We quickly became friends and I found myself talking so late into the night with this “brother”.

It started with our daily catch up sessions with each other which quickly metamorphosed into long conversations that ran so deep,  we could talk about everything and anything!. Trust me, from my end, it was plainly platonic. I didn’t want a medical doctor and I felt our beloved “brother” wasn’t interested in me. Alas, how wrong was I!

After about a year of friendship, during one of our interactions, I heard one of the “wackest” if that word ever exists, pick-up lines ever from a guy. He said “Abímbọ́lá, Pẹ̀lúmi has a soft spot for you”. First, in third person!, second, I felt like “Uncle, which one is soft spot again nítorí Ọlọ́run?”, lol. Sorry to break your hearts, I didn’t see the stars or feel the butterflies, I guess the butterflies were on sabbatical.

Afterwards, he proceeded to say he knew the present might not look like it, but he was so sure the future would definitely be bright; the confidence was palpable! That was so reassuring but then, who asks a lady out with the future and not the present? (smiles). I told him the soft spot wasn’t enough, he needed to be sure. Few weeks later, without flowers, not on one knee, on one quiet evening, Oluwapelumi said “Abímbọ́lá, I want to marry you”. Okay, let’s take it slowly, how did marriage come into the picture now? Without mincing words, his determination was louder than his words could ever be. 

I prayed and I was really convinced I was on track, but this guy was broke na, like broke in all sense of the word (lol). But then, talk about humility, intelligence overload (for my sapiosexual self, that was mind-blowing), versatility, patience, love for God and men, all boxes ticked!

By now, the butterflies were starting to fly, and my day was never complete without talking to this man.

At this point, I knew it was undoubtedly love in its entirety, Oluwapelumi had become a part of me. I was so sure I wanted him in my life. In short, after the backs and forth (trust your Naija sister na), it was the day after my birthday, we went on this date and your supposed hard Nightingale sister said yes to the Hippocratic brother.  

Reminiscing on the last four years and all that comes to mind is the uninhibited love received. I didn’t just meet a guy who loves and totally adores me, I met a mentor, a father figure, and an extremely supportive partner. Oluwapelumi has shown me love in numerous dimensions; he prioritises me so much it is mind-blowing. The support, the prayers, the pushes, the encouragements have been exceptional. 

It’s been an amazing period of friendship, love, and companionship, I couldn’t have asked for more. I can’t wait to have my Oluwapelumi by my side when our hairs are grey, our hands wrinkly, our teeth out with dentures in and our legs supported with the walking sticks! 

Just like he projected, it sure looks like a bright future is brewing with the guy I have spoken to every single day in the last four years, and I am super excited to be a part of it. 

I was clueless not only because I barely knew–on a personal note–any of the nursing students, but also because the timing was wrong. Before you judge me, year 5 was a long and tortuous year for any medical student, and I was no exception. I had thought I deserved some rest. But what about this new position? How would I ensure that house fellowship continued while I was away? I needed an assistant, and the assistant must come from the Nursing hostel.

Trusting God, I picked the attendance booklet of the house fellowship, looked at the highest attendees, and sought the advice of one of the outgoing nursing students. She spoke glowingly of the two and testified of their faith. With my childlike prayer, I picked Abimbola. Waiting for her after a lecture to at least stir up a conversation and fix a time when we could meet was a tiring exercise but necessary. Thankfully, I spoke to her that day, and we arranged a meeting later on the eve of my departure for the holidays. How we conversed for more than 120 minutes during a first formal meeting remains a mystery.

Relationship was certainly not on my mind; I just wanted to serve God dutifully with her in the assignment. I guess God had something else in mind. Our friendship kept on blossoming, and the rest, they say, is history.

To have Abímbọ́lá in one’s corner is to be blessed; to have her as a wife is to be favoured by the Lord! I HAVE BOTH!!!

You can call us JOHESU weds NMA, and you wouldn’t be wrong anyways. Abimbola has always been a nursing rights activist, and it was not in her wildest dream that she would end up with one doctor, but here we are today. No worries, I am now a Pro-Nurse. Eh eh eh

To have Abimbola in one’s corner is to be blessed; to have her as a wife is to be favoured by the Lord! I HAVE BOTH!!! We have complemented each other in more ways than I can imagine, and I am glad to do the rest of my life with her. Thank you for bringing colour to my life. Thank you for showing me the handsome version of ’Pelumi I never knew existed. Thank you for fully supporting ALL my dreams. Thank you for praying for and with me. Most importantly, thank you for loving me!

With you beside me, we live our life fully in worshipping our ever-reigning King and Saviour; doing his will here on earth!

Ìfẹ́ ẹ wá a d’alẹ́ lórúkọ Jésù! Àmín.