Jamie, how do you feel?”

    “Drowsy.” He answered rubbing his face.

    “Jamie your surgery went well, we took away the cancer tissue but after running some post surgery test, we found out that your cancer is spreading, and fast. I’m so sorry.” The doctor informed him.

    “Its alright.” He said smiling at the doctor and laid back on the bed.

    “What?” The doctor looked at him puzzled while the other doctors stared at each other “Did you just hear what I said?” He asked.

    “Yes I did,” Jamie replied warmly. “You just told me that I probably have a few weeks left to live if not one.” He grinned at the doctor who couldn’t help but marvel at what he just said.

    “Jesus! How do you do it?” He asked perplexed.

    “Nothing. I just know that it could have been worse. For all I know, what if the result showed that I only had this night? What then? But now I’ve got a week or more to see this beautiful world and all that is in it. I can’t change what you just said. It is what it is.” He  laughed at the doctor whose mouth was left wide open.

    “Wow. I don’t know what to say Jamie. I just know that I could never be you. You’re great,” He rose to his feet, “don’t stress yourself. The nurse would get you your meds. Good bye Jamie.”

    “Goodbye Doctor.”

                      

    My reaction is that of the doctor whenever I see people stay indifferent through their most painful and unbearable experience. I get pumped and energized to live fully. Yet, I also know that there are people who would never be great like Jamie. They would even become the worst version of themselves when faced with a unpleasant circumstances. They would become nasty and difficult towards themselves and those around them.

    If you’re thinking I would say some cliche words like some motivational speakers and tell you not to panic or get scared or cry or act out your emotions then, you’re wrong. Let it all out and express your pain when faced with bad circumstances but please and please, don’t be a bitch.

    Don’t be a bitch.

    When you become a bitch you make it unbearable for the people around you to be hopeful. You make it uneasy to be loved and taken care of. Get it into your head that it could have been worse.

    You’re staying with an uncle that treats you bad because you can’t afford a rent right now, isn’t as bad as you think. It could have been worse in the sense that, you could be lying on the streets without shelter. Get a grip on yourself and be less angry.

    You are walking on the road side and some hoodlum snatches your bag and one year later, you’re still lamenting. Are you high? *laughs* You should thank God they only stole your bag. What if a car had run into you and injured you severely? For all we know it could have been worse. 

    Some people smile on deadly conditions, its not because they are in denial, it’s just that they’ve accepted things as it is in that moment because they know that it could have been worse. Things would have been much worse than it were.

    The question is; would you smile through it or be a bitch through it?

    Thank you for reading through. I’d be waiting for you on the comment. Do well to leave me your honest feedback, thoughts and opinions.

    Here is a nice book on this topic. Read HERE

    Anita’s story may just warm your heart, read HERE

    Learn how to handle loss and grief HERE