Life's Unexpected Twist

Life’s Unexpected Twist Embracing parenthood In The Octogenarian Years "Life's greatest surprises often come when we least expect them, turning our world upside down and illuminating the path to a future we never imagined possible." This was the reality of my uncle Thomas last year. Life sometimes proves to us how infinite expectation can be, since each is revealed daily as a surprise. Uncle Thomas, as we fondly call him, had just turned 81 a few weeks ago, and he is as fit as a young pony. Apart from his physical strength and charisma, he is still very handsome and good-looking for his age. You could argue he is 45 years old. He is very friendly, intelligent, accommodating and a popular philanthropist. Aunty Susan was his one and only daughter who had just delivered a baby boy. This brought joy and happiness not just to uncle Thomas but everybody who knew the family. The birth of the baby was a big deal since uncle Thomas' wife (Margret) died of cancer forty years ago. It took Margaret and Thomas over twenty to be pregnant after their marriage in 1963. He decided not to take another wife after his wife's demise but to focus all his energy and attention on his lovely daughter Susan and his community. The preparation for the christening of the newborn baby was on top gear and everybody from far and wide were invited for a feast at aunty Susan’s house. I was directed by aunty Susan to pick mama bimbo from the airport. Mama Bimbo is aunt Susan's mother-in-law, another wonderful soul I have ever met. I remember she was wearing a flowery gown. Perched delicately on the feet of the 80-year-old matriarch were a pair of well-worn, yet meticulously cared-for, ballet flats. The soft, supple leather bore the gentle creases of time, each line a testament to the countless steps taken on the journey of a life well-lived. Despite their age, the shoes retained a timeless elegance, their simple design adorned only by a subtle bow at the toe, a nod to the grace and femininity of their wearer. With each confident stride, they whispered tales of past adventures and whispered promises of the ones yet to come. She also lost her husband 25 years ago to a ghastly motor accident, a painful experience the family will never forget quickly. An articulated vehicle carrying logs of wood from government reserves had lost its brakes and control in a stormy rain. The truck moved from the exit corner to the opposite lane, crushing all three cars on the other side of which mama bimbo's husband's sedan was one. It was futile that his car was crushed beyond recognition. She gave me a warm hug and we exchanged pleasantries. With excitement, she asked about our new bundle of joy while I grabbed her bags into the trunk of the vehicle. She had a bright face, told me all about her experience in her days as a new mom and the expectations involved. We drove off the airport, heading home. We branched out at a nearby store to grab some baby presents and also a special gift for uncle thomas. It is a normal standard tradition to buy gifts in celebration of good luck. We arrived at aunty Susan's house. Uncle Thomas was also just driving at almost the same time. Uncle Thomas made a statement I will never forget seeing mama bimbo elegantly stepping down from the vehicle in her flowing gown and a smile on her face, “wow! Bimbo you look so sexy”, with a grin I said “uunnnccllee!!” They both laughed aloud. I immediately heard aunty Susan's voice from a distance calling me for some assistance because we had guests everywhere and there were lots of things crying for attention. I respectfully excused myself, leaving both uncle Thomas and mama bimbo behind. All through the event, I saw both uncle Thomas and aunty bimbo laughing and talking, both of them looking like two young adults catching up on old times. After the event, while the DJ played nice slow tunes, they both sat outside under the stars staring at the moon.