Nigeria went under lockdown in April and what was supposed to be a 2-week lockdown became months with little-to-no economic activity. In a country, in which most of the economy is powered by the activities of micro, small, medium enterprises (MSME), it was emotional to watch stores and other businesses shut down and also lay off employees.

Growing up, my mom was always around - until she began to provide for my whole family by herself. She used to make nice birthday celebrations with marathons for all the kids to play, with perfect decorations and baking. When she started to work more, we were mostly okay with it. I used to sink in my writing and in books, other worlds always felt better than my own. But my mother was always there, and she still is. Maybe I didn't grow up to be the perfect daughter she definitely deserved, but I try my best every day to make her happy because I know how much she did for me and still does. I love our whole story.

I seriously tell her everything, and when I say everything, I really mean everything. All the hot gossip of who's dating who from elementary school up until college. My friends are also probably closer to her than I am LOL! My parents are very open up to the point that my friends would be helping her cook or clean when I come home. I think when 'respect' doesn't equal fear, but a simple silver lining where we have mutual respect for each other - not always the young respecting the elders only like in most Asian homes, the relationship with your mother becomes the best sisterhood you'll ever have.