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…A Tale of Love and Devotion
By Aniekpeno Mkpanang
As I reminisce about the day I proposed to my beloved wife, Ama, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. It was my birthday, February 26, and I had meticulously planned a surprise that would change the course of our lives forever. Perhaps Ama herself would have told this tale better; but then I’ve elected to do it, and on her birthday!
Ama, with her captivating smile and infectious warmth, had caught my attention long before that fateful day. Our paths used to cross every weekend at the AKBC Radio and Television transmitting station, where we both worked as guest artists, but we had never really connected beyond a cordial greeting.
I had, however, been drawn to her intelligence and beauty, and I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. As I sought some way to ask her out, I devised a plan to invite her to accompany me to Calabar, under the guise of delivering a package to a friend. Little did she know that the package, a carefully crafted proposal nestled within 26 intricately sealed envelopes, was, in fact, for her.
In my formative seminal years, one place I used to go and read regularly, was the library at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints on Etta Agbor Street, opposite the main gates of the University of Calabar. It was a small but very neat place with few readers and loaded with the type of books that made sense to my research efforts in those days.
Oftentimes, I would get to Calabar early, wait for the library to open, and then read all day till it was just time enough to rush and catch the last bus back to Uyo. Beyond the books, the Church compound was so well kept. The flowers and gardens were welcoming, and the building and layout were an aesthetic haven. It was the ideal place, or so it seemed, to propose, enveloped by beauty and purpose.
The day of our trip arrived, and Ama, oblivious to the surprise that awaited her, graciously accepted my invitation. As we drove to Calabar, I couldn’t help but steal glances at her, my heart swelling with affection and anticipation. Upon our arrival, we proceeded to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for my proposal.
Visitors are always welcome at every Church of Jesus Christ of latter-Day Saints, and the folks at the church at Etta Agbor already knew me, so I was no stranger to the environment. I had, however, intimated the keeper of the library of my mission, and he had ensured that I would have the most quiet section of the library all to myself and Ama.
Once seated, I presented Ama with the bulky package, clearly adorned with her name. As she began to unwrap the envelopes, one by one, I retreated to a secluded spot. The minutes ticked by, and I could sense Ama’s curiosity and patience being tested. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, she arrived at the last envelope with the prized message, imploring her to be my wife.
As I returned to the reading room, I found Ama sitting in contemplative silence, a soft smile playing on her lips. I stood speechless, looking at her for a while. I then escorted her to our car, where we embarked on a most serene three-hour journey back to Uyo. The days that followed were a whirlwind of emotions, as we began the mutual planning that led to our eventual marriage.
This day, as I raise this toast to my beloved wife, Ama, on her birthday, I am filled with gratitude and adoration. Many years have passed since that unforgettable proposal, and I am still awestruck by the serendipity that brought us together. Ama has been the rhythm that synchronizes my every step and the harmony that has brought balance to my life.
Happy Birthday, Daughter of God. May this special day be a celebration of our journey and the countless memories we’ve shared. If I had the chance to relive that proposal, I would do it all over again, with the same 26 envelopes anywhere on the planet that you would be found. I wish you many happy returns and the best of God’s blessing in the years ahead.
