Erada is here. I’m going to allow myself the space to actually enjoy the moment. Often I’ve spent so much time trying to immortalize the moment before it’s gone. Trying to gather all the visuals I can, but what about the feeling? My sister is here. She showed up for me. I’m having to readjust to another person in my intimate space. My body doesn’t want to believe that someone is actually here. But she is. She came out here for me. She is my sister from another world. She is my friend who is my bridge between what was and what has always been and will be. Her family gave me my Nigerian name. Olgne Oke, means God‘s gift. Tonight we reunite, this time roles reversed. Every time I’m in her house she feeds me, looks after me, make sure I have what I mean need. And it’s finally time for me to offer the same in return. She feeds me a African Gospel and tonight I shared with her with Southern classic — Greens, fried chicken, rice, yeast rolls. Oh and don’t forget the honey butter— amazing. I looked up and the moon is just as bright and full as ever and full as ever. I look to my right and my sister is here. My friend who lets me be myself. My friend I was unapologetically her self. My friend who showed up for me.
