ASAKE OKIN

In the ups and downs of life, there are moments when we are forced to begin again. Oftentimes, when people talk about beginning again, it is usually in the context of relocating, changing careers, or starting over after a relationship or marriage ended. But I hardly hear about having to relearn things we once mastered because life happened. People have had to relearn how to drive, how to walk, how to speak, how to eat, how to write, learn how to sleep again, or something else. There is something deeply humbling about having to learn again what you once mastered. It can be frustrating, emotional, and sometimes difficult to accept, especially when you remember how easily those things once came to you. It can also be lonely because you don’t want people to know you’re having to begin again, or you’re not ready to answer questions, so you keep that part of your life to yourself. Other times, you get so caught up in why it happened that you find it difficult to see a way forward. But beginn...

I still remember them! Every now and then, I hear that someone I know has died. Someone I grew up with. Someone who was there during my growing up years. I recently took account of everyone who was there during those years in the neighborhood I grew up in. I went house by house in my mind and realized many have gone. Only 1 or 2 were people I considered very old, and there were a couple of people I considered too young. As a believer, I know my death date is written. It may be near, it may be far. I occasionally tell myself I need to tidy up my affairs. Then tomorrow comes, and I forget I even had that conversation with myself. So, while you can, take care of your loved ones, especially those you are responsible for. Draw up a will; don’t leave it to chance or relatives. Do something charitable that will outlive you.  Slow down.  Love.  Prepare. Life is fleeting. I remember them. For most of them, it never crossed my mind that death was near. Mo ranti wọn. I’ve been ...