I am an American born Nigerian (1st gen), raised on the customs and nostalgia of my immigrant parents and my grandmother.
I remember them telling colorful stories about their adventures in “the village” and sitting in silent astonishment at their recollection of their youth. A common thread through all of their story telling was the descriptions of the trees around them. I could imagine myself walking in their footprints reliving those moments.
Funny enough, I would go to Nigeria and see some of those same trees with my own eyes and as I returned to America visiting botanical garden’s i’d see those same trees. Having a full circle moment seeing the same trees my parents watched growing up but in a foreign land. A new home. Where my only reference to home are the leaves and the stories of my ancestors.