Tope Folarin is a Nigerian-American writer. He won the 2013 Caine Prize for African Writing for his short story "Miracle". In his first novel, A Particular Kind of Black Man, Tope writes about a Nigerian family, new to America, as they try to assimilate and it takes from themes he had experienced throughout his life in America. Tope shares his grief story about his mother and her struggles with mental illness in this week's episode.
Key Takeaways:
- Tope shares his grief story.
- Tope's mother didn't pass away, but it felt like she was gone through her illness.
- When Tope's mother left, a lot of deep wounds were created and there was just a lack of understanding on why.
- Tope had to undergo a very tough journey when it came to forgiveness of himself and his mother.
- How did Tope get over his anger?
- As a way to cope with Tope's sadness and grief, he became hyper focused in school.
- Tope wanted to feel like a whole person again.
- We are all on this journey together. No one truly has all the answers.
- Do you believe 'good things' don't happen to you?
- If you tie your life to achieving specific goals, you will never truly be happy.
- Tope's father would always remind him to be thankful for everything you have.
- In every crisis, there is an opportunity.
- Grief can come in and then you end up structuring your life around it, not realizing there is a pest in your house.
- Tope shares some of the benefits he's received by going through hardship.
- What advice does Tope have for someone going through grief?
Resources:
Topefolarin.com
Tope Folarin
Tope's book: A Particular Kind of Black Man: A Novel
