As my mother spoke, she suddenly halted, clutching her abdomen. Her friends, bewildered, inquired about what was happening. “You’re not going to give birth here, are you?” they asked. My mother had already reached the borehole and, unable to endure the intensifying pain, she sat down and leaned against it. Contractions were coming on sharply, but she had concealed them behind her chatter, hoping to finish her task before my arrival. However, I had other plans. Before my mother could conclude her admonishment of Awudu, I was already at the mouth of her cervix. The other ladies, sensing the impending arrival, spread their extra clothes on the floor to provide a comfortable space for my mother to lie down. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and panic, as someone was urgently sent to fetch the local midwives and the Catholic sisters. My mother, now writhing in pain, held tightly to the midwives as the community gathered around. “Push!” The encouragement resounded from every corner. It seemed like the whole village was trying to support my mother as she gave one final, colossal heave. And then, with cries that filled the world, I emerged into the bright, beautiful world. Everyone rejoiced, and my father, who had arrived just in time, watched proudly as he welcomed his newborn son. The village erupted in ululation. The midwife inquired about a name for me. My father, in that jubilant moment, responded, “No, but there’s no need. This child reminds me of the Bible story, of the child drawn from the water. We shall call him Moses, for he was born by the water.” Little did I know that my name would set the stage for a life journey filled with greatness and resilience, starting frommy very first moments in this world. My birth, surrounded by the love and support of my community, was a prelude to the remarkable story that would unfold. My journey would be one of resilience, determination, strong family bonds, and a passion for breaking barriers, mirroring the story of my biblical namesake. 6 The Birthday Journal
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