By By Ganiu Bamgbose, PhD
Having great people around you may get you tempted to want to be “greatful” when you should be “grateful”. I am, indeed, grateful to the great people who made my birthday memorable, yesterday June 27, 2024. My birthday did not come with mixed feelings (not, mix feeling), so I will not mince my words (not, mix my words) about the gift of amazing people. I thank my stars (not, my star) for being in everyone’s good books (not, good book).
I tried putting this message of gratitude together yesterday, but I got stuck (not, stucked) at a juncture (not, junction). So, I had to start racking (not, cracking) my brain again this morning just to appreciate the good people in my life. I have a lot (not, alot) of people to reach out to, and I know this piece will mean killing two birds with one stone. I do not even know all of the people who celebrated me, not to mention (not, talk less of) reaching out to them individually. Still (not, still yet), I have to find a way to express my gratitude to everyone. From my students who could afford only foolscap (not, full scap or a fool scap) to scribble some soothing words, to those who could afford to buy me underwear (not, underwears), I am thankful for the love. Not only that, some fans and friends came around and showed me love in public (not, in the public). Although I had planned to just stay indoors (not, indoor) throughout the day, calls and messages from well-wishers made me step out eventually. Yesterday was indeed a joyous day for me. So engaging was the day that I developed a headache (not, headache) by evening. I must mention, too, that there were those from whom I had expected good wishes but who never sent them. However, I think they deserve the benefit of the doubt (not, the benefit of doubt).
I must add that even my book sold like hot cakes (not, hot cake) on my birthday, and I pray for you all who bought a copy or more that your lives will never experience diminishing returns (not, diminishing return). Indeed, I am living proof (not, a living proof) that the world appreciates one’s efforts as a teacher. Many people consider teaching a low-paid job (Americans say “low-paying job”), but it is one that brings fulfilment and contentment to the hearts of genuine teachers. It is not a job for mediocrities (not, mediocres). I am, therefore, glad I chose the profession of my own accord (not, on my own accord), and I will always be proud to be a teacher.
As I round off (not, round up) this grammar of gratitude, I want to advise every reader to stick to their guns (not, gun). Buckle down (not, buckle up) to work in whatever field you find yourself and, trust me, the sky is the limit (not, the starting point).
(c) 2024 Ganiu Bamgbose writes from the Department of English, Lagos State University.
