Hey there! Would you like to read along with me in this birthday edition episode? I would love to have your company. If that's alright with you, let's take a stroll together, hand in hand.

Today, I received a gift: a beautiful black dress with feathers around the neckline. It's made of soft cotton and it feels warm, just like the person who bought it for me, Daniela's mom. I have been lucky enough to experience so much warmth, love, and comfort over the past few days. I was welcomed with open arms and treated to some incredible meals, like the eggplant rice and cheese I had on Sunday. The eggplant was divided into two and mixed with cheese, tomatoes, and rice, making for an incredibly delicious meal. Daniela told me it's a typical Puglia dish from the southern part of Italy. You should try it sometime.

Today, there is a party, and I'm excited about it. Although it's more of a brunch than a party, it takes place at the camp where I used to live. Daniela says she bought snacks and drinks, but I haven't seen them. I did get to watch her make my favourite cake, called "pan di stelle." It's chocolate biscuits with little stars on them and 'Panna.' I guess I love stars and just want to reach them. While she baked, we watched a show on TV, and I kept asking her silly questions like, "Do you like guys with beards?" We laughed at every stupid thing I said. It was a beautiful moment.

I've been meaning to create a blog post for a birthday edition, but now I'm struggling to type. Do you want to know why? I went to get my nails done, and, unlike what I usually do, they are quite long.

Sorry if I didn't mention it earlier, but today is my birthday. I hope you weren't confused. And the party is for me—oh, I mean the brunch. I invited some people, and since you are just as wonderful, I am inviting you too.

I'm looking forward to spending the evening with some beautiful people. I hope I continue to feel this happiness I have in my heart all day tomorrow. I hope I don't get sad or cry, but even if I do, it should be because of the love I'll be receiving from far and near.

Can you see that beautiful old photo of a young girl? Look up. There, right there, the little girl in a skirt and blouse. That’s a wig she’s wearing. That’s me. Hannah Omokhele Grace Imordi. I don’t know what day that was; I am almost sure it was my birthday, and I do not know how old I was there before you asked me. My late biological mom dressed me up and took photos of me; I guess a professional photographer took the picture. I asked my sister to send the pictures to me early last year. Looking at that made me realise how far I have come. Such beautiful memories.

As a baby, I was shy, bubbly, and sweet. And chubby. I loved food, and I still do, and I am so excited to be able to share this with you. In another episode, I might have to dedicate time to tell you about baby Hannah.

Last year was one of the hardest years I've had in a very long time. It came with so many challenges that I am glad to have overcome. But today, I'd prefer not to dwell on them. Instead, I'd like to celebrate the little wins, the dose of sunshine, and the friendships I've been able to make and maintain. I got my first diploma, won a scholarship, started university, moved to a new city, worked, travelled, used my voice, inspired people, and shared my story. I loved, smiled, lived, and celebrated. I wrote my first exams and did well. There are so many things I'm grateful for, including my family, my community, and the wonderful people God has blessed me with.

While I'm grateful for all these things, I’m worried. We are worried for humanity and the direction the world is leaning towards.

While I was taking my bath today, I thought of so many things. The beauty of life, the happiness of being loved, the sadness of a broken heart, a failed promise, and an unfulfilled desire—my heart kept wandering everywhere. Yesterday, I was having an intense conversation with a friend of mine who is passionate about philosophy and studies it at the university. We talked about the horror that is going on around the world, the people dying, and how much we would love to change things. I hate not being able to do this. Change the world or help people. In the end, we both decided that talking about it was the first step and we should be ready to take action or step in if the opportunity ever occurs, and just then, I realised how much change has occurred in the world but how little humans are willing to learn from history. Always repeating their mistakes.

This was supposed to be a chill post. Sorry if it got intense; I was just pouring my heart out. I hope we can work together to create a safe world where so many other people can get to celebrate their birthdays and be happy without any fear. We all have our parts to play.

And thank you for holding my hand till the end. I hope to see you in the next episode.

Sending you love and kisses from the birthday girl, Hannah Grace Omokhele Imordi

16/02/2024

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