UMUBYEYI

Today is a special day. It is both my father and my sister’s birthday. How cool that they share a birthday? Forget dad for a hot second. (1) I talk about him 24/7; (2) JW don’t celebrate birthdays anyway… Hi daddy! Bye daddy. Love you! Anyway friends, let us pursue.
Today, I want to speak of my sister, Mamy. I have 3 elder sisters, I am the baby. Dad says “twamurutiye abahungu” (Tr: * We have surpassed every male child* – In response to the archaic African belief that the male child is superior.)

I love all my sisters equally. Each sister has her particularily. Vivi is the eldest. She thinks she is everyone’s mom. Vivi finds life lessons/wisdom in every random thing. You could be at the park, she’d stop and say “this tree is so large it reminds me of God’s grandeur. In fact, Chouchou, I want you to be a Grande Dame. If you think of yourself small. People will step on you.” When I met her now husband, that man kept casually picking her up, you know, as lovers do… (Sorry Singles… Hang in there. Me? Nah. I’m in a situationship, respect me please.) Keep in mind, Vivi and I have similar body types, we ain’t never been skinny. That was all I needed to see, I IMMEDIATELY gave my stamp of approval! Vivi’s first born son’s name is Poutchou. (You know, like Chouchou)…

Sandrine, on the other hand, is class personified. She is very no-nonsense. I was scared of her up until like 2 years ago. She taught me everything I know. I am who am because of her. Every one of my current and future successes is attributable to her. I speak of her the most because we are closest in age. Sandrine married a man who I love dearly because he’s let me third wheel in peace for the past 15years. They gave birth to a daughter who has my exact personality. Things about to get hilarious up in here!

Now comes, THE LADY OF THE HOUR!!!
You know how I like to say “Oh My Days, I am an angel, how did they accidentally send me to Earth?” Truth is, I’m savage enough to belong in this Ghetto world. In fact, in my family, most of us have very imposing personalities. Mamy, though, is an ACTUAL angel. She is the Peacemaker. Her very name Umubyeyi foretold it. (Tr: *Maternal/Nurturing*)I have vivid memories of her putting me to sleep when I was little and we’re only couple years apart. She’d legit caress my head until I fell asleep. And when I’d get in trouble for not combing my very coarse hair, because even then, I liked the soft life; she’d defend me. Mamy married one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever met. Mamy, you are my blood and I will always be there for you! I wish you bliss. I wish you love. I wish you money. In case I don’t say it enough: Nakupenda Sana!

Dearest Reader, do not be mistaken, life has not always been rosy. Together as a family, we have overcome a lot! BUT in it all, God remained faithful. (PS: If you did not get the chance to have siblings and/or are estranged from your siblings, I wish you a Football team of kids!)

One Time For the Birthday Girl!

XOXO