Susie May

Sunburst

Fiction

“Urban Lit Magazine Dear Reader, I always dedicate my books the same way: Soli Deo Gloria. Because this is my heart—for God to be glorified in every story he gives me. But if I could add a second dedication, it would be to my beautiful daughter-in-law, Ovoke Precious Izu Warren of the Delta Tribe in Nigeria. She and my son Peter met in Italy, where he served as a Navy Corpsman. I fell in love with her the moment I met her—her beautiful smile, her sweet personality—and I couldn’t wait for her to join our family. Because of the pandemic, we weren’t able to attend their wedding in Italy—nor was she able to have a traditional wedding in Nigeria. This story is my way of giving her the wedding she always dreamed of and to honor the culture we are so blessed to be invited into via her family. I’m deeply grateful for her insights into Nigerian life and culture. When she came to America (when they got engaged), she made goat soup for us (so I had to put it in the book!). Then, we met on Zoom for hours, and she explained to me the traditions and helped me brainstorm how to make them work for my story (and my story to work for them!). She read my manuscript, helped me with the pidgin, and even sent me Nigerian wedding vlogs, pictures, and Nigerian movies to watch. Most of all, she let me into her heart to experience her culture and her background. We are so blessed to have Precious in our lives. I couldn’t have picked a better wife for my Peter. (Good thing God already had them chosen for each other!) I hope you enjoy reading this journey in Nigeria as much I enjoyed writing it. Thank you, Presh! Blessings!”