How I got here pt.1 The Childhood
One thing I haven't spoken much about is how I got here. How did I get here
I haven't spoken much about the path that led me here, but it's something worth exploring. How did I end up where I am today? Is my current passion genuine, or was it driven solely by financial motives? Should I continue on this path or consider quitting? How do I truly feel about my work? These questions often swirl in my mind. I often complain about feeling tired, not just as an individual but as a software developer. I've attempted to walk away, but I find myself unable to do so. I yearn for new experiences and unique hobbies, yet nothing seems to stick. In fact, I realize I don't even have any hobbies and my circle of friends is limited. My sole companion and source of fulfillment is my work. Consequently, I channel all my frustrations and concerns into it.
Considering numerous factors, I am appreciative of where I stand today. The journey wasn't easy. Sleepless nights, endless hours of learning, lost friendships, leaving home, separation from my family, and the deep-seated pain I've carried within me for so long propelled me forward. Unfortunately, they now haunt me on a daily basis. They linger, they catch up, and I find myself feeling lost as an individual. Life hasn't been kind to me. For every step I take forward, it feels like I'm forced three steps backward. Outwardly, I strive to appear happy, but inwardly, I'm perpetually crying.
It all began with my parents' divorce—the saddest day of my life. I was only two years old at the time, and although I couldn't comprehend the situation back then, it still brings tears to my eyes at times. I went through a lot during those early years. I had to live with my father's sister for five years, enduring treatment akin to that of a slave. As a child, I had to wake up at an ungodly hour, complete household chores, and even assist in making Puff Puff (Bofrot) before going to school. Despite everything, I remained a bright student. Yet, this daily routine during those five years was far from pleasant for a young child. Numerous unpleasant experiences from my childhood continue to haunt me to this day.
One Saturday morning, I mustered the courage to confide in my mother when she came to visit. Seeing my distress, she made the decision to take me away from that environment. I was overjoyed, knowing that I would finally be going to a place where my mother would treat me like a cherished prince. Leaving my aunt's house, I was filled with excitement, as I knew my mother would never mistreat me.
I stayed with my mother for a week or two, until one fateful Sunday afternoon when my father appeared at her house. He was displeased with me living with my mother. According to him, my mother traveled frequently and wouldn't be able to take proper care of me. As I grew older, I realized my father's claims weren't entirely unfounded. Consequently, on that very same day, I had to go with my father and live under his roof.
Living with my father was far from enjoyable; it was more akin to hell, not because of my father himself, but because of my stepmother. She made my life an unbearable journey. As a child, I resorted to selling items on the streets of Accra. I was subjected to unimaginable hardships, treated differently from her own children. However, in the end, I learned valuable lessons from my stepmother that have shaped my life. I acquired skills like cooking, maintaining cleanliness, and staying organized. One aspect of my stepmother that I grew to appreciate as I matured is her consistent prayers for me. Whenever I reach out to her
She prays for me, offers guidance, and genuinely rejoices in my current situation. She never asks for anything in return and is always content with my progress.
Unlike my biological mother, my stepmother has been the best mother figure to me in my later years. I only wish she had treated me the same way when I was younger.
My life story is far from pleasant, and I hope no child ever has to experience such a childhood. However, what I endured made me resilient and shaped me into the person I am today. Sometimes, I find myself grateful because I can only wonder how differently my life would have unfolded had I continued to reside with my mother.
In the following part, I will delve into my entry into the world of software development and the dilemmas I faced on my journey toward becoming a software developer.