A Letter To My Daughter, Chidera, On Her Eighteenth Birthday! -By Sandra Ijeoma Okoye

Today, my baby girl, Chidera Christabel Umeh, is a big eighteen year old. My goodness, my heart explodes with so many emotions. It is hard to believe that eighteen years ago God brought you to this world, and you have since then been radiating love and joy around everyone in the family.  You’ve been radiating the kind of love and joy that is genuine and pure. There were days I wished you could be around me all the time but it is not possible because with your present age there is no doubt that you are already an adult. As an adult, it is not an exaggeration to say that you are getting close to becoming a wife and mother. After all, 18th birthday all over the world  is such a turning point for all growing teenagers since people turn 18th in many countries are legally regarded to have become adults with grow up privileges like voting, driving among other activities that requires anyone’s consent. Little wonder it is called the age of consent.

Chidera, you have today undeniably arrived at your age of adulthood and I may say that 18 is widely regarded to be the most valuable birthday among all, and it shows you are no longer a child, but a mature woman, free of the monitoring of your parents and other adults, but to me you still remain a child to be monitored because I look forward to seeing you become a responsible adult. After all, an Igbo proverb says “A child can be taller than the father but cannot be older than the father”.  Again, I am advising you in this context as it is equally proverbially said that “Tomorrow belongs to people who prepare for it today.”

In fact, there is no denying the fact that most teenagers desperately wait for this day to celebrate their happy 18th birthday celebration with loads of enjoyments and happiness because it brings liberty in life and great opportunity to choose each and everything on their own.

 Yet I know that each passing day with you brings me happiness. Looking back, I will forever cherish in my heart and memory how I have been watching you grow into an adult you’ve naturally become today.

There is no doubt that you’ve been learning new things each and every day, and that it has been so amazing watching  you play and explore the world around you. Thank God, today I am proud to be the mother of an eighteen year old daughter.  Chidera, I have no idea how this happened. It seems like just yesterday when I held you in my arms for the very first time. They say “The days are long but the years are short” and that is never truer than when I look at you prancing around with your peers, and offering sensible advice to me most times. Lest me not forget why I am writing this note to you. Chidera, happy birthday once again! I love you.

 I am so proud to be your mama. You are turning into an amazing girl with this sparkling personality that makes everyone in the family to be so very happy. This has been a big year for you. There is no doubt that you’ve today joined the highly sought-after Adulthood Club, and I know you love it. In the same vein, everyone in the family love it too.

Chidera, as you witness this wonderful 18^th year birthday, you will not miss the purpose of Almighty God for your life. Your Glory will not sink, your destiny will not capsize, your fame will not fade, but spread to greater heights. You will not fail but succeed, you will not go backward but forward. You will not breakdown but breakthrough. You are an Eagle in flight headed for greatness and anyone who dares stand on your way shall be crushed. You are hereby commissioned to go and do exploits in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.