Riki @18

This week my baby turned eighteen. What a wonderful experience. Where did the time go, just the other day this boy was born. I remember like it was yesterday the day he was born. I cant see the laces where time went to. One day a little energetic little bomb of energy and in no time a six foot young man gentle and loving. 

Rikis birthday every year falls while he is in school this year we intended to do it differently, postpone and celebrate in December during his school break. This in collabo with beautiful Rigz who was so gracious to accept.  See, Rigz was born in December so all her birthdays have been while she is home. So did that happen, no because man plans but God orders our steps. We lost Mama on the same weekend we planned to celebrate Riki and Rigz birthdays. 

Let me tell you about Riki, he is the boy that i got when i was aware of exactly what I was doing, old enough to make the decision to bring forth another human being who wil be solely dependent on me, yes me who is scared to breath. Anyways, it has been a journey of trails tribulations, joy, laughter but mostly runing after Riki so he does not break anything or anyone. 

Riki is now a man, scratch that, Riki is a fine young man. Already filled out of that boyish lanky frame to a stoic build, plays rugby, defends his family and very protective of us girls.  However, to me I still see the little boy i raised, I see the frame yes, but beyond that i see the boy that still comes to my bed in the morning to ask if nightmares are real, if his daddy is ever coming back home if girls will like him, if his handwriting is what makes him stupid, I tell you I love Riki more than anything but for the love of God at some point I couldn't read anything he wrote unless it was in capital letters. 

This boy who has grown among only women, who many feared will be too feminine is now a man, with his own opinions, that part I don't like but its life, his own ego and more so his own biases , collected I do not know from where. Riki grew up doing all chores, see i tricked that out of this stupid bigotry, I only had two children so 50% of everything. So now who makes the biggest and best ugali in the house, the meanest steak and the best fried rice? your guess is right. 

So Riki I want you to remember what I always tell you, YOU ARE ENOUGH, your bad handwriting and all, your ''weakness towards helping girls'' and more so your academic performance. You are brave, strong, loving and caring and above all you have great faith in the goodness of people. 

I wish you all the best as you enter the longest phase of your life, it has many parts but given only one name adulthood. You are now fully responsible for yourself in the eyes of the law even though in my eyes you will always remain my boy. Take heart in the knowledge that the path ahead has been taken by many, learn from them then forge your own. As you journey through this life, remember to take momories with you, enjoy each moment. Face every difficulty as a challenge , but also remember it is OK to say i cannot do this and move on. 

As time moves you will realize that adulting is the most rewarding of your life and also the most demanding and least appreciated, go forth and conquer for you, for your future for your family, for your community, for the world. You do not need to stand on a podium with applouse, that will be very good but the hearts you touch, the lives you change and the values you live by will be the best legacy you can ever leave behind. 

Thank you family and friends, the great village that has raised this boy, man you are seen, you are appreciated. I hope to God your efforts bear fruit in the life you touched. 

Happy birthday nyathina Riki Jarso.