As my mother marks her 55th birthday today, I will like to use this medium to talk about her and share one of the previous memories I had with her.

My mum's name is funmilola Popoola, she's a mother of 4 children, and married to Mr. Samuel Popoola.She is a God-fearing woman who makes sure her children works in the right path. I would call my mom a disciplinarian because I know what I have experienced as her child.

I remember when I was a kid, around the age of 5 or 6, during my class 6 days. I journey to school alone without the company of my mum because she trusted I was able to take care of myself and besides, my school was a stone throw from home.
So, it got to a time when I started visiting a friend at his house before heading to school, I would leave home very early and then check up on my friend at his house, wait for him to finish then, we'll both leave for school without her knowing about this.

After school closes, instead of waiting for my usual school lessons, I go out with my friends to a game centre to play PS2 (play station 2) before going home. As I usually skip school lessons, it became very often that one day, I lost track of time at the game station from 2pm which is when school closes, till 7pm late night.

Knowing that time had gone, I was scared of going back home. Then I decided to be strong and head home. On getting home, I met my mum outside waiting and already scared something bad must have happened to me.

Mum: Dammy where are you coming from? (Dammy is the name I am being called at home)

Me: I am coming from school ma, we finished late from school lessons that's why.

Mum: (Gives me slap! 👋👋) If you don't say the truth, I will give you another round of a slap because I have gone to your school and I heard you don't attend school lessons again.

Me: (Weeping over the hot slap,I was completely nervous that I'm already dead tonight), I have been checked mated. I later had to tell her I do visits my friend every morning at his place and then diverts to the game centre after school.

As a Typical African Mother, my behavior can't go unpunished because there is a popular saying which states "spare the rod and spoil the child". That night, I was given series of beating and also served punishment in which I have to hang myself over a door without climbing anything. After all the beatings,then she advised me that I should learn to choose my friends wisely, follow good friends and say the truth always. Afterwards, she prepared me a nice meal and served me a very cool drink. Believe me, I can never forget such an experience. So since then, if I want to do anything which I know will make her angry, I will remember how she had disciplined me on previous occasions, then correct myself.

I can say because of my mother, I am proud to be the person I am today. God bless you mom, Long life and prosperity, more wealth in good health.

Below, are pictures of my mum and Me.