Shola was a very wealthy Hollywood actress, who was used to a posh lifestyle. She lived in a multimillion naira home in Banana island. She had all sorts of people she paid to do things for her, such as her personal chef, her fitness trainer, her gardener, her maid and her masseuse. She spared no expense to take care of her wants and needs.
Shola was a great actress and had been nominated several times for major Awards. She seemed to have everything she wanted.
In spite of losing her mother at a very young age, she had a very loving father and sister. Her Dad ensured that both of his girls got a great education. He also was very supportive of their career moves. Shola had always wanted to be an actress. Her sister, lola, had always wanted to be a scientist.
Lola drove from where she worked, at Green medical Laboratory, to her sister’s home.
It was Shola’s birthday and she invited dozens of celebrities, ranging from actors to musicians. Each guesttook turns giving Shola her extravagant gifts, such as gold-plated picture frames, modern expensive artwork and items from China. It was time for Lola, her sister, to give Shola her birthday present. She handed Shola a brand new photo album. Shola said jokingly, “A photo album, Lola? Do you know how many photo albums I have? I don’t have enough pictures to fill all my photo albums.”
Lola knew her sister’s sarcastic humor and took the comment in stride. She finally said, “Open the album, sister.” “But-“ “OPEN the album, Shola,” lola said with conviction.
Shola opened the photo album. There were many photos of an attractive woman and a handsome man in their mid-thirties next to two girls. Both girls appeared to be less than ten years old.
Shola’s mouth slowly started to open rather widely as if she had been transformed on the spot. She began to weep as tears of love ran down her face. She stared at the first page of pictures for several minutes. She finally said softly, “It’s Mom.” She couldn’t say anything more for another few minutes as she turned the page. The room was silent. The next page contained pictures of her mother, father, Lola and her at the Obudu hills in Calabar. “Our last trip together,” Shola said even more softly. She couldn’t hold back the running tears, which were now like ‘Erin Ijesha’ Falls. The people in the room started to cry as well. Most of them knew that Shola lost her mother at a very young age.
“Where did you get these?” Shola asked Lola. “These are absolutely priceless.” “Daddy found them in the attic. I had the same reaction as you. I had a photoshop restore many of the pictures and make several copies. I had to make an album for you and me. It’s the least I could do for Mom,” exclaimed Lola. “Do you remember the The Shere Hills hike along the Jos, Plateau State?” Shola asked Lola. “She was so mad when we jumped in the river.” Both sisters hugged each other. lola was now crying as much as Shola. Both sisters’ tears were tears of embrace and loyalty. They both adored one another.
After about an hour of reminiscing with each other and the guests who surrounded them, Shola said, “Lola, this is the greatest birthday present anyone could ever give me. Thank you.”
