Grandmother couldn't contain her joy after she heard about her granddaughter coming to Nigeria for the first time, it is something she looked forward to for a while now.
Steve, her son, has been in the United Kingdom for a decade now. He traveled abroad for his Master's degree and was lucky to be retained by one of the leading technology companies in the country.
"Mom, Fiona wanted us to make this a surprise, but she didn't understand that we just can't come over without informing you," Steve told his mom over the phone after he made his intention of visiting Nigeria known.
"Don't mind Fiona, she love surprises so let's just pretend that I am not aware. How is Catherine?" She replied.
"She went shopping for the things we are bringing but should be home soon," Steve replied.
"I will start preparing here as well, and I got the money you sent to me. God bless you abundantly. Fiona will take care of you too," Grandma replied, and the call ended shortly after.
Days passed, and Grandmother reached out to a cleaning company to help clean her son's mansion, where she lived. The building was thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and the exterior was fumigated.
"Everything must be in perfect order ahead of Fiona's arrival," Grandma stuttered while examining the cleaning done by the company.
Grandma went to the kitchen with a pen to note the things she needed and made plans to go to the market a few days later.
Fiona was excited as well since it was her first time coming to Nigeria, and she was preparing in her little way. She had told all her friends about the trip, and she promised to bring a lot of gifts from Nigeria.
"Dad, what does Nigeria look like?" Fiona asked over dinner.
"Nigeria is a beautiful place to be, so just be patient until you travel next weekend. I don't want to ruin the excitement in advance," Steve replied.
"Okay, I will just wait. I hope you haven't told Grandma?" Fiona asked.
"Why would I? I promised not to and kept my promise, or did she mention anything to you?" Steve replied.
"No, we spoke yesterday, and she didn't mention anything. She wasn't suspicious, and I can't wait to see her reaction when we arrive in Nigeria," Fiona replied, continuing her meal.
She was three years old the last time Grandma traveled to the UK to spend some time with her, Steve, and Catherine. Grandma hasn't been to the UK since then, but she communicates with Fiona from time to time.
The weekend came, and Steve departed the airport with family. He had informed Grandma before leaving, and they agreed on the time she would pick them up at the airport.
At exactly 5p.m on Sunday, Grandma was already waiting at the Muritala International Airport arrival section, hoping to see her family step out. Some minutes passed, and they came out of the giant door with trolleys loaded with different sizes of bags.
"Fiona!" Grandma screamed upon seeing them and waving since crossing the barricade was prohibited.
Fiona looked at her dad immediately with suprise and said "I thought she wasn't aware."
"Someone has to pick us up from the airport," Steve replied.
"We could have taken an Uber. You ruined the surprise," Fiona replied, and Steve could tell that she wasn't happy.
Grandma knew Fiona wasn't happy and immediately spoke to her when they got to where she was.
"Sorry, dear, your dad had to tell me because here is not like where you came from," Grandma said to Fiona, who managed to let a smile slip from her face.
"I am happy to see you, grandma," Fiona replied, pecking Grandma on the forehead.
"I am the happiest person in the world right now," Grandma replied. She had time for Steve and Catherine after settling things with her granddaughter, so they moved to the airport car park.
They left the airport immediately after carefully arranging their luggage, and it was a long ride home.
Upon arriving home, Grandma reheated the Nigerian dishes she made, and Steve was happy because he hadn't taken that particular food in a long time, but that was a different case for Fiona.
She stared at the meal for a while after freshening up and eventually requested cereal.
"Why aren't you eating? These food is very good and delicious," Grandma tried persuading Fiona, but she wasn't just convinced.
Due to travel stress, Steve and Catherine retired to the bedrooms early, and Fiona chatted with Grandma till midnight before sleeping off. Very early the next morning, Grandma made another Nigerian delicacy for the family, and Fiona only stared at the dish on the dining table for a few minutes.
"I am not sure I can have this," Fiona finally opened up.
"Why?" Grandma asked.
"Sharon said Nigerian food always upsets the belly," Fiona replied.
"Who is Sharon?" Steve joined the conversation.
****"My friend, she also came to Nigeria with her family and told me that she loved everything about Nigeria except the food,"*** Fiona replied.
Everyone burst into laughter except Fiona, and she wondered why.
"Don't mind Sharon, because she just wants to prevent you from enjoying Nigerian dishes," Grandma replied.
"Hmmmm! Is that true, mommy?" Fiona turned to Catherine.
"Yes, sweetheart, Nigerian dishes are really good. You will love them," Catherine replied, and Fiona had more confidence to try it.
Fiona rinsed her hand and dipped it into the bowl of pounded yam sitting in front of her. She cut a little and took some of the melon soup to accompany the pounded yam into her belly.
"Hmmmm! This is delicious," Fiona said after swallowing the first morsel.
She ate a few more before getting filled, and the family was happy to see her finally overcome one of her fears.
"This is really delicious," Fiona complimented Grandma's food, and they all burst into laughter.
"Fiona, you are going to decide what Nigerian dish we're eating next. So be prepared," Grandma said to Fiona.
"Wow, I don't know them, but that's fine. When are we having Nigerian Jollof," Fiona replied and everyone burst into laughter.
"Tomorrow, my dear. You should accompany me to the market to get some ingredients," Grandma replied.
Fiona went from just suggesting food to helping Grandma and Catherine in the kitchen.
"Everything is just different about how you cook and I hope I can learn all your recipes someday," Fiona said to grandma a few days before the end of their visit.
"Don't worry, I will teach you everything, but first, let me hand over some things to you. Now might be my only chance," Grandma replied, leaving the kitchen.
She returned with a small box and handed it over to Fiona.
"What's in it, grandma?" Fiona asked.
"I just did a generational ritual that I should have done a long time ago, but since I didn't have any female child, it is not possible," Grandma told Fiona.
"Can I check inside?" Fiona asked.
"Yes, but you have to promise that you will hand it over to your first daughter when she comes of age," Grandma replied.
"I cross my heart; I will do that. Can I check now?" Fiona asked, and Grandma nodded.
Fiona quickly opened the box and found a recipe book, but that didn't fascinate her like the small, beautiful dishes in the box.
"Wow! I have never seen such before," Fiona said to Grandma.
"They are treasures passed down from generations, and as long as you have them, every food you prepare will always win hearts. People will always want to have a taste of your food," Grandma replied.
"Really?" Fiona stuttered while still staring at the dish.
"It is magical and you should always serve yourself with them once in a while," Grandma replied.
Fiona was excited, and she wouldn't stop asking Grandma questions about the dishes in the box. Her connection with Grandma deepened, and Fiona wishes she could stay longer than they planned.
She shared the box secret with her dad, who felt happy because grandma had always wished she had a female child, and being able to give her a granddaughter meant a lot.
A night before returning to the UK, Fiona passed the night in Grandma's room and wept uncontrollably, knowing she wouldn't be seeing her for a while again.
"I promised to always come for the summer holidays so you can see me regularly," Grandma said while comforting Fiona.
Grandma honored her promise for 10 years until she passed away, and Fiona wouldn't stop thinking about the beautiful moments they shared.
Fiona's grandma is truly a gem. She is so sweet and loveable. I was almost envious of her.
This was a good read👍
Lolz, Grandmother her always sweet and its sad I never met mine despite how great everyone speaks about her. Even though we didn't meet, I have successfully created beautiful moments with her fictionally.
That's very good of you. Take care
The girl really fell in love with Nigerian food despite what her friend told her. A touching ending between grandmother and granddaughter. Very nice story.
Thanks for sharing.
Good Wednesday.
Yes, she did despite the wrong belief she had about Nigeria meals and the relationship between the grandmother and daughter was something very deep.
It's sad they couldn't spend more time as they wished.
This is a lovely story, @george-dee. You give us tradition and love, all centered around the dishes that the grandmother has been making for a lifetime. Then you offer us an even more literal vehicle for tradition: plates that have been handed down for generations.
The relationship between grandmother and granddaughter is touching, and believable. The arc in this story is strong. The young girl's resistance to the foods from Nigeria is understandable and introduces a touch of humor.
Thank you for sharing this relatable story with us, @george-dee
Thanks a lot for this beautiful comment, it's really inspirational.
Grandma and grandchildren relationship is always on a different level and its sad I didn't get to experience that bond.