The past few days, as laughter filled our home, Mummy teased her children, had TikTok moments with…

The past few days, as laughter filled our home, Mummy teased her children, had TikTok moments with siblings, and jokes flew from room to room, I had a moment of realisation.

I spent my early years away from my sisters – a hard decision my parents had to make. I was just 4 years old when my parents took them to stay with our grandparents while they kept me close due to financial reasons. So the holidays were the only time I got to see them.

Once they were back, I’d sleep late, telling them about what had happened in school, at home and at church, sharing every detail I could remember. I remember one particular day they came to spend the holidays with us, and I didn’t sleep till 10-11pm because my gist just couldn’t wait till the next morning. I had a lot to say to them, and trust me, I would have slept later than that if they didn’t stop me. You can’t even imagine how excited I was that I had someone to share chores with. At last, all the ‘Fisola, go and wash the dishes’, ‘Fisola, tidy up the house before I come back’, and ‘Fisola, run an errand for me’ would reduce. I had time to breathe.

Now, fast forward to the present day, I spend so much time with them that I’m now allergic. Tables have turned; they’re pestering me these days – with kisses, hugs and teases that make me want to run away, far away. These moments with them have even got me thinking, ‘We should have a family reality show,’ because I bet everyone would love to watch a family filled with excitement, sarcasm, love, late-night talks, drama, music and support. Add little fights to that list.

A house that was once lonely and boring is now full of life, laughter, banter and drama. The magic that family can make – one I’m grateful for.

Go back and spend time with those brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers or even extended members. Cherish and love them while you can. Have late-night gossip about yourselves, silly arguments that end with fits of chuckles, concerts in your house where you are the artist and support when someone hurts.

These are the times you have, so hold them close.

From Fissy,

XOXO

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