Family Pictures @ One
Are you even family if you are not in the ‘family’ picture?
I went off to boarding school when I was 11. It was a military school in the outskirts of Lagos and our principal (called commandant), was a Colonel in the Nigerian Army. At the time, parents (including mine) canonise the school because it had a reputation for excellent education.
As for me, I loved Command, Ipaja after I graduated. It was the first place that I experienced and eventually learnt that no matter what’s going on in life – there’s always a better day around the corner.
One thing that saved me in Command was my family photos. I could have a dreadful day, and with no ‘home’ to go to; my only comfort was spending time going over my pictures.
But the pictures always seem to lack context. I wondered; What was going on here? Why was one person missing? Why was everyone laughing?
As you’re turning one today, your mum insisted it was the perfect time to update our family pictures. So we did just that last Saturday.
Apart from the fact that we needed to get you on our walls, here’s everything that you need to know about the pictures:
- We’re right in the thick of the ‘big decision’ — we’re moving house. Yes, we need more space, but we’re not leaving Hitchin. We’re going to do the simultaneous sell up and buy thing.
- On Saturday, we had viewings scheduled (to sell our place), which meant we spent the greater part of Friday evening; cleaning and tidying up.
- Woke up 5:30am on Saturday (which was hard because of the late night). The photo session appointment is for 8am. You wouldn’t know this, but there’s a kafkaesque element to getting you and your brothers ready for anything.
- We went to the poppy fields in Pegsdon Hills and pictures were by Blossom & Stan. Can’t speak highly enough of this team as their patience and attention to detail, made an ordinary morning, extraordinary.
- After the session, we were already running late for your brothers’ football lessons.
- Then we came home and got ready for the street party which reincarnated for the fourth year running. We would miss living on this street.
- Later that afternoon, at 3pm precisely, it was kickoff for the England 🏴 Vs Sweden 🇸🇪 2018 World Cup quarterfinals. We had to dart between the street party and watching the match. Thankfully England won 2–0 with goals by Dele Alli. (Don’t ask what happened yesterday in the semifinals with Croatia!)
Happy 1st Birthday Zoe – we’re grateful to have you on this journey. And whatever happens, remember, there’s always a reason to smile - just around the corner.
