It was a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, bright and blue, with a glaring absence of clouds in the sky. The weather could not have reflected the atmosphere in the Mills-Odoi household any more perfectly; it was a good day.

In the living room, the entire Flat Family, dressed in white attire, were seated, ready for a solemn but joyous occasion.

The official naming ceremony of Ellen.

The Mills-Odoi couple had joyfully embraced the responsibility of naming and blessing the little girl. As she sat between them, with Ellen in her arms, Akushika could not be happier. These were the ones she wanted in her daughter’s life. As for Mr. and Mrs. Acolatse, they had been shamed away for good after her confrontation. And true to Remaliah’s word, Drill had also disappeared after his sick invasion.

The ugly remnants of her past that had threatened to ruin her new life had vanished now, and that filled her with so much relief. Now she and her daughter would tow a new path altogether, supported by this beautiful family.

No hate-filled father who never wanted her in his life. No hard-handed grandparents who would consider her as more of a curse than a blessing. None of that negative energy.

Remaliah rose to his feet, his presence commanding yet filled with tenderness. He reached for Ellen, and Akushika duly handed her to him. His eyes softened as he looked down at the baby, who looked innocently at him. Clearing his throat, he began gently.

“My dear people, today, we are gathered here as a family, to officially welcome this precious child into this world and our lives. Obviously, she’s been around for a while, but this is to satisfy tradition as much as possible.”

He looked around, the faces of Drusilla, Raymond, Jonny, and Bukky beaming with joy. He went on.

“Almost a year ago, our lives were changed forever with the arrival of a beautiful daughter. For reasons best known to God alone, He decided to weave our paths with Akushika’s own, so we could help her in her lowest point, when she had nothing but a child growing inside her. Having her around has been nothing short of a blessing, and we could not be happier to be witnesses to the arrival of this beautiful girl she has brought into the world. Regardless of the circumstances leading to her conception, we all know this fact: children are a gift from God, so we are extremely grateful for her life, and we welcome her with open arms.

“And as the grandfather of this child, born of love and hope, I announce to you all, that…”

He glanced at Akushika, who nodded with tearful eyes.

“… from this day forth, she shall be known as Ellen Naadu Mills-Odoi.”

A murmur of approval and joy rippled through the room, everyone delighted at this name. Remaliah then lifted the little one in his arms.

“Ellen Naadu Mills-Odoi, may your name be a beacon of strength and wisdom. May you walk paths of peace and prosperity. Just as your name ‘Ellen’ means ‘shining light,’ may you illuminate the lives of those around you. And may you carry the legacy of this family with honour and pride as you officially carry the Mills-Odoi name.”

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle before continuing.

“My dear Ellen, I bless you, my beautiful granddaughter, with health, that you may grow strong and vibrant. I bless you with wisdom, that you may make wise choices that lead to happiness for you and for all around you. And I bless you with love, for it is love that has brought you into this family. And it is love that binds us all and makes us family. May this love be a light that will guide you and will see you through all of life’s chapters. May you grow up knowing that this is a place you can always call home, and that everyone here is someone you can always depend on. No matter what.”

Remaliah then gently touched the baby’s forehead with his thumb, marking her symbolically with the sign of the cross. “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit… may the Lord of heaven and earth watch over you, and may your life be filled with laughter and joy. May you grow up to become a precious and valuable asset to this family who cherishes you, and to the world at large. May it be said of you, that you helped to make the world a better place. In the precious name of Jesus, we declare it done. Amen.”

Tears of joy glistened in Akushika’s eyes as she whispered a soft “Amen,” along with the others in the room.

It was such a beautiful moment. Sweet, private, and intimate.

An unforgettable moment shared with her true loved ones.

***

A few minutes later, and after everyone made their declarations over Ellen’s life, the little ceremony was over. Everyone was still in their seats, but this time, with a plate of jollof rice and chicken in front of them. While the sweet sounds of ‘Duduke’ by Simi could be heard in the background, everyone continued to revel in the intimate aura as they chatted and enjoyed the food.

As everyone ate, Bukky took a bite before shaking her head. “Maa Dru, this thing you dey do, I no dey like ooo,” she joked. “The way you have prepared this jollof eh, it’s like you want me to say that Ghana jollof is better. But I’m sorry, I won’t say it.”

Drusilla simply stared blankly at her, then stifled a laugh and shook her head. “My dear, all this plenty grammar you are speaking, you think I don’t know you are just trying to tell me the opposite? Sister, I’m not a small girl oo!”

Bukky shook her head vigorously. “Please oo, abeg! I’m not saying the opposite…”

“Buks, Buks, Buks,” Jonny interjected, tapping her gently on the knee. “It’s alright, okay, it’s alright. You can concede defeat here. It’ll be our little secret, wai. We’ll not tell your Naija people.”

Remaliah nodded in agreement as Ellen remained nestled in his arms. “Your secret is safe with us. We won’t tell anyone, okay? We’ll not let them revoke your Naija card.”

Bukky mock glared at her boyfriend, then huffily turned her nose up. “Abeg, abeg, abeg, I’m not conceding. I am staying true to my people. Maa Dru, I love you very much, but this jollof na beautiful anomaly, please.”

“Beautiful anomaly kee you there!”

Everyone laughed at Raymond’s playful retort, as Bukky sized him up and down before shaking her head.

As the laughter dissuaded, Drusilla looked around the room. “This is beautiful, isn’t it? Gathered together as a family, having lunch after the ceremony, enjoying each other’s company… that’s what life is meant to be about.”

Bukky nodded. “Indeed. This is what family is all about. Never mind the fact that we’re all coming from different places and have different backgrounds, the bond of family has brought us together. Long may it continue.”

As everyone nodded, Akushika took up her glass of Malta Guinness. “In the spirit of family, can I propose a toast?”

“Oh, absolutely.”

“Sure, sure.”

Everyone took up their glass and raised it in the air, smiling as they expectantly looked at her.

Her heart bursting with satisfaction and contentment, she began.

“To this family. A family I never thought in my wildest dreams I’d ever encounter. A family that has been so good to me. A family I want close for the rest of my days. From Sir Remmy and his protective loving ways, delivering double cheeseburgers to insane guys, to Maa Dru and her sweet motherly warmth. To RayRay, a troublesome but amazing and ambitious guy, Jonny the lively and talented brother, and of course, last but definitely not the least, my dear Naija sister, the incredible Bukky! You’ve all been nothing short of a blessing, and I’m grateful to have you around, and I know Ellen will grow to love you all. Here’s to many more moments like this, and bigger ones with Adoley and Dromo and those that concern us. May this bond never, ever be broken. To family.”

“To family!”

As glasses clinked and everyone took a sip, the warmth in Akushika’s heart continued to overflow. This was it.

Family that loved her. And that she loved back.

Her daughter was not going to experience what she experienced; her upbringing would be far better. While she had put up with rigidness and overly strict ways, Ellen would be raised with the right balance of discipline and love.

This new generation would experience the right way of upbringing. And that was good enough for her.

This is her true family, and we love to see her flourish with them. Time to bring this story to an end…