AT 71, I WALKED 5 HOURS IN FREEZING SNOW TO SEE MY NEW GRANDSON - MY SON'S CRUELTY LEFT ME HEARTBROKEN!

At 71 years old, I finally became a grandma! My heart was bursting with joy, and I couldn't wait to hold my precious grandson for the very first time. But then, my son, Mark, told me he couldn't come to pick me up. Honestly, I've always had this nagging feeling that now that Mark has this new, fancy life, he's a little ashamed of his poor old mom. But my longing to see them was so strong that I decided – forget it – I'd go to their house myself, no matter what!

Despite the biting freezing cold, the thick snow falling, and my bad legs that barely cooperate even with my walker... I walked. For FIVE long hours. I was absolutely starving, utterly exhausted, and could barely stand by the time I finally reached their doorstep, but nothing could deter me. With trembling hands, I knocked on the door. Mark opened it, and his eyes widened in surprise, but not with warmth. I told him about my difficult journey, hoping he'd understand the depth of my love for his new family, but he just snapped, "I don't care what you went through! I told you we'd meet later! Now GO HOME!" And then, he slammed the door right in my face! Honestly, I just stood there in the snow, tears freezing on my cheeks. Was that truly what I deserved?

Later that night, back in my empty, cold home, I collapsed. My legs were so sw0llen and painful; they were literally giving out beneath me. Just as I was trying to find some comfort, I heard the familiar creak of my front door slowly opening... Who could it be?

MOTHER ABANDONED HER BABY BY THE RIVERBANK

EPISODE 7

Life in Lagos should have felt like a new beginning for Oma. The bustling city lights, the well-furnished apartment Michael provided, and the comfort of knowing she was loved should have filled the void in her heart.

But nothing seemed to touch the emptiness that had settled in her soul. Michael was a good man—attentive, supportive, and kind. He made sure she lacked nothing.

They went on outings, visited parks, ate at expensive restaurants. From the outside, theirs was a beautiful love story.

But for Oma, it was like living inside a glass house. Everything looked perfect, yet one emotional crack threatened to shatter it all. The memory of her baby girl haunted her, silently threading itself through every moment of her new life.

When Michael noticed it, he brought it up one evening after dinner. "Oma, why don’t you go back to school? You’ve always wanted to study. Maybe that will help you loosen up.

She stared at him with wide eyes, unsure how to respond. She obtained a form and began university. Each morning, she left home dressed in modest clothes, blending into a sea of youthful students. She took the bus, attended lectures, read until late into the night. She studied sociology.

At school, her brilliance began to shine. Her lecturers praised her essays. She found new confidence in discussions, and some of her course mates even looked up to her like a big sister. Michael was so proud of her. Years passed.

She was in her fourth and final year when she discovered she was pregnant again. Michael was overjoyed. Nine months later, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. They named him Chibuikem, meaning, God is my strength.

Michael beamed with pride, and even Oma, for a fleeting moment, felt joy ripple through her. Oma sang to him, held him, rocked him to sleep. But the shadow remained.

Every time she held Chibuikem, she imagined Chiwendu’s face, the baby girl she left crying by the riverbank. Every time Chibuikem smiled, it reminded her of the smile she never saw her daughter give. She still refused to tell Michael the truth, even though she knew he deserved to know

At night, she would sneak out of bed and cry silently on the bathroom floor. She often looked at herself in the mirror, wondering if motherhood would ever feel complete.

Her arms were full, but her heart was not. She longed to return to Umu Oma, to stand by the river again, to speak to the wind and beg for forgiveness.

One day, Michael touched her face gently as they lay in bed. "You’re always far away, Oma. Even when you smile. Where do you go?" She forced a laugh. "Nowhere. Just tired." He believed her. But deep down, he knew something was missing. Something she wasn’t telling him.

Back to the ev!l forest, eight years had passed since Ujunwa found Chiwendu whom she named Ifunanya. Ifunanya had grown into a radiant girl—sharp-eyed, full of questions, and wise beyond her years.

Her laughter filled the forest hut. Ujunwa had taught her everything she knew. Divination. Herbal healing. How to whisper to the forest and listen to the wind. Ifunanya absorbed it all like the earth drinks rain.

To Ujunwa, she was no longer a child found in grief—she was a daughter born of destiny. Ujunwa had resigned to fate and settled for the forest, but one morning, everything changed.

She had risen early, as always, to gather herbs from the southern slope of the forest. As she bent over a bed of bitterleaf, she suddenly froze. A warm breeze swept past her, and then, a voice deep, echoed in her ears.

“Go back to Umu Oma… it is time.” She gasped, falling backward onto the ground. The leaves trembled around her. Her hands gripped her staff tightly as she looked around, but no one was there.

That night, she knelt by the fire, watching Ifunanya sleep. Could it be the gods calling her home? The same gods whose name had been used to banish her? Or had destiny circled back?

By morning, her mind was made up. “Ifunanya,” she said gently as she woke the girl. “Get dressed, my love. We’re going on a journey.” “To where?” Ifunanya asked, blinking. “Home,” Ujunwa whispered.

They packed a small bag with herbs, and clothes and then set out. Ujunwa didn’t know the way, but somehow, they kept moving. The journey through the forest took them two days.

At dawn on the third day, the villagers saw two figures, emerging from the shadows of the evil forest. Gasps rang out. Women held their wrappers. Children peeked from behind doorways. Few of the villagers recognized Ujunwa

Whispers swirled through Umu Oma like a rising storm. The return of Ujunwa from the dreaded forest was shocking enough. But the unfamiliar girl beside her, ignited even deeper curiosity.

People gathered in clusters, exchanging wild guesses, their eyes fixed on the woman once branded a curse.

But Ujunwa didn’t stop to answer questions. She walked with quiet authority straight to the palace, her staff tapping against the earth with every determined step.

Ifunanya walked quietly beside her. When they reached the palace gate, the head of the guards who recognized her, was shocked. No one had seen Ujunwa in eight years, and none had expected her return.

“I need to speak to the king,” she said calmly. Moments later, word reached the king and she was let in.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Dear readers, you can't know the extent to which keeping a secret could affect you mentally, eating away at your peace and well-being. Consider opening up to someone you trust – it might be the relief you need.

The Albatross is the largest bird that can go years without landing. They spend their first 6 years of life flying over the ocean before coming to the land to mate. It is capable of traveling more than 10,000 miles in a single journey and circle the globe in 46 days.

AS A MAN, YOU NEED TO KNOW THESE
1. Everyone has a voice but money is the volume. Work hard, have assets in your name as a man, acquire wealth.

2. At 25+, your circle should be discussing about open business, investing, fitness, escaping 8-5 jobs, self development and financial freedom.

3. Life is a ruthless battle, the earlier you sweat, the less you will bleed in this battle. The world is cruel, brutal, nasty and short.

4. Conquer your lust. This is a golden handshake with your future.

5. Very few people truly care about you. Society will leave you on the road to rot. Almost all of your friends will ditch you the moment your situation turning into something chaotic that lies beyond their expectations.

6. Hard times and moments will pass. It is always very dark just before dawn. Keep it cool and never lose your optimism. Don't loosen the grip.

7. Life is a MARATHON, not a sprint. Therefore, be patient, patience is not the ability to wait, its how you react while waiting. Be Consistent. Be Persistent. One day all those late nights and early mornings will pay off.

8. Nobody cares about you. Nobody owes you anything. Most will be Jealous when you Succeed. You’ll be Shocked at who Abandons you when you Fail.

9. Don't chase sex, food and entertainment. You will succumb to them and end up miserable and depressed.

10. Happiness and fun are a femicentric construct. They don't exist in the dictionary of MEN. Chase meaningful purpose NOT "happiness and fun".

11. If you meet a man talking to himself while gesticulating, Don't interfere, he is: - aligning his MISSION with his VISION, organizing his WISDOM to build his KINGDOM, chiselling his MINDSET to improve his SKILLET, tuning his SOUL with his GOAL.

12. Gambling is addictive and destructive. Don't accept to be a slave.

13. Hard times create strong men. Strong men create good times.

14. If you impregnate a woman, take responsibilities. You knew the consequences of raw sex. No matter your age, take responsibility. If you're not ready, use a condom.

15. The world will ask you who you are, and if you don't know, the world will tell you.

16. If you are sitting in a high table and have access to opportunities, help those who have capability but lack access to opportunity. We're all fighting the battle to success and the path can be rough and frustrating. Be a Pillar not an Obstacle.

17. Nobody cares about your pitfalls! The journey to GREATNESS is long, windy and rough.

18. Nobody cares about you. Nobody owes you anything. Most will be Jealous when you Succeed. You’ll be Shocked at who Abandons you when you Fail.

19. People WILL Let you down. Accept and Embrace these Maxims. Turn your Mind into a ruthless Weapon.

20. PROTECT yourself. No one will do it for you. It's on you. No one is coming to save you.

21. Time is non refundable, use it with intention

22. Have a vision. Starve your distractions, feed your focus. Set goals. Read every day. Live inspired

23. If you don't go after it, you won't have it

24. Make mistakes and pursue failure

25. Take mistakes as lessons
Focus is the key

26. Study hard what interests you the most

27. Don't worry about what other people think. Don't pay attention to what others think of you.

28. Skills are more valuable than your grades

29. Excuses make today easy, but tomorrow harder. Discipline make today hard, but tomorrow easy. Choice is yours.

30. You cannot climb the ladder of success with your hands in your pockets.

31. Hungry stomach,an empty pocket and a broken heart can teach the best lessons of life.

32. If your mind is weak, your body and soul will suffer

How the Poor Homeless Girl He Picked Up from the Street Restored Peace to His Family

Episode 2: “The Secret Daniel Was Hiding”

Amanda had never known peace like this.

It had been three weeks since Daniel rescued her. Every morning, she woke up to sunlight pouring through clean windows, the smell of breakfast floating from the kitchen, and the sound of birds—not screams.

But peace, she soon learned, didn’t mean perfect.

Daniel’s home was big, beautiful, and calm on the outside. But something about it felt... heavy. There were rooms no one entered. People in the house spoke in hushed voices when Daniel wasn’t around. And every night, he disappeared into the study and stayed there for hours, alone.

Amanda didn’t ask questions—not yet. She was just grateful.

One rainy afternoon, Amanda stood by the window, watching raindrops race each other down the glass. She was lost in thought when Daniel’s younger sister, Mira, walked in.

“You really changed things here,” Mira said softly.

Amanda turned. “Me? How?”

Mira smiled sadly. “Before you came, Daniel barely spoke. After our parents died in that accident, he shut everyone out. Especially Desmond. The two of them blamed each other for everything.”

Amanda lowered her eyes. “I didn’t do anything special.”

“You reminded him what it means to care again,” Mira said. “But...” she paused. “There’s something you don’t know.”

Amanda’s chest tightened. “What is it?”

Mira hesitated. Then whispered, “Daniel used to be engaged.”

Amanda blinked. “Used to?”

“She left him. Right before the accident. She said he changed. That he was hiding something.” Mira looked at Amanda carefully. “Be careful. I love my brother, but there’s a side of him he never talks about.”

That night, Amanda couldn’t sleep. Her mind replayed Mira’s words over and over. Daniel had been nothing but kind, but now she noticed things she hadn’t before—the way he flinched at certain sounds, the way he locked his study, the nightmares that made him shout in his sleep.

One evening, Amanda passed by the study and saw the door slightly open. Inside, Daniel sat with a photo in his hand, his back to the door. She almost walked away—but then she heard him whisper a name.

“Sarah... I’m sorry.”

Amanda froze.

She stepped back quietly, her heart racing. That night, she barely slept.

The next morning, she found Daniel in the garden, alone.

“Can I ask you something?” she said gently.

He looked at her. “Of course.”

“Who’s Sarah?”

Silence.

The birds seemed to stop singing.

Daniel looked away. “She was the woman I was going to marry.”

Amanda nodded slowly. “What happened?”

He sighed. “I... I wasn’t the man she thought I was. After our parents died, I made choices. Cold ones. I got involved in things... to protect this house, this family. But it cost me her.”

Amanda stepped closer. “And now?”

He looked at her. “Now I’m trying to fix everything. Starting with you.”

She felt her chest tighten again—but not from fear. From something else. Something deeper.

Amanda didn’t know where this journey was leading. But one thing was clear—Daniel had saved her.

And maybe now... it was her turn to save him.

So happy for you both! Wishing you a beautiful journey ahead filled with love , and lots of laughter cheers to your adventure together

Common Mistakes People Make When Choosing a Life Partner

DESPERATION– Some people rush into marriage without learning enough about it.

They think, “I’ll figure it out along the way,” but this mindset leads to regret.

The right knowledge helps you prepare, notice warning signs early, and make better choices.

TRYING TO PROVE A POINT– Some get married just to show others they can. They don’t want people saying, “With all your beauty and money, you’re still single?”

But in the end, when problems come, they realize no one really cared that much and they have to face the consequences of their choices and decisions all alone

PEER PRESSURE – Seeing friends get married makes some feel left out.

So, they rush to pick anyone just to fit in, without thinking long-term.

FEAR OF TIME PASSING – Some believe they are getting too old and must marry quickly, even if the person doesn’t match their values and purpose in life.

They forget that everyone’s journey(time) is different, and rushing can lead to regret.

MARRYING FOR MONEY OR STATUS– Some choose a partner just for wealth or social position, ignoring their bad character.

Later, they realize that money is useless when there is no peace and they have no say in the marriage.

BLINDLY FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS– Some marry people recommended by parents, pastors, or others without checking if they are truly compatible.

But what others see as “good” may not be right for you. Good intentions doesn’t equate compatibility.

Marriage is a lifelong journey. Don't rush into it for the wrong reasons.

Take your time, learn, and choose wisely.

The Man Who Powered His Daughters To Greatness Against All Odds!

In 1980, a man named Richard turned on his television and saw a female player from Romania receiving a check for $40,000 after winning a tennis tournament.

The whole scene was enough to shock Richard. This was more than his annual salary.

Within a few years, he would decide that his daughters would also play tennis.

After turning off the television, he sat down and wrote a 78-page document outlining a plan for his two young daughters to flee their hometown of Compton, California, an area known for notorious black gangster violence. Now there was also a problem in that Richard didn't know anything about tennis, he didn't have the money to pay for his daughters to train for this expensive sport, and maybe it's incredible to you that his daughters weren't even born yet at that time.

Over the next five years, he collected tennis-related magazines and video cassettes. He also taught himself to play tennis. Five years later, according to his plan, Richard had a tennis racquet in the hands of his two daughters, as well as the same magazines and videos and what he had learned from them. He was both the father and coach of these little girls and he began to teach them the game of tennis.

Unable to afford the basics of playing the game, Richard would go to local country clubs to collect used tennis balls from bins and load them into a shopping cart, so that his daughters could practice with these used balls on public tennis courts.

Richard was overprotective and physically strong as a father, and was often beaten by local gang bullies while trying to protect his daughters from harassment during tennis training.

On one occasion when he refused to leave the practice court with his daughters, they broke his nose, jaw and fingers, and knocked out several of his teeth.

Richard wrote in his diary, "After today, history will remember the 'toothless' man as a monument of courage."

Since tennis was a predominantly white sport at the time, people would stare and shout at the black family as Richard and his daughters traveled to various tennis courts for junior tournaments. Once the girls asked, "Daddy, why do people stare at us so badly," to which he replied, "Because they are not used to seeing such beautiful people before."

The wheel of time turned quickly and the calendar page turned sharply to the year 2000, when a tall, lean black girl set out on a journey to play the Wimbledon tournament final, and thousands of miles away from her native ghetto, Richard watched his eldest daughter play in the grass fields in front of London's elite, celebrities and royalty.

No one had ever seen a tennis player with such a powerful serve and fast footwork, nor had they ever heard shots so loud. It was like every ball was being beaten and every ball was crying out in pain.
When the girl reached a stage where victory was ahead of fear, the girl looked at her father standing in the stands who was encouraging her to achieve victory by shouting loudly. Richard always told his daughters, "One day, we're going to win Wimbledon, and it's not going to be for us. It will be for the helpless and poor people of America." Richard's 20-year-long struggle plan had now reached a critical point in history.
As the opponent's ball hit the net, cameras caught a teary-eyed Richard dancing wildly as he watched his daughter, Venus Williams, win the first of her seven Grand Slam titles. Over the next several years, Richard also watched his youngest daughter, Serena, win 23 major tournaments and become one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

For all their success on the tennis court, what Venus and Serena endured off the court is the most impressive part of their journey. From spectators, who were given the nickname the "Williams Brothers" because of their physique, to comments in the media calling Serena's mixed-race daughter "chocolate milk," the two sisters' resilient and kind personalities helped them stand up to racism and bigotry their father said. The best way to avenge is to answer with her racquet inside the tennis court. This inspiring struggle of these two sisters inspired black people and athletes around the world.

When I got married, I was so emotional about everything. I consistently look at other people's marriage and I want that replicated in my own. Little did I know that all those things are just for the public to see, but what goes on within is more than terrible.

Dear young couples, don’t compare your marriage to others. Seriously, it’s so easy to look at someone else’s relationship on social media or even in your circle and think, “Wow, they have it all together.” But the truth is, you’re only seeing the highlight reel. Every marriage has its behind-the-scenes moments, real, raw, and sometimes messy.

Your journey is unique. Nurture your own connection. Focus on your growth, your love, your rhythm. Comparison will rob you of joy, but gratitude, that’s what strengthens the bond.

- Mercy Johnson

Still I Rise.....- A Note to Me

*********
I am allowed to feel deeply, but I will not let pain define me.

I am worthy of love and support that comes without conditions.

My presence is powerful. My spirit is resilient. My journey is sacred.

Even when I'm misunderstood, I will not dim my light to fit in.

What I give to others, I also deserve—kindness, care, and grace.

I am not alone, even when the room feels empty. My strength is with me.

I choose to rise above the noise and reclaim my peace.

My tears are not weakness. They are healing. They are release.

I walk through fire and still carry the scent of hope.

No matter how many times I fall, I will always rise—stronger, wiser, braver.

“It wasn't easy convincing Iyabo to allow a big time Tanzanian artist date her only daughter. Chioma Goodhair opened up about the emotional journey it took to get actress Iyabo Ojo’s blessing for her daughter, Priscilla Ojo's relationship with Tanzanian singer, Juma Jux.

She wrote:
It was one thing encouraging @its.priscy and @juma_jux on their love at first site quest but it was a whole other thing convincing Queen Mother to allow a big time Tanzanian Artist date her only daughter and prized possession priscy. At the time we didn’t have any Tanzanian ties, nor had we been there. It all just seemed so far fetched. But the little time I spent around Juma in Rwanda was enough for me to know that he was a good man with a good heart that was ABSOLUTELY smitten by Priscy from the jump. It wasn’t easy convincing iyabo.

I remember walking all the way from Oxford circus to the end of Knightsbridge ( almost 2 hours ) tryna convince her. And after that she would call every other hour saying “but Chioma this blog said this and that blog said that” & I’d say “but you and I Know most gossip blogs are inaccurate and unfounded”, plus I had grilled Juma enough in Rwanda when he expressed his profound interest in my little sis so as God would have it I had solid answers for every single one of Iyabo’s concerns. Shortly after that she said well if she’s gonna date him then he better be ready to marry her and I said I promise you he will(He told me he wanted to marry her on day 1)

Like a joke we started planning the wedding on this call. This was August 2024. It was so funny because they had just become official bf & gf and here we were speaking the actual details of a wedding into existence. Iyabo was saying they must come to Nigeria to take her and then we can do one in their country too. I was laughing at first because of how detailed she was being but then I quickly got serious because anyone who truly knows Iyabo knows how prophetic she is. Whatever she speaks with her mouth comes to pass just as she says it.

Fast forward barely 3 months later we started planning an actual wedding- the #JP2025 you’ve all come To be a part of.
@iyaboojofespris I want to also honour you today for the incredible human that you are. This wedding has truly proved how loved you are and I’m happy that nations are calling you blessed.

Thank you for handing over Priscilla to me as my little sister the way you have taken me as your own little sister.
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