The Long Road Home: Going Back for Grandma's Burial

I started my trip from Nasarawa State to Delta State in Nigeria, feeling all kinds of emotions. I was headed home to say goodbye to my grandma. Losing her has left a big gap in our family. The burial was just two days away, and I felt the weight of it all.

I set off early in the morning, ready for a long journey. Or so I thought. Right away, the Road Safety Commission stopped us. They checked our papers and made sure we were safe. It was frustrating, and I knew this was the first of many delays.

As we kept going, we hit police checkpoints. Each stop brought more waiting. The officers checked our documents and often asked for tips from travelers. We also saw vigilantes with their roadblocks, using their own ways to manage the traffic.

The real trouble came from traffic jams. A trailer overturned on the highway, causing a huge backup. What should have been a ten-hour trip turned into a fifteen-hour slog.

While on my way I also came across river Niger but couldn't get a clear shot because I was in a moving vehicle

When the sun began to set, I finally felt a bit of relief. We were getting close to my hometown. The thought of seeing family and friends lifted my spirits after a tiring day.

To my surprise, I found out that my good friend, @calebmarvel01 was in town! I couldn’t wait to catch up with him. Seeing a friend after so long was just what I needed to shake off the tiredness.

Looking back at the trip, it reminded me that life is full of surprises. The road was long and tough, but it brought me back to love and comfort. As we get ready for my grandma's burial, I feel thankful to be home, reconnected with my roots, and ready to celebrate her amazing life.

As the saying goes, “Our preparation is on God.” I believe that. In life’s ups and downs, it’s nice to know we can lean on a higher power to see us through.