Tabla de contenidos para VOL VII en Bully Magazine

Grief is a byproduct of loss, a natural process that is simply our way to heal, emotionally. Finding the right words is never easy following the transition of a loved one, and we can sometimes find it easier to be on the giving end of offering our condolences as opposed to being on the receiving end. Just like we all know that losing people we love, respect, and admire is par for the course along our journey through this thing called life in this vessel that we call a body. Whether it’s a loved one, a job, or something as small yet valuable as a ring that has been passed down generations; a loss is inevitable but how we handle it is what really matters. It’s not a display of…

Christopher Joseph Travieso made his entrance into the world on a hot day, on July 5th, 1987, at 4:19 PM. During his arrival, while giving birth, he took his first breath and remarkably grasped the physician’s scissors as they cut the umbilical cord. In that moment, I sensed a strength within him that would enable him to overcome any challenge that life might present in his future. As a young and uncertain mother, my love for my beautiful baby boy encouraged me to be a great parent since I now had someone who belonged to me. Despite facing criticism from others about my motherhood, Christopher brought the attention and joy I craved. He was perfect, and each day of watching him grow filled me with fascination. Being the first grandson…

In Nigerian culture, death is often seen as a transition from earthly life to the world beyond, evoking feelings of fear, sorrow, and pain among family members. Providing a dignified burial for the deceased is considered a crucial duty owed by the living, aimed at sending them off to the realm of ancestors. However, the elaborate burial rites have become increasingly expensive, placing significant financial strain on families and causing various socio-economic and psychological challenges. Ironically, despite the financial hardships faced by many families, there is a prevailing trend of extravagance in funeral ceremonies, with individuals often spending exorbitant amounts of money on burials rather than prioritizing essential needs such as medical care for their loved ones. This disparity underscores the skewed priorities within Nigerian society, where the cost of…