The first time we met was in Nigeria. I do not know exactly how old I was, but it was around the age of 4. Our parents were all teachers working in Nigeria. We lived about 45 minutes apart and saw each other often enough.
Sareli and Chuti when we were younger (guess who is whom?)
The subsequent time we met was when, with my mom’s help and that of St. Ignatius church, Chuti and his family immigrated to Canada. They arrived at our doorstep on Halloween nights of all nights in 1988. It seems like a lifetime ago. Their family stayed with ours for 6 months, so there were 10 people, 4 adults and 6 kids in my house. I bet of all the kids, I talked the most and he talked the least.
The following April, their family moved to their own home. In the summer of 1990, we went on a camping trip to the Peace Gardens and Turtle Mountain. That night, Chuti, who was usually so shy and quiet, took me for a walk in the moonlight to tell me his feelings.
His younger brother decided he wanted to join us, which would have put a damper in Chuti’s devious plans, but he dealt with this potential obstacle oh so gallantly. He told his brother to stay back to keep my brother company when he was done in the shower. So, his brother, innocent as he was, oblivious to Chuti’s plans, left us alone.
On the beach, with a starry night above us, Chuti told me of his feelings. That was July 24, 1990. And now I cannot shut him up, must be my influence (I know that is what you must be thinking!!)
We are so in love and all smiles
Any guesses as to what is going on here?
