Good morning from Lunen, Germany! I am Dr. Charles Apoki, and this is my friend, Dr. Miracle Apoki. Today, I want to share a story—one that reflects on family, legacy, and the journey through medicine.
Recently, someone suggested that we should interview Dr. Mimi Apoki, and it reminded me of our family’s story. As the proud father of my first son, Dr. Miracle Apoki, I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come. I remember delivering him at 1:35 a.m. on January 23rd, back when I was doing my youth service. It’s a memory I cherish vividly, especially carrying my wife to the bathroom shortly after his birth in our small one-room apartment with a spring bed.
Reflecting on our past brings me joy. I often wear the clothes and shoes of my children—it symbolizes their growth and our shared experiences. I want to document our lives, the challenges we faced, and the lessons we learned. There were tough times; my father was a refuse collector, and as I embarked on my medical career, I wrestled with my responsibilities while caring for my wife and our two children, one of whom had a significant illness.
Through these experiences, I learned the importance of resilience and the value of family. Dr. Miracle shared how early influences shaped his ambitions. He grew up witnessing my dedication to medicine, particularly during a remarkable surgery involving a young patient with a life-threatening injury caused by a cow. Experiences like these fuelled his desire to pursue a career in surgery.
I often took him to the hospital—a moment that left a deep impact on his aspirations. Throughout our journey, he displayed an enthusiasm for medicine and an innate curiosity about healing. Even during challenging moments, such as when we navigated car troubles while rushing to the hospital, he found humor, calling it “police push mot” when officers helped us start the car.
Dr. Miracle’s vision of studying in Europe took root during his secondary school years. He was always determined to set high goals for himself. I remember making tough decisions, like transferring him back from year four to year two to ensure a strong foundation in his studies. It wasn’t easy for either of us, but he recognized that such sacrifices were necessary for his future.
As we reflect on our family’s journey, we recognize that life is not without its struggles, but each challenge presents an opportunity to learn and grow. I want to encourage families to cherish their stories and the small moments that shape our lives.
In sharing this story with you, I hope to shed light on the power of dreams, the influence of family, and the resilience that drives us forward. Life may not always be easy, but by holding on to our dreams and supporting one another, we can achieve remarkable things together.
Recently, I reflected on a profound experience I had while navigating the challenges of supporting my son as he pursued his education abroad. The journey was marked by trials and an immense emotional rollercoaster, but ultimately it became a powerful testament to resilience.
As we began, I recall staying at a hotel on U Road and managing the logistics of exchanging currencies at Eco Bank. The moment my son left for Europe, a wave of fear washed over me; it was the first time he was venturing out alone, and none of us had been to Europe before. I was in tears, fearing for his safety, but as I watched him walk away, I saw strength in his determination.
That night, I received a distressing phone call. My son informed me that they were being sent back, and I felt the panic rise within me. I quickly contacted the Nigerian Embassy, only to find that there were no available vehicles to assist them. Desperate for answers, I reached out to friends and contacts in high places. With the help of military and immigration connections, we managed to secure their return to safety.
Through the ordeal, I realized that as Nigerians, our actions abroad can impact others and that we must be mindful of our behaviors. Finally, after multiple attempts and delays, we were able to arrange another flight. The experience was daunting, filled with encounters with unsympathetic officials, but we pressed on. I called in every favor I could, reaching out to advocates and lawyers to sort out the complications that arose.
When the time came for my son’s graduation, I was overwhelmed with pride. Despite my fears, I made it to the event, even as obstacles threatened to derail my plans. Stepping into the graduation hall, I stood among many white parents, and my heart swelled with emotion. In that moment, I reflected on my father’s struggles with education and poverty, vowing that my son would not face the same limitations.
This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and the power of determination. It inspired me to dream big; I hope to build a specialist hospital that serves our people and helps our nation thrive.
I want to remind everyone that no matter where life takes you, it’s essential to remain grounded in your roots. As I move forward, I carry the hopes and dreams of my family with me and commit to giving my son a future where he doesn’t have to endure the hardships I once did.
As we all navigate life’s challenges, let’s focus on understanding one another. We don’t always need grand innovations—sometimes, it’s about embracing resilience, community spirit, and the determination to uplift each other.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I invite you to participate in our upcoming webinar on November 8th and 9th. Remember, we all come from somewhere, and together, we can forge paths to a brighter future.
God bless you.
