Award for the Most Remote Reader

December 2012, 7pm

Imagine a border crossing in the middle of equatorial Africa, its night, its hot, mosquitos are everywhere. A light flickers in a small oppressive room. Omar is crossing from Nigeria to Republic of Benin, the immigration officer does not like him. He doesn’t like the way the ‘i’ is dotted, clothes are wet with perspiration and tempers begin to flare. Omar raises his voice, “Oh common man, I’ve lived here for 30 years!” The Nigerian immigration officers from Northern Nigeria, stops yelling. He is quiet. He looks at the name….Lababidi. He begins to recall a book, “There was an American woman who lived in Nigeria for 30 years…I read a book about her life…this name looks familiar…she talked about calabashes. It was a book about…about paddling a canoe.” He begins to recall stories from the book as Omar looks on in shock, then amazement. A big grin spreads across his face. Omar says to the immigration, “that’s my mom!”

** I think this is my finest hour, my moment of fame…for an immigration officer from the North (officers change every 10 days) to have read my book, written over 10 years ago and remember the name and then for my son to reap the benefit and advert an ugly situation is so randomly amazing that I think this is the best compliment I could ever have. L.L.**

9 thoughts on “Award for the Most Remote Reader”

joyce mostard on January 9, 2013 at 1:59 pm said:

It just proves that the world is a very small place, and surprises come form the most unusual places.

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- kobrigama on January 9, 2013 at 2:07 pm said:
  
  So true… thank you Joyce for your comment.
  
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Paula on January 10, 2013 at 3:20 am said:

What a terrific story! We are glad you added it to your postings. Paula

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- kobrigama on January 11, 2013 at 11:21 am said:
  
  I thought it was a story worth remembering, especially after being in Nigeria for the past 3 weeks. The story is important to emphasize that there are people open to diversity and read and search, no matter their status in life, no matter where they are.
  
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Lynn Kitchen on January 10, 2013 at 3:37 am said:

Your writings DO impact people – its remarkable that he remembered that book – such a great story.

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Ellen Dacon on January 26, 2013 at 6:47 pm said:

You are such a wonderful writer & such a strong woman. I am so lucky to have you as my sister.

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- kobrigama on January 27, 2013 at 6:32 am said:
  
  What a lovely feeling. You are strong as well…we all have a strong sense of our responsibilities. I am very proud of you.
  Your sister, Lesley
  
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Brendan Keeley on July 18, 2013 at 2:52 am said:

That is one of the best “small world stories” ever, Leslie! I just found this book tonight in a free book bin at a new book store here. Time to get reading.

Brendan Keeley
Broomfield, CO

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- kobrigama on July 18, 2013 at 8:33 am said:
  
  Dear Brendan,
  Thank you so much for your comment. I am most grateful for you interest. Amazing that you found the book in your book store…I hope you like the story.
  Lesley
  
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