HER BEST FRIEND!!!

A beautiful girl, Dee was born into the family, of Mr & Mrs Eff. She had all the love a child could ever want from a father. When her siblings or mother corrected her, she would sulk and her father would carry her on his legs, singing her songs until she slept. And for this reason, Dee felt 'loved'. She grew up with this love and soon, became the favorite of her father's friends. They all came with gifts for her, and often took her out. What more could Dee ask for? She was satisfied. She did not hate her mother or siblings, no. They just were not an important part of her life.

One particular year, Mr. Eff got a big contract, and he surprised his wife and son with a birthday party. Dee knew she'd have the best party that year. It was however, very sad when three days to her ninth birthday, Mr. Eff fell sick. Dee was broken, crying day and night. On her birthday, she did not even get a birthday card. Her loving father was hospitalized. Her mother had to attend to him. Her siblings were too young to get her a present. It was the saddest day of Dee's life. Three days after this sad event, Mr. Eff was discharged. Dee was the happiest girl in the world. She ran into his arms, and though he was not strong enough, he lifted her up, spinning her around, and making her laugh till she was out of breath. He apologized to her, and big Dee told her father "Don't worry dear, Your life first.". He looked at her and blessed God for such a sweet girl. She was indeed, his best friend.

A week after Mr. Eff's discharge from the hospital, his health deteriorated. Once again, he was admitted. Only this time, he did not walk out of the hospital alive. A very young Mr. Eff died, leaving a wife, three kids and his best friend, Dee behind! This time, the world crumbled on Dee. She felt it, she knew it, and she couldn't bear it. And just then, she realized she had no other friend in the house.

The tears never stopped flowing, but Dee noticed for the first time that her mother cared about her. Mrs. Eff wanted to dry her tears. Mrs. Eff wanted to be her new best friend. OH! How Dee wept and ran into her mother's arms. And at that moment, Dee knew what she wanted to become in life... A counselor, helping young children know that they MUST love their parents, must respect them, and must honour them equally.

Eleven years later, I, Folake DOLAPO (DEE) Folarin (EFF) am writing my life experience in this blog. The experience that made me realize I could not have a better best friend than my mother. The experience that made me decide that no matter what, I must make young people find love at home first, before seeking it anywhere else. That one experience that turned my life around!

I hope you decide today to love that one person you never really noticed at home, work, school, the road side, anywhere; because that person may be the best friend you need, the friend that would open your eyes to find fulfillment.