MY AFFAIR WITH NELSON MANDELA

With a smile to capture the heart of the unsuspecting blood like me, he swept me off  my feet, with his charm and infectious smile. Though he is 95 years old, it feels like he's older than that. I feel like I've known him all my life. Technically, that's true. I've known him all my life. He's practically 4 times my age, yet I loved him. When I met him, I completely fell in love with his persona, achievements and the personal moments we shared.

I remember my Mum warning about loving men old enough to be my father, worse even, in Nelson's case, he was old enough to be my grandfather. But then, I did not care. He had the influence and affluence in South Africa, he had the money and I could drive the best of Mercedes I wanted. I could live in Cape Town with the rest of the family, and enjoy the paparazzi that came with being a part of Nelson Mandela 's life.

Now I look back at how he arrived at been this great, I do not regret our meeting. He completely changed the history of South Africa and forever, the world would remain grateful.  South Africa and Apartheid; saved from the monster racial segregation... No wonder my research papers always end up having a line or two about South Africa and apartheid. Thank God for Nelson.

 I'm sure you know I love you Nelson, but even more because of who you are: you are selfless. Staying in prison for almost half your life for the sake of others, running away from an arranged marriage to be with the one you love and making wise decisions to set South Africa on high pedestal as far as international politics is concerned. Yes, people may enthuse that you, the great Iroko tree has fallen but I am glad the Almighty created a being like you. For making a difference in the world, I celebrate your life and do not mourn your demise. Though it is all a dream that we had something special but I am glad I met you personally through the eyes of the world.

 One lesson learnt from the life of Nelson, he made a difference in the world (for even the supposedly super power USA president to decide to visit South Africa to pay respects), when you leave this earth what impact would you have made on the world? #FoodForThought