And the people stayed home. Read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. They listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. The people began to think differently.
And the people healed. In the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.
When the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.
Kitty O’Meara
When I first read this on Instagram, I thought it was a quote from a movie or a novel. A writeup from years ago. I thought it must have been nice to heal from whatever it was that had troubled the world of the characters. Envisioning what it must have been like after the said danger had passed. I imagined doors opening after months or possibly years of staying shut. I pictured people stepping out, looking at their neighbours with new admiration. Expressing pure joy for having survived, staring at the destruction that had occurred. Deciding to live differently, to give roses daily.
I imagined there’d be many hugs going around, with shouts of thankfulness, and tears of new hope. Picturing the people in a state of new zen. I imagined what a glorious day it must have been. I saved it, thinking it would be cool to look back at when this corona pandemic is over. In many ways, we would emerge like those characters in the movie or novel.
2020 and its upheavals…
We are three months into 2020, and already, we have experienced the Australian bushfires, the Indonesian and Jakarta floods, the Puerto Rico earthquakes, the Ukraine plane crash, Kobe Bryant and daughter among nine killed in a helicopter crash, and now the coronavirus; which has shaken the entire world to its core and made parents more appreciative of teachers and childcare providers. The year has indeed been off to a very weird start. Do you see the world differently now that you are stuck at home? Are things more in perspective? Are you more appreciative of freedom? Of knowing you could jump in your car, or on the train, or an aeroplane and go wherever you wanted to go? Hang out with friends and family and talk about sweet nothings? Are you reconsidering giving people their roses?
The uncertainty looms large and we can only hope that the period is ephemeral. While we do not have control over how long this period is going to last, we have control over what we do in this time of quarantine. Personally, I am a brooder. And I have been brooding about giving people their roses while they are alive. Some people can attest to the fact that years ago the Bamenda girl in me did not like flowers. I have become a little- what’s the word? I was going to say civilized but let’s go with acculturated. So yes, I do love my flowers now, so give them to me, while I can smell them.
Looking back…
I had an aunt who was the sweetest woman you would ever meet. Such a gentle spirit. Such a gem. She was my mother’s rock while my mother was pregnant with me and sick to her bones. My mother named me after her. She took care of us; my siblings and I, like we were her own flesh and blood. She was humble, kind, and ever-present when anyone needed her. Ever so often while I was in town shopping, I’d swing by her shop to say hi. But I never got to do anything significant for her.
She was wonderful and I never got to tell her that. “I love you” is not a phrase we hear too often (a topic for another day). But when she passed some years ago, I found myself scrambling to send cash for her funeral. Crying my eyes out asking myself why I hadn’t done more when she was alive. I earnestly did not give her roses.
I had yet another aunt who was one of the strongest people I ever met. The poor woman buried all four of her children and still went around cheerfully. Serving in her church in as many capacities as she could. I never told her I thought her strength was beyond this world and I loved her for that. I could go on and on about the many times I wished I had verbalized my appreciation or admiration. This circle of showing up mostly for funerals has been a recurrent theme for me. However, I am more mindful of giving roses to the living theses days.
Television on a grand scale and all forms of social media have been profound sources of distraction. I have seen countless entertaining videos on social media and have laughed myself to tears. From “He’s got the whole world challenge”, to the “Savage challenge” to “something challenge”, to all the other crazy things social media has to offer. May this period, for each of us be a boon to wellness, mental development, growth and family time. Whatever positive activity we assiduously envision, may we actively pursue them.
Moving forward…
May we do a lot of soul searching and find true meaning in life, and what matters. Give roses to the living. Do meaningful things. You may consider them little. To the ones you love, it is all they need to get them through a rough day. Consider calling that uncle and tell them you are thankful for the money they sent for you to buy books and other studying material.
To give roses could be in several forms. Text the friends who held your hand while you went through your flummoxed teenage years. Reach out to that person who stood by you in your exciting early twenties (maybe too exciting for your own good). The ones who were your moral compass or the greatest wingmen ever. Even if you are not friends like that anymore. Call that aunt and tell them you appreciate the time they cooked and sent you food. Hoping you would be nourished to study. Think of sending an email to that cousin who encouraged you to be passionate about your dreams. Even when no one else thought they were valid.
Kitty O’Meara’s wrote The people stayed home in March 2020. In the heart of COVID 19. It has been trending on social media as it resonates with millions of people. There have been some irksome turn of events since the year began. Although it feels like we have been unfairly heaped with adversity, Like the people I envisioned in the movie and the novel, may we emerge a healed people. Make new choices, dream new images, and find new ways of being, give roses. To Kitty O’Meara , her poem “offers a story of how it could be, what we could do with this time.”
I earnestly believe it is going to be a bonny year. Let us meditate, pray, and begin to think differently. Most especially, let us spread love like there is no tomorrow.
This is a beautiful way to remind us of what really matters Njweng. Thank you for this write up. May we not lose sight of the truth even in this difficult time. Bless you my dear🙏
Thanks ohh. Your post made me realize how dreary things have been. Prayers up🙏🙏🙏
Life is so unexpected. It is important to appreciate and cherish things while we can. Great writing dear!
😘😘😘😘😘Thanks dear
Thanks for the words of encouragement, dear… we often take our loved ones for granted. Unfortunately, we want to give them their flowers when they are no longer here to smell them…at their funeral..we tout their praises at their grave side
Lets do it now ohh. Thanks for being there always Flo. Since Nah kah days ti being my biggest custy is Dla. U are amazing!
This is simply amazing. We really need to show appreciation to those around us. I had noticed that each time I appreciate my children’s nanny she would be so astonished. Until one day she told me how much she loves me because I always appreciated her and it is her first experience living with someone who appreciates. A simple “Thank you” can break barriers and give a new perspective of life to some people.
Yoy never know foe real😌. Im glad u take the time out to show appreciation. 👍👍👍👍
This is great. Each day, I feel like we’re living in war times where there was lots of uncertainty. No one was sure when things will become normal, may we have the courage to face the end of it. Thank you for sharing
Thanks dear. Hoping for the best 🙏🙏🙏
Nice on Njweng. I relate with your thoughts 💯 %. These last weeks I have found myself asking so many questions wondering about the raison d’être. But I must say your thoughts you shared have given me a new perspective. The world will probably never come back to the old normal, but that is not necessary a bad thing. Reflect, pray, better one‘s self
Indeed we would never be the same again. Thanks for the feedback ❤️
This is awesome 😍. I always look forward to my birthday because I receive the best messages, best wishes , best words of appreciation and gifts. I usually get very emotional most of the time and be like, wow!!!people care so much about me😂 . But the question is, why can’t I receive these compliments, appreciations, gifts on a daily basis , why only on my birthday?. Anyways, I will take the lead and make that difference.
Exactly!!! We are always waiting to show love. Show the lead ma. Will be waiting for my love letter from u🤣🤣🤣
Ok Mado. Love youuuuuu!
Say it back
love u more Sango!!!
“Abi Di sick, abi sick, chop for chop e no dey. Now wey Adon die, Achu don cam mop for chop’am e no dey”
What good are roses when you can’t smell them? You’re right. To be there for each other whilst there’s life is simply the humane thing to do but a lot of us will adjust our schedules to attend a funeral but won’t make the same sacrifices to attend a birthday celebration. “let the dead bury the dead” … The Son of Man said so.
Awesome write up.
Na really i be d sick… spread love ohhh!
I think I should start by giving you a beautiful bouquet of roses now that we are on the matter. You played a very important part in my life back in the days in Douala when we were still looking for a job and dropping CVs from here to there. I remember my 1st job ever ever was thanks to you as a result of your recommendation. And that’s how I moved right up to where fate finally placed me today. For all those times you were happy to eat whatever I cooked for you when you were on break during your internship back in the days in Bonanjo, to when you encouraged me to be dynamic and start a small side biz alongside my new found job😍😍😍. Thanks for being my friend and an amazing woman. I appreciate you today for everything that you are in yourself and to the world. Xoxo
Whi is cutting onions??? Edudusssss!!! Thank you for giving me my roses nowwww. I really do appreciate our sisterhood! You have been there through it all my dear. The hussle, the tears, the laughter, the joy, ashuabi stress for married! 😅😅😅Love u scatter cherie coco
Love love love this and thank you for the reminder. Definitely have to make effort to reach out and just say a heartfelt thank you…. ❤️❤️❤️
Yes ohhhh Peo
Well written Njweng! This is the first and best article l have read since the beginning of this year. It’s so touching , l feel as If l ’ve been taking this life for granted. Thank you!
thanks aunty Del.lets not take life for granted ohhh
Great write-up Njweng. Every cloud has a silver lining. This period is definitely a painful one for the world but we can also use this period to slow down and rekindle relationships with our loved ones. Thanks for sharing.
True! Thanks for the feedback ❤️❤️❤️
Very good write-up Njweng.We have often minimised the efforts of these relatives who spent their time serving us while we were still very young.We have always just thought that it’s an obligation for them to do what they did or rather because we think they are desperate.It is actually time to start acknowledging the roles they played in our upbringing.That cousin/aunt who held our hands so protectively tight,bathe us,clothe us,wash up our dirty dresses,cook for us etc.That aunt in the village or grand parents who always thought of you especially during harvesting season,to send food stuffs to you,that uncle who always checked on you to know how you were doing and each time he visited home ,he always dropped a token for you to buy something in school.Yes we need to give them their roses while they are still alive so they would appreciate.
You are so right Names! Thank you ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Kudos for such a remarkable write-up, Njweng. The truth in it is undisputed. Indeed no better to give people their roses than when they can really/actually smell it. It’s time we started telling they who’ve always been there how much such moments meant to us and how grateful we are to them. It all begins now.
Thanks again, Njweng, for sharing such beautiful awakening reflections with the world . God bless u
😊😊😊😊Thanks dear
I just now realised i didn’t comment under this one but i read it ohh.b4 u come for me.🤣🤣
Give people their roses now we spoke about this.Me and you talk every day and we always end with i love you.Thats a way of giving people their roses.I hope i give you your roses daily,bc when i depart from here i want you to know you were a perfect bestie,the one who made my life journey worthy the one who makes my heart laugh.And i want you to know God so loved me that he gave me Njweng.Love u 4eva
Du courage love❣❣❣❣❣
Love you big Ngummies!! yes, you give me my roses daily unless you are in Cameroon. looool. I am so very thankful too for the gift of you and glad I can always count on you!! bisu!! And thanks for being my number one fan