Onye No Nso? (Who’s Near?)

That was how she called us.

It was funny though, sometimes when she wanted to call Obiageli; the last born, she would first of all call like 3 names before actually calling the right one. It was usually a hilarious sight. Her mind must have been filled with thoughts at such times.

Anyways, that’s what you get when you have six daughters so to make it easier, my Mum would just shout ‘Onye no nso?’ Who is close-by and usually the closest person would answer; ooo mu – it is I and then run towards her direction.

But not my sister Uju or our last born Obiageli. Uju would usually shout my name in response if we were together; I guess being 14 months older than I am gave her that right. Lol.

Mummy: Onye no nso?

Uju: ooo Obiamaka

Usually my Mum would end up calling her name instead of mine as she would have given herself away by her voice but sometimes she would just call me; Nne bia bulu efele a o – my dear, come and carry these plates…

As for Oby, she just simply assumed that the call was for any of her elder sisters, especially if she was home with Chioma, her immediate elder. Lol

Mum in the early 90's — Always together!

Sunday, March 22nd marked our first Mother’s day (in Nigeria) sans notre mère. It was also the day the 6 months mourning period officially ended, meaning that all relatives could take off their mourning clothes; the traditional white clothes…