LABELS - AKIN THE REJECTED STONE

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It’s been a journey of self-discovery for me and my family; overcoming societal pressures and restrictions. That annoying phrase “this is the way it’s done” has encroached many and kept them in an activity limbo of not living. To be clearer as I’m certain you do not understand, I will tell you a short life story…

Akin was the only son of his parents; Mr and Mrs Adejobi tried to conceive for many years but they could not after so many tries. On their 10th anniversary they made the decision to adopt a child. Luckily for them, since adoption is not that difficult in Nigeria; they adopted a young boy of 2 after 5months of waiting. Against extended family wishes they adopted him legally and made him theirs. Fast forward to 20 years after, Akin a young 22year old boy lost his parents in a car crash, mean while he was in his final year at the university. He was looking forward to his final year project when life gave him a hit! Devastated Akin buried his parents with the help of his parent's relatives but lo and behold afterwards, he was denied by his parent’s relatives of a home and a right as the legal son of Mr and Mrs Adejobi. Why?! They said he was a thief and a bastard, a son of no lineage; Akin was shocked to discover he was adopted – a fact his parents never hinted him. Ten years forward, 32-year-old Akin saw it all… the pain and strivings of life but fortunately he overcame now dear Akin is now a successful exotic car dealer, Fate smiled on him after 7 whole years of perishing in poverty.

Not to bore you, 3 years into Akin’s success the vipers(relatives) are back on their knees begging for assistance; for money, connections and the likes. Now they have casted Akin as the household head by proxy. I met Akin at a dinner party hosted by one of my friends, I was bored and I thought to meet someone new and I approached Akin; they say friendship can be a thing of similar minds meeting. It was that kind of connection, we started chatting and somehow Akin regaled me of the RESPONSIBILITY he was just awarded with.

We can label anything and call it imperfect in our personal life but let’s try not to pass on our own insecurities and myths to others; telling couples awaiting the fruit of the womb not to adopt is UNFAIR and CRUEL. Everyone has their life to live but using your own yardstick to judge others is very wrong. You might say Akin’s story ended well, may be or maybe not. I am certain, that whether, he continues to succeed or not his dear deceased parents are proud of him. Whatever we do today has a ripple effect on our tomorrow. STOP the castigation. Adopted or biological children are gifts from the creator, with a potential to become more than we can think “a o mo olu omo (we don’t know the child that will be most successful)”. Akin's story plays out the Christian verse that says "the stone that was rejected, became the chief corner stone" Did you get my message?

IF YOU HAVE A REAL LIFE STORY TO SHARE AS A YOUNG GIRL OR ADULT WOMAN TO FEATURE ON AN UPCOMING SERIES CALLED WOMEN TALES. CONTACT THE WRITER OF LABELS THROUGH THIS E-MAIL content@niwcolony.com

Olanrewaju Oluwatosin Racheal pen name 'Tosraheal' is an avid reader and a budding young writer, she loves art and likes to dabble in different creative works. 

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