Diary: Happy New Year-A COVID Experience

27th December 2020
Jesus’s birthday was just a few days ago. I didn’t even see the change in season. Save for a few neighbours who brought us Christmas food. I’m not complaining. Well, maybe I am. Just penning my thoughts.

29th December 2020
Now, I’m really worried. Is Grandma actually going to die? The long-overdue and outdated virus has overstayed its welcome already. Must it take my granny away while it’s preparing to leave? I overheard some people arguing if Christmas day was truly Jesus’s birthday. I mean, that’s a lot of days ago. I wish they’d find a better use of their time! Finding a solution to COVID would be easier if these type of people spent their time more wisely.

30th December 2020
Cousin Precious came to our house today. At first, I thought she was with good news. It happened that she’s only here for the New Year food. Or, how else should it be interpreted? Coming to stay with us, two days before New Year. It’s like she’s not aware that a huge sum of our money is already gone for Granny’s COVID treatment. She should know that she’s not the only one preparing to resume school.

31st December 2020
It is a few hours to the New Year. I’m surprised that Uncle Tunde is here too. What’s going on?

12:36 am, 1st January 2021
The virtual crossover service just ended in church. Hmm. I’m surprised, happy, and suspicious. Granny called to wish me a happy new year. Something was in her mouth when she called my name. My heart leapt with the hope that she’s coming around. My New Year resolution and wishes are under construction. First, I want my granny back. But right now, all I can do is hope, as I can’t go to see her.

3rd January 2021
Despite the odds, we did cook thanksgiving food for the New Year. And, Cousin Precious has left our home. I’m guessing that she didn’t expect to see everything so dry. Dry? Yes, that’s the word.

4th January 2021
Still in the spirit of the New Year, Bible Study at church was about thanksgiving. I stood like a Christmas tree during the entire praise session. They all jumped ecstatically and sang at the top of their voices. I just watched them all from a distance, since I looked like I was demon-possessed—hardly swaying to the music. I thought that I should be real to God. What’s the use of pretending to him that I was happy?

7th January 2021
I guess I was wrong after all. I was moody for no reason. Granny called my phone again and her voice sounds as strong as ever. I’m overjoyed.

8th January 2021
I have just a few days to school resumption. I called Granny at the hospital today. It was the nurse that picked. She warned me, or, should I rather say, sternly told me not to call again. I’m worried about Granny again. I asked mum about her. She said not to worry, that Grandma’s recuperating.



9th January 2021
Granny called dad while we were all at home. The phone being on speaker, I heard grandma talk like the strong woman she was. But the little strength with which she spoke did not go unnoticed by me. Grandma’s call didn’t last long.
The last thing she said while on the call was…
“All of you who long to see me hale and hearty should thank God continuously on my behalf.”
I was perplexed. Rearranging my things for school for the last time was done absent-mindedly. I, who had been telling God that I was not happy with Grandma’s illness was being asked to continually thank God. Tell me of something more unrealistic.



11th January 2021
I got lost in class today. Priscilla, my seatmate had to pull my hair for me to come back to reality. I had been imagining Grandma’s burial. I was subconsciously wishing her dead. I put that thanksgiving thing into serious thought.

12th January 2021
The shocker of the day was softly delivered on our way home. Grandma had suffered a heart attack. I cried inwardly till I got into my room.
I came to terms with the fact that she wasn’t dead. I thanked the Lord for keeping her from dying. Trust me when I say that it was odd and sounded fake when I started. I slept off in the act.

13th January 2021
I woke up refreshed today and my heart is heavy no more.


15th January 2021
We danced during the school fellowship. Read that sentence again darling. I mean, I danced so much. I’ve been surprising myself these days.

17th January 2021
Grandma died on a Sunday. That day happened to be today. Many thoughts crossed my heart today. I wasn’t going to see her again until I got to heaven. I can’t keep on writing as my pen is bleeding red in sorrow.

20th January 2021
A stack of letters arrived at our house today. They are from Grandma. Mum said the papers had been sterilized. When I opened the one addressed to me, it read in Granny’s ancient but fine handwriting.

“My dear Chocolate, rejoice always.”

The paper fell from my hands and I soaked my pillow in tears. I sobbed while saying “thank you Jesus” all over again. Before I knew it, I was laughing and crying. I was going to see my Grandma in heaven. I’m calm right now, that’s why I can pen this moment.
That Bible verse, no matter how many times I read it in Apostle Paul’s handwriting, can’t be compared to the shock of truth that grandma had written to me before dying. I’m hoping for tomorrow, wanting to grant my Granny’s last wish to the fullest, even when in uncertainties and troubles.

31st January,2021

Finally, it’s a happy new year.