ManEst 2023

I wouldn’t have thought one of my worst days in the start of my nursing career seemingly would have brought us these joyful moments which we share now. Esther had brought her friend who was critically ill, and was in agony to the emergency department which I worked. I was charging the unit for the first time because none of the senior staffs were available to work that night. It was a roller-coaster of manic events happening at the same time. Fast forward, I asked her to assist me with few things within her competencies. She felt jumpy and shaky looking at how terrible most patients were and the distractions from their relatives making me a bit splenetic. However, I noted she was calm, super respectful and had a lure of charm from her pupils and captivating white sclera which made my heart go pitter-patter every time I’d gazed into her eyes. We became friends after they were discharged from hospital a week after.

I met Nana during my first year of nursing education. He had then finished his national service and working at our school affiliated hospital. One night, my best friend was very ill and was rushed to the hospital. I decided to stay back and help with the care of my Bestie. The most shocking part was, Manasseh was the only qualified nurse on duty together with one support worker to attend to us that night. The place was very busy but for some few minutes he attended to us and my friend was getting better from her severe pain. We were on admission close to a week. During those period, I could see Nana staring at me with any little chance he had, as if he saw a creature from a different planet. It was weird initially but I didn't mind. He was so nice looking all the time so I started paying attention to him. It became funny how our eyes met multiple occasions every time I decided to steal a glance. I felt some form of connection and so we became friends.

We started talking after exchanging contacts, we occupied each other’s attentional space as you would expect when falling in love. We talked late into the nights whenever we are free, as they say “true love stories never have endings”…..Esther

We arranged to meet during a Beauty Contest show in her school. She met me at the entrance, I knew Esther was my wife the moment I saw her. She's beautiful, and therefore to be wooed; She is a woman, and therefore to be won……Manasseh

Our first date was brilliant but ended in despair. She’s gone through my phone that night and didn’t know if, I was the right one for her. I obviously allowed it because I wanted her to know my true self. You could call it madness but I knew I loved her. I compromised on the things she despised about, and slowly we grew stronger in love. I had bought a ring, looking for the perfect time to express my intentions. When I had the opportunity to travel, that was when our parents were meeting for the first time, I had my siblings and amazing friends to see me off. I thought this was the right time. In the waiting area at the airport, I took her hand, put the ring on her finger and promised I will be back after a year time to marry her… Manasseh.

We’ve heard so many times where people leave their lovers for abroad and the rest is history. It was a mixed feeling for me. I look at the beautiful ring on my finger and that gave me hope but when I thought of us separating I got so emotional that I cried…… Esther

Nana is very supportive, caring, funny, he lifts you up when you are down. He is hard working and what surprises me is how tough he is emotionally and mentally. He never gives up on himself nor people and things he love. When he set his eyes on something he makes sure he has it. You look at him on a glance and you see someone lanky, but within is more than you think. A life with him is never dull…….. Esther.

Sika, one of the numerous names I prefer to call her. She complements me so well. When I get so hot she makes me cold, when I get pretty mad she brings me back to sanity. The kindest person I’ve ever known. The only moment I nearly gave up she was there to make sure I didn’t. I will not wish any companion in the world but her…….. Manasseh.