Inspired by this poignant song “Vanishing Family Bonds” by Nishi Malhotra, I find myself reflecting on the fragile threads that weave family relationships these days. The lyrics resonate deeply, stirring emotions about the connections that once felt unbreakable but have slowly faded into the background of our busy lives.
In the story of our lives, these family bonds are woven with love, laughter, and shared memories. Yet, here we stand, looking at a frayed fabric, yearning for the warmth of connection that once surrounded us. It’s a bittersweet truth that the passing of our beloved parents has left us with a gaping hole, a space where childhood laughter should echo and sibling bonds should remain strong.
Let’s take a moment to remember those weekends afternoons. The aroma of jollof rice wafting through the air, the sound of our aunties arguing over who makes the best stew, and the children running around, causing delightful chaos. We gathered without needing fancy invitations or elaborate plans, simply because we were family. Cousins became siblings, and siblings stood shoulder to shoulder in mischief. But as life sped up, we got caught up in the hustle, chasing jobs, promotions, and that elusive ‘better life’, and forgot that our greatest treasures are not the cars we drive or the houses we own, but the relationships we build.
Over time, we let distance creep in, allowing our busy lives to overshadow the importance of family. The laughter faded into silence, and gatherings that once brimmed with love turned into distant memories. We became like characters in a Nigerian film, living parallel lives, scrolling through each other’s updates while real conversations dwindled into likes and emojis. Our family gatherings became rare events, as hard to find as a good suya spot open in Sokoto at 2pm during the Ramadan month!
But here’s the good news: we can turn this ship around! We have the power to rekindle that spark of connection and rebuild broken the bridges. So, why wait for another family event or holiday to remind us of what we’ve lost? Let’s take action this weekend. Call your siblings, yes, even that one who always “borrows” your clothes and never returns them. Reach out to those cousins you haven’t spoken to since that epic family Owanbẹ where everyone danced till their asọẹbi got soaked in swests. It might feel a bit awkward at first, like trying to dance the Azonto after a long time, but trust me, it’ll be worth it!
It’s never too late to start fresh. Let’s show our children that family is about more than just blood; it’s about being there for one another, forgiving, and making an effort to connect. Let’s teach them that it’s okay to say, “I miss you” or “I’m having a rough time.”
So, this weekend, pick up the phone! Call your brother, your sister, or that cousin who once shared your last piece of meat at a family gathering. Reignite those bonds that once felt unbreakable. Let’s celebrate the beauty of family, not just in moments of joy but in those hilarious, messy moments too. Let’s not let another weekend pass us by without reaching out. Together, we can mend what’s been broken and create a legacy of love that will last for generations to come. After all, family is like fufu, you can mash it, stretch it, but it always comes back together, delicious and fulfilling!