Grief

By Zainab Abubakar Abba

I was only nine years old when my world was shattered into a million pieces. My mom, my guiding light, my haven, left me too soon. The pain was unbearable, the grief overwhelming. I thought I would never survive without her warm embrace and loving smile. Not knowing life had other plans.

Ten years later, fate dealt me another cruel blow. My dad, my rock, my hero, passed away, leaving me alone and adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The loss was like a tsunami, sweeping away everything I thought I knew about love, family, and security. The pain of losing one parent was devastating, but losing both was like being stripped of my very foundation.

Growing up without both parents is a journey of unimaginable pain, struggle, and resilience. I have faced countless challenges, from navigating the complexities of adolescence to finding my place in a world that seemed determined to hold me back. The grief that followed was like a tidal wave, crashing over me with unrelenting force. I felt lost, alone, and scared. Simple tasks became monumental challenges, and everyday moments felt like a survival struggle. 

But as the days turned into weeks and the weeks into months, I slowly began to find my footing. I realised that my parents may have left me physically, but their love, wisdom, and legacy remained. I held onto the memories we shared, the laughter we enjoyed, and the lessons they taught me.

Amidst the darkness, I have discovered a spark that refuses to be extinguished—a spark of hope, determination, and courage. Ihave learned to cherish my parents’ memories and hold onto their love and legacy like a beacon at night. And I haven’t been alone in this journey. 

My siblings have been my lifeline, my support system, and my everything. Having supportive siblings has made all the difference in my journey. They have been my parents in every sense of the word, providing love, care, and encouragement when I needed it most.

Losing both parents at a young age has been the most challenging experience of my life, but it has also been a transformative journey. I have learned to cherish every moment, to never take love or life for granted, and to find strength amid vulnerability.

If you are walking a similar path, know you are not alone. Your pain is valid, your grief is real, and your resilience is remarkable. Hold onto the memories, lean on others, and find ways to honour your loved ones. 

And if you are fortunate enough to have supportive siblings, cherish them, appreciate them, and lean on them when the future seems uncertain. You are stronger than you think and will rise wiser and more compassionate than ever.

Zainab Abubakar Abba wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano.