Finding a family dentist in Surrey that offers comprehensive, gentle care for patients of all ages can be challenging. However, Surrey family dental care is the best option for people seeking high-quality, customized care for each member of the family. Everyone, from young children to the elderly, can benefit from the skills and attention that a trained family dentist in Surrey can provide. The Significance of Surrey Family Dentistry Family dentistry is essential to preserving each member of the family's dental health. Patients of all ages will receive the necessary dental care in a welcoming environment thanks to a gentle family dentist in Surrey. This type of care not only promotes healthy teeth and gums but also positive dental experiences, especially for young children. Choosing a Surrey family dentist ensures that you will have access to a variety of dental procedures, such as preventative care, restoration therapies, and cosmetic procedures. For many kids, visiting the dentist is a terrifying experience. A compassionate pediatric dentist in Surrey is skilled at creating a calm and stress-free atmosphere. Gentle dental treatment from an early age encourages children to develop good oral hygiene habits and fosters self-confidence. Children are more likely to maintain regular dental checkups and take better care of their teeth if they are relaxed and comfortable during their consultations. Simple and Tailored Service One of the key advantages of family dental treatment is convenience. Families can schedule many visits for the same day, which reduces the need for multiple dental outings. In order to give each patient the finest care possible, a specialized dentist in Surrey for all ages also adapts treatments to meet their unique needs. Services Provided by Surrey Family Dentists These are some of the most common and specialty dental services that Surrey's dentists provide. Services for Prevention Preventative dental care is the mainstay of maintaining good oral health. Among other preventative procedures, Surrey family dentists offer fluoride treatments, dental sealants, and routine cleanings. These actions help prevent cavities, gum disease, and other common dental issues. Regular checkups also enable the dentist to detect and address any potential problems early on, preventing them from developing into more serious disorders. Agents for Restoring When dental issues do arise, restoration procedures are necessary to restore the teeth's function and appearance. Among other restorative procedures, a skilled family dentist in Surrey provides dentures, crowns, bridges, and fillings. These procedures allow damaged teeth to heal and restore a nice, natural-looking smile. For example, a good Surrey pediatric dentist can fill a child's cavity softly so the child is comfortable during the procedure. Cosmetic Operations A patient's smile can be enhanced by cosmetic dentistry procedures. Among other services, Surrey's skilled family dentists offer veneers, orthodontics, and teeth whitening. In addition to improving a patient's looks, these procedures boost their self-esteem. For example, adults and teenagers who wish to straighten their teeth can benefit from orthodontic treatments tailored to their individual needs by a specialized dentist in Surrey for all ages. In conclusion Selecting the right Surrey family dentist can greatly enhance each family member's oral health and overall wellbeing. Family dentists promote lifelong oral health habits and positive dental experiences by offering comprehensive, gentle dental care to patients of all ages. A family dentist provides the expertise and care needed to maintain beautiful, healthy smiles, whether it is through restorative procedures, routine preventive care, or cosmetic work. For More Info:- https://maps.app.goo.gl/8ifHbUzuMDg5XdEr7

This post will talk about why it's important for your family to see a good dentist in White Rock. And what makes them unique in Surrey and the nearby places. It can be hard to find a reliable and full family dentist, especially if you want a professional who can treat you as an individual. This post will help you quickly find the best dental care center in White Rock, BC. Let's start right away with a key question. Why Should You Pick a White Rock Dentist? When you choose a dentist in White Rock, you get great dental care that fits the needs of everyone in your family. A qualified neighborhood dentist will make sure that your oral health is in good hands whether you need regular checkups, complex dental work, or special care for kids. White Rock's dentistry offices are defined by their up-to-date facilities, experienced staff, and commitment to making patients happy and satisfied. The main reason people choose to go to a dentist in White Rock is the wide range of services they offer. These professionals can take care of all aspects of tooth health, from cosmetic dentistry to preventative care. This is helpful for families because they can get good care all under one roof. The individualized method also makes sure that each patient gets a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and preferences. Family Dentist in Surrey, BC You Can Trust Learning about the benefits of choosing a dentist in White Rock can make a big difference in the physical health of your family. A lot of people in Surrey also have problems with their teeth. The Surrey County Council says that between 2017 and 2019, 4.2 out of every 100,000 people died of mouth cancer. Read on to learn more about the services offered and why personalized dental care is important for people of all ages. Find a Pediatric Dentist Who Is an Expert Finding the best pediatric dentist for children in Surrey is essential for your child's oral health. Because pediatric dentists help kids, going to the dentist is a fun experience. Their lessons and care are right for kids' ages, so they learn good mouth habits early on. A place that is safe for kids A child-friendly environment is important for pediatric dental care. Young patients at White Rock dentist offices feel welcome and cared for by the staff. This includes furniture, toys, and fun things to do that are safe for kids and will make trips to the dentist fun for them. Learning about dentistry early on Pediatric dentistry is mostly about teaching kids how to take care of their teeth. A dentist should teach parents and kids how to properly clean their teeth, how important a healthy diet is, and how to avoid getting dental illnesses. With this information, you can have healthy teeth for a long time. Why White Rock is a Great Place for Dental Care Family and youth dentistry are very important, but you should also think about where your dentist office is and how easy it is to get to. Now, let's look at White Rock's best fit for your health needs. Modern Buildings Backed by the States Dental offices in White Rock have modern equipment that lets them provide great care. Digital X-rays, laser dentistry, and intraoral cameras are some of the new tools that have made dental care more accurate and faster. With these modern tools, doctors can correctly find and fix oral problems. In conclusion Getting full family dentistry from the best dentist in White Rock, British Columbia is important for keeping your teeth healthy. When you combine preventive, therapeutic, and cosmetic dentistry, you can be sure that everyone in your family gets the care they need. Putting a focus on pediatric dentistry also helps kids learn good habits early on. For More Info:- https://panoramaplacedental.com/

When it comes to keeping your smile healthy, regular visits to a reputed dentist in White Rock are not only a good idea but also crucial. Many people place little emphasis on routine dental checkups, perhaps prioritizing other aspects of their health above their oral health. The Value of Routine Dental Exams Performed by Skilled White Rock Dentists Frequent dental visits are very important; what serious issue could arise from skipping them? Some crucial elements to remember are as follows: The Unknown Dangers of Ignoring Dental Exams After all, life can get busy. It's simple to put off that dentist appointment in favour of social, professional, and familial responsibilities. Routine examinations with a dentist in White Rock are crucial, though. Just think of the amount of anxiety a sudden toothache may cause—it can ruin your entire night's sleep and mealtime enjoyment. Regular dental checkups help you keep your smile in the finest possible shape and prevent these unexpected shocks. Dental Health: Beyond a Pretty Smile There is more to dental health than just having a beautiful smile. Maintaining the general health of your teeth and gums is important because eating, speaking, and even breathing properly depend on them. Making an appointment with a reputable White Rock dentist office ensures that any potential issues are found early on, saving you money on more complicated and expensive operations down the road. Tailored Attention for Every Age Additionally, a dentist in White Rock provides individualized dental care services that are catered to the particular needs of each patient. The goal is to keep your mouth healthy, whether you are receiving specialized family dental care in Surrey, BC, or comprehensive kids dentistry from a skilled children dentist in Surrey. Reasons White Rock Is the Best Location for Total Dental Care You may question, though, why White Rock? A group of dental professionals committed to offering high-quality dentistry with a personal touch may be found here. It's not just about checking things off a to-do list; it's about building a relationship with the top dentist in White Rock—someone who understands your dental history and tailors treatments to your specific need. Early Problem Identification Regular visits accomplish more than one goal. They let the dentist to monitor any alterations to your oral health and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This suggests that your issue is handled effectively and promptly, regardless of whether it involves a little cavity or requires the services of an oral surgeon in White Rock. This proactive approach ensures that minor problems don't worsen and cost more money. The Influence of Avoidance Preventative care can also be continued during these visits. Even with meticulous brushing and flossing, tartar and plaque buildup can be removed by professional cleanings. This maintains your teeth looking their best and also helps prevent gum disease, which can lead to more serious medical issues if left untreated. The Significance of Children Those who have children especially need to make regular visits. When kids go to the dentist, they become accustomed to the process and are less likely to develop a fear of them as adults. Additionally, the right family dentist in Surrey or White Rock will establish a warm, comforting atmosphere that turns your kids' dental appointments into enjoyable experiences. All-Inclusive Services Under One Roof When selecting a dentist in White Rock, it's critical to find one who offers first-rate care at a price that is reasonable for dentistry services. Whether you require simple cleanings or more complex procedures like implants or orthodontics, you can rest easy knowing that you are in good hands. Selecting the Appropriate White Rock Dentist When seeking for the top dentist in White Rock, it's critical to choose a practice that offers the entire spectrum of dental services. This ensures that all of your dental needs, from more involved procedures to preventative care, may be met in one place. Time savings and treatment continuity are guaranteed when everything is housed under one roof. Individualized Care The personalized attention you receive is one of the main benefits of going frequently. The care is customized to meet your specific needs, whether that means giving you tips on how to brush properly, reminders to maintain good oral hygiene, or a customized treatment plan. In summary In conclusion, it is wise to see a dentist in White Rock on a regular basis to maintain both overall health and a beautiful smile. Picking a reputable Surrey, BC dental office that offers personalized family dentistry care and efficient oral care can help you make sure that every member of your family gets the excellent dentistry they need. For More Info:- https://panoramaplacedental.com/

As children are the most vulnerable members of society, it is crucial to ensure their safety and well-being at all times. Unfortunately, there are instances where children find themselves in abusive environments, whether it be at home, school, or within their communities. It is imperative that we as adults take action to help children escape these harmful situations. One of the most important ways to help children escape an abusive environment is to create a safe and supportive space for them to open up about their experiences. It is essential to listen without judgment and provide a compassionate ear for children to share their feelings and fears. This can help build trust and encourage children to seek help when needed. Additionally, it is crucial to educate children about what constitutes abuse and how to recognize the warning signs. By empowering children with knowledge, they can better protect themselves and seek help if they find themselves in an abusive situation. Schools and community organizations can play a significant role in providing education and resources to children on this important topic. Another important step in helping children escape an abusive environment is to provide them with access to resources and support services. This may include counseling, therapy, legal assistance, and shelter options. By connecting children with the appropriate resources, we can help them navigate the complex process of escaping abuse and finding safety. It is also important to involve the authorities and child protective services when necessary. If a child is in immediate danger, it is crucial to report the abuse to the proper authorities so that they can intervene and protect the child. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that children are safe and protected from harm. In conclusion, helping children escape an abusive environment requires a collaborative effort from all members of society. By creating a safe and supportive space for children to open up, educating them about abuse, providing access to resources and support services, and involving the authorities when necessary, we can help children escape the cycle of abuse and find safety and healing. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and ensure that they have the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Our house hasn't been repaired since I was born.Plus, I would regularly draw seemingly meaningless pictures and figures all over the walls when I was a kid. Admittedly, even tough my mom says they don't deserve to be called '' paintings'', every figure makes a lot of sense to me. Especially, the picture of phone on the corner of the kitchen deeply resonates. I sketched it when my mom was at work because I wanted to talk with her via this phone. I would imagine her voice on the other end,promising to bring my favourite juice. But after that, I drew that very juice too next to the phone. Whenever I come across with these images, I dive deep into the flood of memories as they remind me of my carefree childhood days.The house is still the same, but everything else has changed. There also exists a small, yet significant, object that holds tremendous power in my life—the SD card. It is not merely a collection of files, but a gateway to a world of emotions and memories that have shaped my existence. I remember not being able to find at least one photo with my granny when I missed her after her death.It was when I learned the value of a moment and embarked on a journey of capturing and cherishing every point of my life I used to face a dilemma whenever I received the dreaded '' storage full'' notification. This would force me to delete some old photos to make way for new ones. Each deletion would feel like a loss as if a piece of my life's story was slipping away. Fortunately, my SD card has become an endless repository for my memories. One particular video taken by my mom in my whole SD card collection holds a special place in my heart. It captures the moment I completed my first marathon, crossing the finish line with tears of joy streaming down my face. My dad holding a placard written “Madina, вперед!” with the meaning I believe in you, my dear daughter, every time shocks me, how I didn't see it during the marathon. This video is not just about the physical feat.It reminds me of the expected marathon day after the four months of grueling training in summer and autumn, the morning runs at 4 a.m. in rain or shine, and the moments of doubt I overcame while facing professional athletes during the marathon, the magical power of reciting prayers..Even though from watching the video you cannot feel any smells,I remember the sweet smell of the flowers while running over the local Park every morning. Whenever I face obstacles in my life, I can revisit that video, drawing strength from the memory of that triumphant moment. The transformative power of my SD card collection extends far beyond that single video. Each memory is a testament to the love,growth and connections that have made me who I am today. If there is insight you can get from what I've written,here it is: The happiest people may not be those who are making fortune or living in castles, but maybe those who can live and appreciate the present moment.Because the person who won the lottery can still cry in the bed at night feeling depressed. Happiness,the one we are looking for in unattainable goals, may be just lying in the company of those we love and the memories we create along the way. Happiness is the intrinsic capacity which is waiting to be embraced by open hearts. In the tapestry of our lives, memories are the precious threads that bind us together. They are the cherished photographs and videos that transport us back to moments of laughter, love, and adventure. They are the faded paintings sketched upon the walls of our hearts, reminders of dreams, aspirations, and the people who have shared this journey with us.The scent of a freshly brewed cup of tea, the warmth of sunlight kissing our cheeks, and the vibrant hues of a blooming flower—these seemingly insignificant experiences hold the power to ignite the spark of joy within us. I read somewhere that brain lives on for 7 minutes after death of a person to replay its best memories. And it is you who define what these memories will be.

Dishis Designer Jewellery provides an amazing selection of gold ring designs to suit different tastes and inclinations. Their most recent creations are works of art, with fine craftsmanship and beautiful intricacy. There is a ring to fit every taste and occasion, ranging from traditional solitaire rings to modern styles encrusted with gemstones. Dishis Designer Jewellery offers solutions to enhance your style, regardless of your preference for strong statement pieces or minimalist elegance.

Children are the most affected by war. In a war-torn zone, the trauma children undergo will live with them until the day they die. The trauma induced is deep-rooted and healing from the effects of war is never easy or most often than not, out of the question. Ultimately, the consequences of war related trauma will require precautionary measures as cure is never attainable. Children who has survived the worst of wars will need special attention and aid. Imagine hearing the bomb sirens or gunshots or worse, watch a building crumble right before your eyes. Imagine watching people killed or dying, or writhing in pain from wounds. The pain of the whole situation will numb a young mind to silence. I don't think these children will ever be able to interact amicably with another human after witnessing the horrors of war. How do we treat children who has seen the worst of wars and suffered as a consequence? First, we must accept that children of war are mentally affected by the situation they are thrust into. The psychological effects are massive and often these children withdraw into their own shell due to the frightening situation. Their need to explain even to themselves the results of war can have dire consequences in their actions towards those they love. They become hateful and distrusting of the world around them. In order to help them overcome the difficult transition to lead a normal life as best as they can, the caregivers must be patient with their behavioral patterns. A psychiatrist treating the child will tell you how difficult it is to get them to speak about their trauma. Instead of coming out with their fears, they often hide their feelings of insecurities and fright and try to avoid human connection. They will find it hard to interact with outsiders with the exception of their family members. Often, in the long run, the children blame their elders and family members for the trauma of war they face. They will want someone to blame themselves. Why the war? Effective treatments like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapies and narrative exposure therapy are available, however, family support will ultimately play a crucial role in helping children recover fully or to the extent that they can forget for a while. Children need love and a good environment to nurture their growth and look forward to a full life. It is an abhorrence to have them experience war and live to regret the chances they have missed to grow out their childhood and to understand the horrific way their lives have unfolded. At least for the love of a child, wars should end and peaceful negotiations given preference. No matter what it takes, choose peace against war. We wouldn't want to partake in ruining the lives of our children to gloat over the power of being victorious, now do we? Wars won are never a victory at the expense of even one child. The End. (This essay was first accepted for publication in the December'23 online issue by Welter@University of Baltimore. https://blogs.ubalt.edu/welter/digital-lit-current-issue)

They go by the names "chatbots," "digital assistants," and "virtual assistants" The more accurate VPA software produced by AI technology made them available! VPA devices can be seen to communicate like individuals using voice or text messaging, with witty retorts, and to be notable companions. There is no need for the kids to sit and stare at televisions for hours on end. Worse even are the antiquated radio systems that may no longer be enjoyable. What about multitasking when you browse the internet? Children enjoy taking their quizzes to them, and they may provide excellent useful feedback. The company of Alexa keeps kids from feeling isolated. Games provided by Alexa are both entertaining and educational for children and their parents. What a relief it is to have Alexa and Siri at home! Alexa knows all the answers! Does it? 🙄 One effect of relying too much on smart devices like Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistants may be poor social skills. Target children may lack good manners, particularly in courteous speech and answers. The less learning possibilities provided by the devices may interfere with children's growth.

A good friend of mine has a very warped and funny sense of humor. One of his favorite comments is: “Opinions are like a@@holes. Everyone has one.” Every time he says this, while I do agree with him, I also laugh with him. Keeping that in mind, here is one of my opinions. While many will agree with me, I also realize there will be just many who won't. As my friend says, you're entitled to yours. I don't often read magazines; I just don't take the time. I do, however, read books to relax, write stories, and dabble around with photography. Truthfully, I only read two magazines. One of them I do enjoy is The Week; I like this magazine because it contains a bit of news from every state, there is a science section, important national news and so much more. It is just about the most interesting magazines on the market. I probably should have written this article years ago, but at the time, I was angry and put the magazine away, as I kept thinking, “How dare he?” Then through the years, I'd forgotten about it. Now, looking back to that issue of March 27, 2015, one of their columns was about clothes designing company called Dolce & Gabbana. It was that article that angered me beyond words. One of the owners, Domenico Dolce was quoted during an interview as saying, “We oppose gay adoptions. The only family is the traditional one.” He went on to describe children born through IVF as “children of chemistry, synthetic children. Rented uterus, semen chosen from a catalogue.” Apparently, Mr. Dolce does not believe in adoption or in in-vitro fertilization. Actually, according to his statement, he doesn't even believe in gay marriages. It's a shame when you think about it. There are so many wonderful, intelligent, gay people who have made their mark on the world and became pillars of society. I have met and made friends with many people who are gay but rather than go into all of them, I prefer to tell you the response to Mr. Dolce's comment made by Elton John. Elton John has two children with his husband, David Furnish. Each child had a surrogate mother who conceived them by in-vitro fertilization. Mr. John's response was: “How dare you refer to my beautiful children as pathetic. Your archaic thinking an out of step with the times, just like your fashions. I shall never wear Dolce & Gabbana ever again.” Ironically these Italian designers who happened to make this atrocious comment are gay, but they consider themselves traditional believing that while they should and can live together, they should not marry nor have children. That's something I just don't understand. If you have a partner with whom you are in love, why shouldn't you get married? Why shouldn't you have children, whether it's by in-vitro or adoption. And let's for a moment jump off the Rainbow train. Whether gay or not, what happens to couples (men and women) who desperately want a child to increase their family but for whatever reason, can't conceive? You mean to say they shouldn't be allowed alternative methods of having children? Since that article, Mr. Dolce has apologized to the gay community. Yet, I can't help but wonder why? Did he apologize out of sincerity? Or did he apologize because his sales were in decline? Hmm. Makes you wonder. Sorry, even if I could afford the items Dolce & Gabbana sell, I surely would never purchase any of them. I'll stick to Walmart and Target!

It seems like only yesterday when my granddaughter, Stephanie was seven years old. At the time, my son and his family lived in New York making visits infrequent but enjoyable. Seeing them was always a treat. One day in 2005, almost became a disaster. My son, and his family arrived on a Saturday afternoon. While the house was in order and the bedrooms cleaned and ready for them, what I wasn't prepared for was Stephanie's loose tooth. My daughter-in-law wasn't too concerned thinking it would stay put for another two or three weeks, since it didn't seem loose enough to fall out. The plan was a week-long visit with me, then they would be heading to central Florida for a week with Joanne's mom, then back to New York. We did whatever could to make that week fun, interesting, and memorable. One day, we decided to make a trip to a local nature park where we would have the opportunity to see live animals: boars, cows, steer, birds, and alligators. We were all excited since we never had the good fortune to see these animals close enough to take a picture or two. We arrived at the park early and ate the picnic lunch we packed. Not long after we finished eating, it was time to turn in our admission tickets and board the sight-seeing bus for the tour. Anticipation grew. We were eager. But that turned out not to be the highlight of our week. We arrived home late in the afternoon and decided to make a cookout of burgers and hot dogs for dinner with a side dish of homemade macaroni salad. As my husband grilled the food, my daughter-in-law and I set the table. My son and his children were in the pool. Before I knew it, the day was done, and the kids were heading to bed. We four adults stayed up watching TV and taking about the shows we watched. We laughed and had a few great moments, then we headed to our respective bedrooms. Early the next morning, we were awakened by a loud scream. It was my granddaughter. Thinking the worse, all of us raced into her bedroom, expecting to see blood – or - or, we had no idea or what. What we saw was Stephanie standing by the bed, hysterically crying, hold something in one clenched fist. My daughter-in-law quickly wrapped her arms around her daughter and said, “Steph, what's wrong? Please tell me.” Steph pulled away slightly, unfolded her tightly closed fingers, and exposed a tooth! Her tooth! In between sobs, she said, “Mom, the tooth fairy won't know where I am. She'll never find me!” Joanne looked at me a rolled her eyes. That is what had my granddaughter so upset! We tried to console Steph, but it wasn't easy. Then, as if a lightbulb went off in my head, I had an idea. But it had to wait a day. The next day, thinking she'd never get her dollar from the tooth fairy, Steph tried to enjoy our trip to the wharf where we hoped to see dolphins in the harbor. We ate lunch at a local restaurant, walked around a seaside village and then headed home. It was obvious that Steph was trying hard not to spoil the vacation for her family but just as obvious that her heart was longer enjoying it. I pulled my daughter-in-law aside. “Let her stay up a bit later. You'll see why when she falls asleep.” Once Stephanie was asleep, I drove to the supermarket and bought a small bouquet of flowers. Arriving home, I wrote a note, “Dear Stephanie, I apologize that your reward for giving me another tooth was delayed. I went to your house only to find you weren't there. I went to your grandmother in central Florida. You weren't there either. Then, Bingo! Here you are in southwest Florida. I hope these flowers and your extra reward will put a smile on your beautiful face. Love, The Tooth Fairy.” My daughter-in-law laughed and said it was a great idea. My husband and son thought I was crazy. It was worth a shot. I tucked a $5.00 bill in an envelope (a bit larger than normal since the tooth fairy made Steph wait so long), put the flowers in a pretty blue vase, tied a ribbon around the vase, then leaned the envelope with her name printed on the front against the glass vessel with the flowers. Then I quietly exited the bedroom with my fingers crossed. The following morning, we heard, “MOM, MOM! Come look!” Again, we raced in the direction of her bedroom. She was holding her envelope and said, “The tooth fairy found me! She left me money and flowers! My tooth that I put under my pillow is gone! Mom, she found me! I don't know how she did it, but she found me.” My daughter-in-law looked at me and we shared a secret smile. My son and husband, looked at each other and I heard my son say, “Well, I'll be damned!” What might have been a sad week for my granddaughter's vacation, turned out to be a happy surprise and a moment to remember! Yes, what a moment and what a memory! Thanks to the tooth fairy and a supermarket that didn't close early.

Just 1 month until the release of, A Touch Eldritch, the first of an annual series, written for young teenagers. A collection of short stories to make you cringe, horror and spooky stories on the fringe. I am looking forward to hearing the feedback on this my first collection of short stories.

How does it feel? To birth children and let them suffer for bread? Their cross, at a tender age, made to bear. They struggle and strive To survive in all fear, Amidst tears, education, and etiquette they forgo, For money and survival, they endure. How does it feel? To see these little ones suffer hardship unknown? Heartbreaks and traumas, they face untold. Responsibilities and breadwinning, at a tender age, exposed to. Can we not do the reproduction? Until we have adequate parental provision? Can we not bring them to the existence, When in the end, they will question their existence? These little ones have crosses to bear. But can it be a ‘just' one? The right one for their age and time Can we let them bear the cross of excellence? Can we win their daily bread? And to take up responsibilities bigger than they? Can we birth them when we are ready? And capable of giving them a life they deserve? One which is theirs? I write to becoming parents & spouses. Think of that ‘fetus' life after delivery. Birth, not that child because you impulsively want a child. Birth them for their good. The cross is too heavy for our present-day children. The struggle is tougher to them than it seems. Their young shoulders are beginning to sag. Their tiny little feet are beginning to fret They come to stagger in motion Yet the world lives in contention Some children are torn in between Who may help or redeem? And to help them bear the cross?

It felt like he was leaving a piece of himself behind as he hugged her tightly one last time and grudgingly made to enter the mini-van that would take him back to the city. It seemed somewhat of a breakthrough to get a means to travel despite the off the roof fare, as Inter-state movements had been banned for almost two months. Things had gotten so bad, even the most trusted health organisations couldn't tell when normalcy would make the trip back to mankind. They couldn't tell when this deadly virus would disappear and forever be gone. He got in and sat in the space reserved for him at the backseat and immediately began prompting his whole being to expect a hell of a ride. His claustrophobic legs were already angry with the little room they had. So angry they sent his knees sinking into the back-rest of the seat in front of him. His knees turned out to be very good agitators as they pushed through the fabric and frame of the seat and went on to nudge the passenger in front of him mildly, or maybe not mildly as the troublesome looking lady with unkempt locks occupying the seat turned dramatically with a stern look that could make her pass as a cheap replica of Medusa. He cared not to respond with words but did retort with a stare that roughly said, “I am 6 feet plus, what do you expect?”. She probably agreed with his assertion, as she turned and didn't look back again. While the driver reversed and made to drive out of the gas station he had parked in for fear of being extorted by the sometimes invisible but ever present touts who would have demanded a fee if he dared park by the roadside to pick a passenger in an area under their control, he didn't know how to feel. Sadness and excitement tried so hard to convince him to surrender to their respective influence. Sadness wanted him angry at himself for leaving her side. This was unacceptable and unromantic. "You're supposed to be able to stay a week more, after all you love her, dont you?" she questioned rather rhetorically. "You had better go resume work bro! Were you doing anything important here? No! Just those bouts of mushiness and tiring quarrels”. Excitement cut in brashly, wanting him to be exhilarated only about the new job he had started remotely two months ago. They had welcomed him to resume work and had paid him consistently without a cut. An occurrence people didn't hesitate to call a miracle as companies as a result of the lockdown and the slow but steady demise of business were either downsizing or slashing percentages off staff's salaries. As it seemed, excitement sounded harsher than sadness, he couldn't tell if she was trying to help his mood or just demean his relationship. As the vehicle moved along slowly, he looked through the window which had its pane wound down to wave his last goodbye. He knew she would miss him as much as he would miss her and that made him sober, but he had to feign a smile to hide his emotions. She stood there staring like she could start an unnecessary fight with the driver just to stall him driving her love away. She waved back at him with a smile he tried hard to decipher. It looked like it said “oh wow, he's actually leaving? The guts! Gosh I would miss him! But then, I won't dare let him know". That was it, the goodbye they had been avoiding. The driver plugged into the major road, and in a second the local music from his car stereo permeated every space in the red Toyota Siena. Adeolu's mind wandered through the happenings of the past three months. He had come back to town in the wake of the Corona Virus spread to spend the few leave days he was entitled to at his old job which he was dying to leave because he was overly dissatisfied with compensation, with Amara his fiancé. He had planned to stay in town a week at most so he could be back to the city to resume at his new work place. But Covid-19 had other plans. The virus transmitted really fast and this made governments ground every form of social activity including travel to curb the spread. He was fortunate enough to still be retained by the new company despite the harsh effect of the lockdown, he resumed his new job remotely and ended up spending almost ten weeks with Ammy. His face lit up with a smile as he remembered all the sweet talks, banters, fights, difficult conversations, strolls and sacrifices they shared during this unexpected long stay in town. They had been craving this time to bond as distance wouldn't let them bask in each other's company whenever they wished. He relished all the fun moments, laughter and the opportunity the lockdown afforded them to know each other better and appreciate what they shared. They both didn't want it to end. Adeolu turned swiftly, an action he knew was futile, to get one last glimpse of her, but as expected it was too late. He couldn't see her anymore. He had once more began the long painful journey away from love.

Once upon a time, there was a little boy, with no name, no color and no place to live. They say he lived in the sunflowers as there was his favorite place, but the thing is that he couldn't, actually see them, he was blind. The only color he had on him, was the black of his beautiful curly hair. Fed up of not being able to see the beauty around him, the little boy went to the wisest man in his village, he was known as “THE EBONY GUARDIAN”, he lived in a small, humble house just out of the beautiful sunflowers field, he was known to be the darkest man of his village and therefore, the wisest. As in the whole village, black was considered a sign of nobility and wisdom. “Master”, said the little boy, in sign of respect. “May I ask you something?” “sure, go ahead little boy!” said the man, looking at him. “do you know who I am, or where I come from or why I have no color at all?! I wish I could have a color just for me” said the boy looking sad and frustrated at the master. “I don't know what color you are or what is your name or where your place on the Earth is, but I can show you a place in this word where all the colors live together in the light that you can see and in the dark that hides everything”. saying that the master led the boy to the most beautiful place he'd ever seen, full of butterflies and flowers. The boy looked at the master curious and said: well, these are all the colors the world can be? Where's mine then? What color should I be? Do they speak any language that I could learn or am I a stranger even here? Whispered the boy so disappointed. “shhh! Whispered the master smiling at the boy, “watch”, added him pointing at the sky. The boy couldn't see anything so far. “White as the light before to show up its shades, black as the night where all the colors rest, until a new day comes and the rainbow lives again”. As soon as the master pronounced those words a wonderful rainbow stood up in the sky, with incredible, brilliant colors. Those colored lights hit the boy who had finally found what color he wanted to be, not just one but all the colors of the light, all the magic of a rainbow. “what's your color then?” asked the master “All the colors of the light!” exclaimed happily the boy. “And what's your name?” “Rainbow!” “And, finally: where do you come from?” “I come from the light that spreads in the world all the wonderful colors of the rainbow! The boy eventually, had found his colors, a name and his place, he always kept on the top of his head the black where the colors were hidden. And while the world goes on, fighting to decide who sparkles more than everyone, somewhere in a nowhere there always will be a rainbow to show the light with its colors and a dark, quite night to let them rest until tomorrow.

Loving my son is like the purest of seas on a white, sun-dappled beach. Palmtrees sway calmly in the cool breeze in the backdrop. The warmth on that beach hugs you. Your toes tickle the silky soft sand, there where it meets the turquoise water. You gasp and your tummy registers butterflies - purely from enraptured happiness - because you see brightly coloured fishies and stingrays and sea turtles glide contently underneath the water's surface. You're in touch with nature, in the here-and-now. You feel peaceful and calm, you want for nothing and everthing you need is there, in that moment. The sun glistens on the water, sparkles richly like diamonds: God's Thousand Wonderful Winks. You turn around and the few people you love so dearly smile at you. They offer sunscreen, an umbrella, a seat, a cold drink and freshly prepared fruit (and, of course, some chocolate and a pizza). You breathe in and out, all stress and worries drifting off into nothingness. In the far distance, you hear music; your body slowly tunes into the beat, your hips wiggle along. You hear the leaves rattling rhythmically in the wind. You smile back at them. A single tear trails your cheek, your lips, and disappears down your neck. It's a tear of the happiness that the intense love you feel gives you. That is how I love my little boy, laden with pride, selflessness and extreme gratitude.