Prowriters Hub: My story about getting help from extended family members by @yuceetoria

I guess I hit the jackpot when I got into the Odinma family. Often, you'd hear horror stories about family members not helping out when help was needed but not in my case. I do wonder what would have become of me if I didn't have a helping hand but I know God would have made a way.

Have you been helped by your extended family members such as your uncles or aunts?

I lost my father at age three(3) and stories were that my mom did not handle it well, and sometimes took it on me. At the time, she was mentally and emotionally drained, she couldn't fully function. After my dad's burial, his brothers held a meeting and after much discussion and argument, it was later proposed that one of them should take me in and not leave me in the hands of my mother.

How did your extended family member help or refused to help you?

My extended family members have helped me in many ways than one. My dad had 6 brothers Odinma, Okoro, Okwara, Obuma, and Oge but two of them have really contributed to my affairs. Each of them and their family had contributed to my upbringing.

My elder brother Okoro took me in as a child and saw me through my Primary and secondary education. They already had 4 children of their own but you wouldn't know that I am not part of the family, with the way they took me in as their last child. I grew up sheltered and pampered to an extent.

My dad especially never joked with me, He would carry me along with him on most of his outings. Till today, I sometimes walk a bit faster because when I was little, I had to run walk to catch up with my father when he is trekking.

As I got into the university, his younger brother Oge took over my university fees from my first year to the last year.

My Parents

Do you think they were capable of helping you, but refused?

My extended family helps even if they are not related but you can never please everybody.

Yes, there have been some occasions when I needed help from my other uncles and aunt and didn't get help but the kindness I have received from my father and uncle is enough to know that there are still good people in this world. Even when things are tough with the government and economy, they've always found ways to settle my fees when needed.

Because of how you were treated by an extended family member, how do you see them? What do you wish for them?

I wish them good, especially my parents, they will not be forgotten. I pray to do well in life so that they will reap the rewards of what they have invested in me.

Do you think you can survive without the assistance of extended family members? Be detailed.

The truth is, nobody owns us anything. If they say they cannot help, let them be. In my few years of understanding God and people, I have come to know that God will always make a way. When help refuses to come from this door, another door will be opened. When someone thinks without them, I cannot make it, I surprise them with my success story and leave them speechless.