I thought working hard would solve everything!

Then my body started telling me otherwise!

My head was spinning as I struggled to stay focused on my task and not let anyone else know what was going on with me . Carrying a 20kg box I picked from the roller, which flows like an unending river, and I am in charge of not just one, but four if not more,all need to be sorted and place rightly for different locations . At logistics we build pallet castles with boxes one after another ; this is not a lazy man’s job.

I’ve worked nonstop for the past four years, with the exception of weekends, when I occasionally took shifts.

Up until recently, I believed that I could manage everything on my own.

It began with a slight fever and headache, which I assumed were common symptoms that would go away in a few days, but I was mistaken. I carried on with my work.

It’s interesting to know that ;Without savings or a side business, it is difficult to miss a day of work as a parent with young children , especially if you are not directly employed . Also, given the number of people looking for work, it would not take an hour to be replaced, no matter how hard you worked, so I continued to work despite my illness.

At this point, it was clear that my health had deteriorated because the dizziness and fog in my head were so severe that they impair my vision,. I had trouble studying, but I kept working anyways.the fact that

I could not go to the hospital. ; after work due to fatigue and tight schedule made me look at my self pitifully which I never liked.

Despite working from sunset to sunrise, summer to winter, in good health or bad, the salary barely cover basic expenses.

It’s never the children’s fault that you’re sick; and even more difficult to explain to your family (wife) that lives a million miles apart. When your kids are hungry, they must eat. And being sick is no excuse for them to go hungry. So you must work hard they say!

Most parents spend the majority of their lives working, trying to provide for the family even missing the most memorable moments of their children only to find out too late that working hard doesn’t solve everything, instead it ruins the joy of parenthood.luckily i am that old old. So I continued working.

Eclipse of the sun, could be of the health!

But as my health deteriorated, I decided to go straight to my doctor instead of sleeping when I got home one morning. She was not happy with the condition of my health and suggested that I spend a week at home after some analysis . With the exception of a few things, I followed the instructions of the doctor to seek emergency care and was prescribed a ton of medication. Then, despite the doctor’s warning and my poor health, I returned to work the next evening because my contract was about to expire and I was trying my hardest to get it renewed. If not how will I send my family the token for their upkeep?. But after the my last day of the shift of which I was supposed to stay home;.

I realized it was one of my worst recent mistakes because, I felt miserable, in and out that I became scared and regretted not heeding to warnings by my body, Doctor and God.However on the last day of my contract despite being hard working and all the struggles I was informed that my contract will not be renewed by the overall jefe. I went home not happy and not sad, but thinking on my kids and family welfare the rest of the months.knowing that I will be out of work even though I needed the rest as advised by the doctor if I am to keep getting their upkeep in the future,

From my experience, As a parent it’s important to take care of your health and heed to the signs of your body when it asks for rest and also the advice of your doctor when necessary. it is preferable to work wisely and have a side business that supports you. Life is not made easy by hard work alone.

What my children have taught me about life.

the reason behind my parents happiness in midst of challenges.

The state of being alive and having the quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead objects is Life. However, there is more to living than the above definition. Before becoming a father, I was fortunate to come from a large family with a strong bond; our parents were not wealthy, but they never lacked love and concern for their kids. I was extremely close to my father, to the point where I was said to be his favorite.

Every time we got together, whether it was for a meal, after a meal, farm work, or casual conversations, I could still see the joy on my parents’ faces. However, I never really understood the reason for their happiness because, at the time, the majority of my siblings and I had less of everything we needed than kidsl. However, our love was greater.

*What I’ve learned about life from my kids*

Adolescence is a time of many opportunities and challenges; family members, particularly parents and siblings, were the focus of affection before friends. And I was not an exception. Go read ( *if you people are okay; I am okay) on my official Facebook page to gain a better understanding. to the main points of this article.

I was strong , with little connection to anyone, carefree and strong-hearted; nothing get to me emotionally except my parents . But I was fine, not bad. With no serious responsibilities, I lived my life without emotions, only for my parents’ voices, which soothed me and warmed their hearts.

*What my kids have taught me about life.*

The real reason behind my happiness in …

Like others who went from zero to hero, I was fortunate and led a modest but quiet life. With the exception of being grateful to my parents and siblings, which comes without entitlement, I take adequate care of myself and made sure my wardrobe were up to date.

As I write this piece, I had a flash back of my early school years; I see my parents wearing the same clothes even when they were supposed to be thrown away, but I didn’t understand why until recently. Love is a sacrifice. As my self I couldn’t believe I have worn same clothes for the past three years . There is more to life than its mere definition. What children taught me about life?

I address my lovely daughters by their pet names.

*Booboo *Omalicha*, and I always noticed tone they answer, filled with love and affection.the type that nourishes my heart and makes me a proud father just like that of my parents’.

I’ve only known true love from my parents, siblings, and children, but since becoming a father my children rule my heart as much as we ruled our parents’ hearts.

My most memorable times in life have been spent with them and my parents.

I’ve missed them a lot, but I know the quest that took me away was necessary for their own good. My father has always said that if we are okay, he is okay. My children has taught me the reason behind my parents happiness in midst of challenges.

Sometimes providing for your means missing them and fighting the unspeakable battles!

*Sometimes love mean leaving home to provide *

I couldn’t sleep, so I woke up long before my alarm.

My body was exhausted, but my mind refused to rest. The past few months have taken a toll on me, and I can feel the effect it has had on my health.

Recently, my contract with Correo Express was terminated because, after working continuously for six months as a temporary employee, I reached the period when I was required to stop working and take time away from the job.

A few days before that happened, I had gone to the hospital because I wasn’t feeling well. I was sent to the emergency room, where I received an injection, had tests done, and was prescribed medication. I was even advised to stay at home for four days.

But I went back to work despite my weakness.

Why?

Because I wanted my contract to be renewed.

Because I have a family depending on me.

Because sometimes, when you are responsible for other people, you don’t feel like you have the luxury of simply stopping.

Why am I telling you all of this?

Because at that point, I had almost nothing left.

There was little food at home. There was no money in my bank account. My family in the UK was struggling, depending largely on the mercy and support of my in-laws.

The only tangible support I had been able to provide was a small monthly food allowance, and I knew it wasn’t enough.

I had made the drastic decision to leave my family behind because I believed that if I worked hard enough, I could build a better future for all of us.But sometimes, the road to that future takes you through places you never imagined.

And sometimes, you have to fight battles you never expected to fight.

I worried constantly about my wife, my children, our relationship, and everything happening back home. The distance was already putting pressure on our family, and the uncertainty surrounding our situation made everything even harder.

Yet I kept telling myself:

I have to keep going.

Through Jobandtalent, I was offered another position with CTT Express in San Fernando.

I received a one-month contract and was assigned a shift. It wasn’t going to be easy, especially after working nights at my previous job, but as a family man, I felt I had very few options.

I needed the money.I needed to work.

I needed to keep trying.So I got myself ready.

Despite the exhaustion and the uncertainty, I left home early enough to make sure I arrived at the company on time for my first shift.

I took the train, which stopped twice at Torrejón, and then I still had about a fifteen-minute walk from the station to where I lived. Since there was no public transport available to the industrial estate where the company was located that Sunday, the other employees I met at the stop and I had to take a taxi.

I arrived at the company, changed into my work clothes, and prepared myself to begin.

I thought I had finally found another opportunity.

Then everything changed.

A CTT employee arrived with a register and began calling people’s names.

One after another, people were called inside.

I waited.

After about twenty people had been called, I finally heard my name.

But instead of being told to join the others inside, I was instructed to go home along with four other people.

At first, I couldn’t understand what she meant.

I moved closer because I wanted to be certain I had heard correctly.

“Casa.”

Home.

I couldn’t believe it.I had signed a one-month contract.

I had been given a shift.I had travelled to the company.I had spent money getting there.

And now, without any prior notice or cancellation, I was being told to go home.

I asked why.The response was cold and simple: she was only doing her job and I should speak to the Jobandtalent employee who had offered me the position if I had a problem.

There was nothing she could do.

So I left.

Devastated.And I had to pay for another taxi to get home.

When I arrived, I immediately tried to contact Jobandtalent.I called their helpline repeatedly.

No answer.I sent a WhatsApp message.

No response.I sent an email.Still nothing.

And the hardest part is that this wasn’t the first time.

Last year, I experienced something similar when I started working at CTT in Coslada through Jobandtalent. I was also told to go home after arriving for work, and I had to pursue the matter until it was eventually resolved.

How many people are going through situations like this and simply have no voice?

How many workers travel long distances, spend money on transportation, rearrange their lives and make plans around a job, only to be sent home without warning?

Workers are human beings.

They have rent to pay.

They have children to feed.

They have families depending on them.

They have responsibilities.

They have fears.

And behind every temporary worker is a real person trying to build a life.

We often talk about economic growth, companies, productivity and employment figures.

But we shouldn’t forget the people who make those things possible.

Workers deserve dignity.They deserve communication.They deserve to know when a job has been cancelled before they spend their money travelling to work.

They deserve to be treated like human beings.

That morning, my headache became worse.

I was already carrying the weight of my family’s situation, the financial pressure, the uncertainty surrounding my work and the strain that the distance had placed on my relationship.

Now I had another problem.

How would I explain this to my family?

How would I provide even the small amount I normally send home this month?

How could I convince them that leaving them behind was part of a plan to build something better when I couldn’t even secure the work I needed to make that plan possible?

Sometimes I feel that nobody really understands what a man carries inside when he is trying to provide for his family.

People see you going to work.

They see you getting paid.

They assume you are fine.

They don’t see the sleepless nights.

They don’t see the fear.

They don’t see the calculations you make in your head every day.

They don’t see the phone calls you don’t know how to answer.

They don’t see the pressure of knowing that people you love are depending on you.

And perhaps that’s why society often tells men to simply “be strong.”

So you keep going.

You swallow the disappointment.You wipe your tears.You get up the next morning.And you try again.Today didn’t go according to plan.

The job didn’t go according to plan.

My finances aren’t where I want them to be.

My family is still far away.

And there are battles I never expected to fight.

But I have learned something through all of this:

Failure is not the same thing as the end.

Tomorrow, I will get up again.I will look for another opportunity.I will keep writing.I will keep working.

I will keep fighting for my family.

Because sometimes providing for your family means missing them.

Sometimes it means fighting battles nobody else knows about.

And sometimes it means falling down today and finding the strength to stand up again tomorrow.

**I may not know exactly how this story ends.

But I know I am not finished writing it.**

The Cost of Being a Father Away From Home!

The present You missed for the future

I hardly ever look at the photo albums on my phone anymore because they make me cry. Yet sometimes, they appear unexpectedly, bringing back memories of my wonderful partner and our children.

Today, I finished making my jollof rice. I know how much they would have enjoyed it if we were together. But once again, I ate alone—not because I wanted to, but because I was hungry, while my heart was somewhere else, with them.

Nothing compares to the pain of being close to the people you love and yet being so far away from them—unable to reach them because of circumstances beyond your control.

I have always loved children, and I grew up in a family where love, togetherness, and parental presence mattered deeply, even when discipline was part of that love. So, when I made the decision to leave my family in the hope of giving them a better future, I knew I would miss them. What I didn’t fully understand was the cost of that distance.

I never really thought about what the separation would mean for my family—not just for me—until I found myself living it.

Sometimes the sacrifices isn’t just financial

The first few months were difficult for me. But sometimes I wonder if they were even harder for my family.

If I could have changed my mind, perhaps I would have. But at the time, circumstances didn’t give me much of a choice.

For nine months, no one has jumped onto my bed to wake me up or disturb my sleep.

For someone without children, that might sound like a blessing.

For a father, it can be heartbreaking.

I haven’t been taking the children to the park. I haven’t been sitting with them during our little learning sessions. I haven’t been there for the ordinary moments that once seemed so insignificant—moments I now realise were actually some of the most valuable parts of fatherhood.

This isn’t my first experience of being a distant father. But this time, something feels different.

After spending so much time together and building a bond stronger than I ever imagined, I have come to realise that the consequences of being a distant father can sometimes outweigh the purpose behind it.

Yes, I want to provide a better future for my family.

But what happens when, in trying to give your children a better future, you lose the present?

The years they are young cannot be repeated.

The birthdays cannot be replayed.

The spontaneous hugs cannot be stored for later.

The little questions, the laughter, the games, the bedtime conversations—all of those moments disappear into the past, whether we are there to witness them or not.

And that is the part nobody talks about when they say, “I’m doing it for my family.”

Sometimes the sacrifice isn’t just financial.

Sometimes, you are the sacrifice.

Still, the circumstances that pushed us into this decision should motivate us to keep fighting for a better future for our children. Providing for them matters. Giving them opportunities matters.

But I have learned that fatherhood is not only about the success our children eventually achieve.

It is also about having the privilege of witnessing them become who they are.

If I could go back in time, I would still want a better future for my family. But I would think much more carefully about the price I was willing to pay for it.

I would treasure our time together more deliberately. I would look for every possible way to improve our circumstances without sacrificing more of the moments that can never be recovered.

Because one day, the money may be earned.

The house may be bought.

The career may succeed.

But the childhood you missed will remain in the past.

So, whatever your circumstances are, before you choose a path that takes you away from your family, think about it—not once, not twice, but a thousand times.

Because sometimes, the greatest cost of providing a better future is missing the present.

Movies don’t make me cry. Realities does!

Real stories need no actors

I can’t remember the last time a movie made me cry. Perhaps it’s because I know the characters aren’t real. That doesn’t mean I underestimate the work of actors, writers, directors, or producers. As a writer and content creator myself, I understand the effort it takes to create a story that moves an audience.

But for me, movies remain stories I watch. Life is a story I live.

Life has its own movie scenes—moments I wish I could capture on film and replay whenever I need to remember what they felt like.

Before writing this, I was lying on my bed, wandering through memories, knowing that work was fast approaching. I hadn’t even prepared my dinner. I eventually got up, moved to the couch, and lay there with my hands over my head.

The pressure was becoming overwhelming. I desperately needed something to distract my mind from the anxiety caused by everything that had brought me to this point. And somewhere in that silence, I think I shed a few tears.

Not because of a movie.

Because I was emotionally exhausted. Empty. Separated from my family under circumstances I never intended or wanted.

The decision to be away from my wife and children was made for a reason—for their good, for our future, and for the possibility of building something more sustainable for all of us. That purpose is what keeps me going, even when the cost of pursuing it feels painfully high.

It has been almost a year since I left, without knowing exactly when I will see them again.

Sometimes, memories of our life together replay in my mind—the laughter, the ordinary moments, the little things I once took for granted. And those memories carry an emotion no movie has ever been able to create in me.

Because some stories don’t need actors.

Some stories are lived.

And sometimes, reality writes the scenes that make us cry.

The value of presence

Describe one habit that brings you joy.

*Memories make a great Dad*

I am starving, Daddy! Could you please help me dish some food? she said.

“You can serve yourself after all you served yourself earlier today,” I replied.

“But Dad, I couldn’t this time. Please help me out!”

I got up from the couch where I was sitting with her younger sister, who was resting on my arm, pretending to sleep. “Chizzy, wait! I will be back,” I said as I laid her down properly on the couch and covered her with a blanket. I went straight to the kitchen, dishing out rice and stew, then returned to the couch to continue what I was doing.

Prior to her request, I had been contemplating writing a blog post about the habits that bring me joy. Sundays are particularly special because I am off from wor, unlike week days when I’m often busy with work while Saturdays serve for overtime. This gives me ample time to spend with my family, especially my two young daughters, ages 4 and 6.

Very early this morning, both of them came out of their room to sleep on my bed. Although it was uncomfortable for me, as I had to squeeze like sardines in a can, I could never imagine telling them not to be there or to go back to their room.

Again, what habits bring me joy?

Weekends, especially Sundays, are always special. We have so much time together, knowing this opportunity comes just once a week. We did skits, ran around, played together, enjoyed ice cream, watched movies, and studied. Now they are both tired and hungry. Unfortunately, their mom went out for work, leaving me to care for them alone. Tomorrow, I will leave very early in the morning before dawn, missing the chance for our morning greetings like we had today.

As I write this, Omalicah, my daughter, is still eating her dinner while her sister is resting on my arm, waiting for their mom to come back before going to bed. Yes, these habits give me immense joy as a parent. The joy of nurturing my children, being present, and watching them grow under my care and guidance are habits that not only bring me joy but also make me feel fulfilled.

The reason I was stressed!

(poem)..The poem was inspired by the writer’s experience—a dad with two lovely young daughters. It narrates the anxiety and pressure that come from working far from home, Watford to Borehamwood

Work

I was stressed from working

Though I did not walk..

Early morning wake-up

Without enough sleep

To catch the early bus

Before my time is up

*A route and my routine

My work and my walk.*

On bus to work

Though I am not the boss

Passing through bushy roads

even When the are busy

Seeing the tired faces

Even on daily basis

Adding to my stress

When they are also stressed

*A route and my routine

My work and my walk.*

How do I feed my kids

If I don’t do weeds

Borehamwood is not Hollywood

Though it makes the movies good

Its pathway made of woods

While I come from the hood

Estree and lots trees like

The beauty and the beast

*The reason was I stressed

was to get rid of my stress *

Selfishness in parenting

Parenting truly requires a great deal of selflessness. Our children not only take up space in our hearts but also influence the values we hold dear. They draw our focus away from self-love, leading us to prioritize their needs and well-being above our own. In many ways, they shape and guide our lives in profound ways. It can be challenging; a person who approaches parenting from a selfish perspective may struggle to embody the principles of intentional parenting. Our time, money, thoughts, and actions inevitably shift to cater to our children’s needs. Balancing our priorities while embracing the sacrifices of parenthood is no small feat, and it’s important to acknowledge the emotional journey that comes with it.A selfish person has no place in parenthood

If it meant taking their iPads away for a month, then so be it.

It was a hectic workday, and I had just returned home. After taking a bath and having dinner, I was ready to tackle my assignments, which I had been putting off for a while. However, I also needed to focus on my usual learning and teaching with my kids, which was becoming increasingly overwhelming. I understand the importance of education, especially at my kids’ early stage, and I strive to instill a culture of learning and studying in them. They must stay up to date with their studies and school assignments.

As I tried to relax on the couch with the TV on, my peace was soon interrupted by Boo-boo being chased by Omalicha. They ran out of their room, screaming and laughing, clutching their iPads.

“Can you girls reduce the noise?” I cautioned.

“Okay, Daddy,” Omalicha replied.

“Why are you screaming?” I asked again.

“Boo-boo… Mommy wants to take our iPads away,” they both gasped, panting as they jumped on me, seeking a shield and protection like people trying to escape an angry lion.

Just then, I heard my wife’s footsteps approaching.

“Babe, can you please tell them to switch off their iPads? They’ve been on them since they got back from school,” she said.

“Okay,” I replied.

“Can you believe Chimara hasn’t submitted or had her school work marked for the past two weeks? She even skipped some homework!” my wife continued, clearly frustrated.

“Seriously?” I responded in shock. “How was that possible?”

“Babe, last week I thought it was just a mistake. You know they are given assignments every week to submit the following week. When I realized her last week’s work wasn’t marked, I got worried.”

“Chimara, is that true?” I asked, who was starting to shiver at my reaction.

“Stand up,” I instructed, and she stood in front of me. “Why was your assignment not marked? And why did you skip one of your assignments?”

“Chimara… Daddy, I—I…” she stuttered.

“Did you not submit your assignments to your teachers?” I cut in.

“Daddy, I did, but…”

“But what?” I pressed.

“Why would your homework not be marked if it was submitted? Your mother said you didn’t submit your homework according to your teacher when the class was asked to turn it in.” At this point, she began to mumble, unsure of what to say.

“Okay, I see,” I said. “I realize that you’re starting to get distracted. You’ve spent too much time on your iPad, just like your mother said. Since you girls got back from school, you’ve been on those devices, and that needs to stop.”

“Okay, Daddy,” she replied.

“Hand it over to me.” She gave me her iPad.

“Akuoma, give me yours too.”

Boo-boo, “Mmm, okay,” and reluctantly placed it on the table.

“Now listen, both of you. This will be the last time I receive complaints from your teacher or your mommy about you not doing your homework or not submitting your assignments. Whenever you’re back from school, make sure you complete everything your mommy asks before picking up your iPads. I have realized that both of you are losing focus, not just on your studies, but on other things as well. Therefore, I will be taking your iPads away for a week, after which you will get them back.”

“But Daddy, I promise I will always do my assignments and be a good girl!” both pleaded, but it was already late, and I was determined to help them regain focus. If it meant taking their iPads away for a month, then so be it.

Self-love nourishes the soul while selfless love blossoms.❤️

I used to have a deep love for myself. Life was fulfilling, and I felt content, surrounded by everything I desired. But then, I got married, and I noticed that my self-love began to shift. A considerable part of it was shared with my spouse. Then our first child arrived, and I found that 70% of my self-love had been redirected towards them. At first, I accepted this change. But with the birth of our second child, I realized that almost all of my love had been given away—to my spouse and my children. I began to focus solely on their needs, often putting aside my own desires. I willingly gave up things for myself to provide for them. Every sacrifice I made came from a place of love, and I endured challenges for their happiness.

Despite this, I came to understand something beautiful: that while self-love may nourish the soul, it is selfless love that truly blossoms. Watching my children play, laugh, and express their affection fills my heart with joy and lifts my spirit in ways I never imagined. While self-love can be comforting, witnessing the pure, genuine love of my children is a soothing experience that transcends all. It’s a reminder of the profound depths of love we can share with others.