After I gave birth to my son, I lost my husband. We had planned about how we would raise our kids together and train them to be the very best but it was so unfortunate that death said NO.

Ben and I have known each other from childhood. Once, it started with being family friends until the bond grew.

Despite being the only girl child in my family, I derived ardent fulfilment and joy in relating with males mostly. Growing up, I had dreams and visions and always, I fuelled them with robust faith and persistence.

These virtues were what Ben taught me. He wasn't the first son, yet he did more impact. He chose to be different and his future reflected that very distinct decision that he made in the time past.

By the time he approached thirty, he was already a millionaire. We both married. After our son clocked three, Ben died!

I never believed that I could survive that big loss. Living without Ben was akin to futile life in my eyes.

Irrespective of that fact that I moved on, yet I made one promise and it was never to marry again all through my lifetime. To me, Ben deserved the best.

My Pastor always told me that it wasn't the best thing to do for my late husband.

Besides.. He spoke on.

Ben is gone and nothing is holding you both again. The best thing you can do for him as it stands now is to train his son in the way of the Lord. Salvation is what you should offer to him.

He advised.

This was my weakness; lack of proper attention towards my son. I made that money and I ensured he never lacked anything, yet I failed it all as a mum.

I neglected my responsibilities to monitor his spiritual growth and other crucial aspects.

Nevertheless, Joshua was a different son. This boy was giving himself constant training. Sometimes, I wouldn't mind distracting him with unnecessary things because I was mistaking him as just a boy.

I soon realized he was always interested in writing. Joshua could write for hours without getting tired. So, I made sure he never lacked books and pens.

My son was like my asset but I was making some mistakes, thinking I was right!

I had a friend, she too was a young widow. Whenever she made irritating complaints about her son, I used to think twice because mine was entirely different.

One day, I got hold of Joshua's book that he wrote. It was such an inspiration. While I strived hard to save future assets for him, he was so busy building his skills. Those were assets no one can take away from him.

Little did I knew that he was already planning for the publication of one of his best books. By the time he clocked sixteen, his published book became a reality. All happened without my consent.

I guess he was cognizant of that fact that I could be a distraction if he ever mentioned such to me.

Then, I was thirty eight.

His Principal called me one week later and I visited his school.

Your son Joshua is a genius. He began.

As I speak with you now, his novel has won in the entire state and the governor has announced a gift of five million naira for him, coupled with a scholarship in the U.S

Instantly, great tears dropped from my both eyes. They weren't only tears of joy. Infact, they were more of tears filled with pains and guilts.

I have failed Joshua and I have disappointed Ben. I knew he would be so proud if his son wherever he was.

On getting home, I saw a big board with some bold notes. It crossed the entrance to our sitting room.

They were the handwork of Joshua.

The notes read;

Mum, I'm writing to tell you something about life which I have discovered myself. Mostly, it isn't all about money. It isn't all about handwork. If they were, I shouldn't have been here today.

Well, I'm grateful too that you have helped me with the finance. Instead of wasting them, I channeled them to the right place.

This should be an eye opener mum. It isn't late and I still need the training, the love, the prayers and the encouragement. I love you mum.

Yours ever, Joshua.

Again, I broke into tears. That was when Joshua ran towards me and we both hugged.

Dear Parents, the greatest investment you can leave for your future is in your children. They'll continue from where you have stopped.

That was the lesson I learnt and I'm grateful to God it wasn't late.