In a bustling city, where dr
eams often collide with harsh realities, there lived a man named Segun Anozie. A father, a husband, and a man who bore the weight of providing for his family, not just in the physical sense but with every ounce of his being. Every day, as he navigated the chaotic streets in his humble car, he carried more than just passengers. He carried the hopes of his children, the dreams of his wife, and the unyielding pressure to protect and provide for those he loved most.
Then one day, fate brought a stranger into his life—Asherkine, a well-known Digital content creator, influencer, and philanthropist. What started as a simple transaction—a ride to the mall—turned into an unexpected blessing. Asherkine, moved by Segun’s sincerity and dedication, decided to give him a gift that most would see as a his normal gesture. But for Segun, it was more. As he carefully selected items (rice and TV) for his wife and children, he wasn’t just shopping; he was trying to fulfill his role as a provider, to ease the burden he knew his wife had been silently carrying.
You see, in the back of his mind, Segun knew the size of his wife’s shoes, not just in measurement but in the weight she bore walking in them. He knew the exact amount of his child’s school fees, not just as a number but as a promise he made to ensure a better future. For Segun, this was more than just a shopping spree; it was an attempt to reclaim his role, to hold on to a sense of worth that had been slipping through his fingers.
But as the story unfolded, the past came rushing back. The social media family, always eager to uncover the truth, dug into Mrs. Anozie’s posts. The hashtag #singlemom stood starkly against the narrative Segun had woven in his mind. She had been strong, resilient, and carrying the weight of both protector and provider, a role that had been thrust upon her when life took an unexpected turn.
Mrs. Anozie’s words were sharp, laced with the pain of unmet expectations and the emotional scars that hadn’t yet healed. She defended her posts, not out of spite, but out of a need to reclaim her narrative, to speak her truth in a world that often si
lences the voices of women who bear too much. She called out Segun, not as the man she once loved, but as a figure who had failed to live up to the role she needed him to play.
The essence of this story is not to cast blame, but to illuminate a deeper truth. The delicate balance of roles in a marriage is not just about duty; it’s about identity. When a man can no longer provide, when his role is diminished or taken away, it doesn’t just affect the household; it shakes the very core of who he is. And when a woman is forced to step into a role that was never hers to bear alone, it can create a rift, turning both parties into strangers to themselves and each other.
In the end, this isn’t just about Segun or Mrs. Anozie. It’s about the countless men and women who struggle to find balance in a world that often demands more than they can give. It’s about the silent battles fought within the walls of homes, where the roles of protector and provider are not just responsibilities, but the very foundation upon which love, respect, and identity are built.
So, let us not forget the power of our roles, and the importance of upholding them. Let us remember that while society may change, and while challenges may arise, the need to protect, to provide, to nurture, and to submit with love and respect is ingrained in us all. When we stray too far from these roles, we risk losing not just our way, but ourselves in the process.
©ayoAbiona
17-08-24
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