An Ode To The #LOML

Baby,

It is exactly one year since you asked me out and I said yes.

I was excited and tagged the day “the best day of my life yet,” especially as I have had a crush on you since childhood.

I was made to wait out adolescence and become an adult both in head and at heart before we could begin dating.

So, I said yes, amidst the feelings of excitement, accomplishment, the uncertainty of what the future holds, and fear of the enormity of the task of being your sweetheart.

Three months ago, we began courting when you put a ring on it and that marked a new beginning for us.

My transition from girlfriend to fiancée was not a smooth one. I let fear engulf me and paralyze my mind and even my hands.

Damn! I questioned my love for you. Even though I showed up every day with my cute, sweet smile, I was dying inside, and secretly scouting for a new lover.

But isn’t that how love is?

They say love is in two stages: the obsessive stage and the covenant stage.

Boo, I am so glad that I am giving myself wholeheartedly to learning how to love you, be there for you, and be excellent while at it.

I love the things you have taught me so far.

1. Confidence

You have taught me to believe in myself. You have taught me that even when I feel I am failing blatantly, that I am learning something – maybe not for the present, but for a later, beautiful day.

2. Endurance/Agility

Thank you for adding hero to my name; for transforming me into someone people look up to and are thankful for.

It has been a privilege and honour serving humanity by your side as your queen.

3. Beauty in the little things

You have taught me to appreciate life more and more each passing day. You have also shown me its transience. How one minute we can be breathing, alive and active, and the next we are lifeless, unaware and unperturbed by what is happening around us.

In the midst of this sadness, you have also shown me another side; the beauty in recovery, resolution of symptoms and reclaiming life handed back to us with fresh vigour and gratitude.

4. That there is a lot I can give

My smile. My presence. My laughter. My kind words. My assistance. My care. My time. My money. I am never in lack of what I can give.

Thank you, babe, for inviting me on this journey. Here is to more fruitful years with you.

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Hey, guys!!!

It is one year post my induction as a medical doctor in Nigeria, and of course, it is a memorable anniversary for me.

The ode is my experience so far as a doctor, and #loml, love of my life is a metaphor for Medicine.

Did you appreciate the write-up? Do you have any words for me? I would love to hear from you.

Love,

Annie.