As the eldest and only girl in my family, I often feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. It’s like I’ve been given a sacred mission to hold us all together, something I believe the Almighty has entrusted to me. Every time I talk to a family member, they tell me how great a job I’m doing. But inside, I can’t help but wonder, Am I really holding the family together? This question haunts me more often than I’d like to admit.
Caring for others feels natural to me, whether they’re family or friends. I show up whenever they need me, pouring that same energy into bringing parents and teachers together so our children can succeed in our online community. It’s just who I am.
Being the eldest comes with huge expectations. I’m supposed to know what to do, how to act, and make sacrifices even when it’s hard. I remember those tough times when our family faced financial struggles. I made the difficult choice to move out of state, fully aware of what was at stake. My brother joined me, but the pressure became too much for him. Leaving home at a young age meant dealing with the pain of not seeing my family every day.
That early departure made me feel independent, but it also left me grappling with how to balance caring for everyone while figuring out my own life. I often felt alone in my struggle for personal success. My grades suffered during that time, but I pushed through, doing just enough to pass. I held on until I graduated high school and finally returned home to Lagos.
As the eldest, I felt an overwhelming responsibility: if I didn’t step up, how would my siblings thrive?
It hasn’t been an easy journey. Balancing my family’s needs while caring for myself has been incredibly challenging. Yet, I can proudly say I’m doing my best. If I were to leave this world today, I know in my heart that I gave everything I could while I was here. This isn’t a post of regret; it’s a celebration of triumph.
I’m not just holding my family together; I’m weaving our lives with love, resilience, and commitment. Each sacrifice and each moment of doubt has shaped who I am today.
I’d love to hear from you: Have you ever felt this kind of pressure as the eldest sibling or caregiver? How do you navigate the balance between supporting your family and taking care of yourself? Share your thoughts!
