The Favorite Sister

We could go weeks, even a month or two, without talking to each other. We kept up with each other's news, though. Our mom, the glue. I was the favorite sister. We both knew it; talked about it when we did catch up with one another. 'Sista mi!' our rallying cry.

I knew about the Queens College reunion in 2019; QC as it is universally known. On one of our visits, my daughter Anita and I happened to see the mug that the QC Old Girls Association had made to commemorate the occasion. I remember both of us laughing at the nicknames and trying to guess which nickname was her, described, and best suited her. It was after her death I saw the magazine. As I flipped through, it wasn't the colourful pictures of those bold and beautiful women, the before and after images, the speeches and tributes to and of the sisters of QC so well written and touching the heart; it was the autograph that stopped me in my tracks. After 40 years, I assure you the handwriting hasn't changed. I asked God, was it providence that made Aunty Mubiola keep the autographs, especially this one? Was it providence that made chapter 40 publish it in the magazine? I am still trying to dissect the thought behind that autograph that read:

"Mubiola,

This autograph is just so that you can remember me a long time after

OR

later on when I become famous you may safely say you once knew me.

Iyefu Adoba

6:3:79

Q.C."

I know that I will remember you a long time after and I dare to boast Iyefu Adoba and can safely say that I once knew you.