THE QUIET SNIPER
There is this particular sniper that is so quiet yet very deadly. It is quiet, yet boisterous, brash and restless. It moves to and fro, sits at the gateway to greatness, always seeking whom to devour.
By the time you finish this piece, you will not only know this Quiet sniper, you will also know how to recognize it even when it comes in masked.
On the 2nd of December, 2023, I lost my dear foster mummy to the ever cold hands of death. She was everything to me. She was a mother and more.
Let me hold you by the hand and walk you through the moments. Moments that weren't garnished with happiness but the opposite of it.
It was on the 17th of November of the year 2023. I returned home from the clinic where I work as an Intern. When I got to the gate, I simply opened it as I had the key. I went in and opened the main door. Alas, I saw my Mummy lying on the floor with her very right hand raised into the hair. I can still remember asking what kind of posture that was. Mummy managed to speak, welcomed me and tried getting up. I had to help her onto her feet.
Few minutes later, she said she had to ease herself and by herself walked into the restroom. She asked for food. Immediately, I dashed into the kitchen to make her some food and in about an hour or less I was done preparing her meal.
I took the food to her room and that was where the unexpected happened. As she was about putting the food in her mouth, she slumped. I was terribly terrified and had to call her friend who lives in the next street to come to my aid.
After like five minutes, the person I called to come help me arrived and we rushed mummy to the hospital.
Unfortunately, she passed on to glory on the 2nd of December.
I had to pen down some tributes for her.
"My Mummy My Mummy..
Few years ago, Mummy Altine was in the church, Iya Tayo told me to go keep her company. I obeyed and then Immediately I entered the church, Mummy Altine did wah she was very good at - streams of positive vibes flowed from within Her. In all honesty, that day birthed one of the most beautiful relationships I have ever had - The relationship with you, Mummy Yetty.
The very first day we met at the faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ABU, Zaria.. the way you welcomed me was Awesome.. it was Amazing. Simply put, it was "awe-mazing".
Prior to the day we met, you were Dr. Mrs. Adedibu in my phone. However, sporadically I had to change it to "My Mummy" because you were a Mother through and through. You were always there for me, with very kind words and listening ears. You taught me the importance of hardwork and compassion. You showed me how to love without condition or judgement. Your spirit was like a very warm embrace. Once I see your call in class I already know goodies are on the way. All I had to do was to get out of that class, lol. Your wisdom was a guiding light.
They say life is full of lessons. You taught me so many lessons and I was in those classes all by myself.
Not only that.. you also gave me your home for a home far away from home.
My Mummy My Mummy..
I am eternally grateful for everything. I am also thankful to God that you lived a very good life. That's the testimony on everyone's lips.
Before your demise, you were already planning my graduation ceremony sef, lol..
You're too kind to be human and they do not make mortals like you were made anymore.
You'll forever be a part of me and the memory of you will forever be a blessing.
Continue to rest in Peace Ma."
But this is the big question - WHAT KILLED MY FOSTER MUMMY? WHAT CREPT IN TO TAKE HER AWAY THAT WAS DISGUISED AS DEATH?
The answer is not far fetched at all. The Doctor who was on her case confirmed that it was HYPERTENSION. Hypertension was the quiet sniper that took my foster mummy away.
How can you now recognize hypertension. It is also know as High Blood pressure. Although it is a silent sniper because it most times creep in without symptoms, yet, there are few warning signs to be aware of.
High blood pressure or hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against blood vessels is consistently high, damaging blood vessels and organs and increasing the risk of serious health problems.
It's crucial to keep in mind, that, the lack of symptoms does not imply normal blood pressure. The only sure way to find out is to schedule routine examinations with your physician.
Now, the following are some signs of high blood pressure:
1. Pain in the head - pains in the head, especially behind the eyeballs or in the back of your head may be a sign that you have high blood pressure.
2. Fatigue - Fatigue is also know as tiredness. Frequent tiredness may also be a sign of high blood pressure. Especially, after you've taken adequate rest.
3. Dizziness- When you feel dizzy always and/or light headed always, it simply means little blood is flowing to your brain and it is a sign of hypertension or high blood pressure.
4. Blurry vision - when your vision is not intact, when it seems like a seal is covering your eyes, it maybe a sign that you have high blood pressure.
5. Bleeding nose - When you don't have any injury, but keeps bleeding from the nose at intervals, it means that some small capillaries are breaking because of the tension in them. It may symbolize high blood pressure.
6. Insomnia - this simply means when you have difficulty to sleep. It is also a sign that you have high blood pressure.
7. Chest pain, whether severe or slight one can also be a sign that you have high blood pressure.
8. When it always feel like your heart is beating very fast. It's called heart palpitations. It is also a sign of hypertension or high blood pressure.
If you are experiencing one or a combination of the above, then you should go see a Doctor because of the possibility of hypertension.
Also note that hypertension is not a menace amongst aged individuals. It is also a recurring menace amongst young individuals.
It is always said that good health is tantamount to being wealthy. Take very good care of your health.
And then, till we get to the promised land, I shall be waiting for when you will pass me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for this race.
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