THE IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE

CHAPTER 1 THE AGONY OF BARRENNESS: Darling are you crying again, I told you times without numbers not to cry when it's time to have children we will have them, children are from God , did you just say children are from God? Lima asked her husband Emmanuel, yes children are from God my darling wife, then why have I not given birth! I prayed fast. I have countless sleepless nights, I never miss church programs , we even donated food and clothes to the orphanage home every single month, honey I serve God with all my soul and sweat but what did I get ?! Barrenness ! Childlessness is all I get from the God I have served my whole years , Lima said screaming at the top of her voice with tears dropping from her eyes, her husband moved close to her and held her hands gently, honey God will do it at the right time, let's not trouble ourselves, oh he will do it at the right time by the time people make jest of my barrenness right? 10years of marriage! Emmanuel 10years, okay have heard you, she stood up and headed towards the room. John I don't know what else to do, my wife is frustrated and stressed just because of our childlessness, we have tried all our best and run several tests Emmanuel's voice was laced with concern and helplessness. We have waited 10 whole years but nothing to show my wife has been unhappy lately, Emmanuel lamented to his friend John . John listened attentively as Emmanuel poured out his frustrations. "I know, man. It's tough to see Lima going through this. She's a strong woman, but this is really getting to her. And it's not just childlessness, it's the pressure from society, the church, and even family members. They all seem to have an opinion or a solution." Emmanuel nodded vigorously. "Exactly! And it's like they think it's a personal failing or something. Like, if we just prayed harder or gave more, God would bless us with a child. But it's not that simple." John leaned forward, his voice filled with empathy. "I know it's not that simple. But you guys will get through this. You're a strong couple, and you've been through tough times before. Maybe it's time to take a step back, focus on your marriage, and seek professional help. Counseling might be beneficial for both of you." Emmanuel sighed, feeling a glimmer of hope. "You're right. Maybe we need to take a different approach. I'll talk to Lima about it. Thanks, John. Just talking to you makes me feel a bit better." John smiled. "That's what friends are for, man. Now, let's grab some lunch and forget about our troubles for a while. Emmanuel arrived home , honey am home Honey, welcome Lima greet her husband with a broad smile on her face, oh what's the smile about? Emmanuel asked her wife curiously , honey Mama came here, you mean your mother? Emmanuel asked yes , she brought good news oh really? Yes my husband, so Mama said there's a Baba in the village that has solutions to our childlessness , wait! Wait, you mean mama said that ? Yes she said so she replied smiling, is the Baba she's talking about a pastor? No honey he's a traditional man Lima replied, oh my goodness Lima! Emmanuel's expression turned skeptical. "Lima, we've been to so many doctors and hospitals, and they all say we're fine. What makes your mother think this traditional man can help us?" Lima's smile faltered slightly, but she remained determined. "Mama said he's very powerful and has helped many couples in the village. Can't we just try, Emmanuel? For us, for our marriage, and for the sake of having a child?" Emmanuel sighed, rubbing his temples. He knew Lima was desperate, and he didn't want to crush her hopes. But he was also worried about the potential risks of seeking help from a traditional healer. "Okay, let's talk about this calmly," Emmanuel said, taking Lima's hand. "I'll listen to what your mother has to say, but we need to be cautious and not get our hopes up too high. Can you ask your mother to come and talk to me about this Baba?" Lima's face lit up with excitement. "Yes, I'll call her right now!" Emmanuel nodded, trying to match her enthusiasm. But deep down, he was still unsure about this whole idea. He hoped Lima's mother knew what she was getting them into. Late at night , Emmanuel cuddled her wife on the bed , honey, yes her wife responded. I don't think I'm happy with the idea of going to see a traditional man, we are Christians and am also a choir master in church and head usher, it's not done Emmanuel lamented. Lima turned to face him, her eyes searching for understanding. "I know, my love. But what else can we do? We've tried everything else, and nothing has worked. Can't we just put our faith in God and also take a chance with this traditional healer? Maybe it's the answer to our prayers." Emmanuel sighed, feeling torn. He knew Lima was desperate for a child, and he wanted to make her happy. But he was also worried about the potential consequences of seeking help from a traditional healer. "I understand where you're coming from, Lima," Emmanuel said gently. "But we need to be careful. We don't want to do anything that might compromise our faith or our relationship with God." Lima nodded, her eyes welling up with tears. "I know, my love. I just feel like we're running out of options. And I don't want to lose hope." Emmanuel pulled her close, holding her tightly. "We'll get through this together, okay? We'll talk to your mother and see what she has to say. But we need to be cautious and make sure we're not compromising our values." Lima nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew Emmanuel was right, and she was grateful for his understanding. As they drifted off to sleep, Lima's mind was still racing with thoughts of the traditional healer and the possibility of finally having a child. She hoped that this would be the answer to their prayers, and that they would soon be holding their own baby in their arms.