A few days ago, I reunited with some Primary School classmates of mine on a group chat. We got talking and someone recalled the annual parade the school always organized. Police Children School, Mopol 8 Jos was known to put on a show when it came to parade during the graduation ceremonies. A Parade Competition was organized for schools annually and we always contested.
The school had this ceremonial outfit they would put us in, we were such a delight to behold, we looked like “baby police” in them. Parents adored seeing their kid’s wear the uniform so they always encouraged, (pushed I meant) their kids to try out for auditions. My mother was always on my case on why I wasn’t among the participants, “the people matching have two heads ahbi”, she would ask me. 
In my final year I remember it was just another pretty much mundane day in Maths class! I was bored to hell and I thought, “Lord, anything to save me from this class”. Like an angel, Mr. Bala walked into the class and asked those interested in the forthcoming Parade competition to move over to the school field for try outs. Trust me, I ran out with superhuman speed. I made the squad. 
We practiced, skipping class was allowed as long as you were a member of the squad. We were taught different formations and drills, you should have seen us in action, we were bound for that first position trophy. Mr. Bala put in a lot of effort into making us ready to kill it and after weeks of practice, our instructors deemed us ready to go.
The day of the parade, we all got to school and were given our uniforms. Those who couldn’t make the squad could only stare and be envious. I wished my parents could come see me match I thought as I wore the outfit. We got to the State Stadium at Rwang Pam and it was filled. The Governor, Commissioner of police and other State Service Chiefs were present. It was a great day, what could go wrong? I said.
Our fellow contestants came and their performance only made us boast of that trophy (They had nothing on us). It was our turn and we started well. The unit Commander would give out the formation command and we would obey. The breaking formation was echoed. This meant the squad breaking into four group formations. I was absent minded and halfway through I forgot where my group was. “I am finished”, I thought as I entered into the wrong group. I just stood there matching in one spot while others went into formation. My squad looked in disbelief, I could see the look of disappointment in our Headteacher’s face as she looked on from the high seat. I had let everyone down I thought. I wished I could just teleport out of that stadium.
I wasn’t about to give up just yet, with a confidence I never knew I had, I started matching towards each group throwing a salute as I went. We finally regrouped and gave our closing act.
Our performance was over and we went for tea and snacks. I couldn’t eat and while everyone was chippy about the whole thing. I was crestfallen, waiting for my fate. Mr. Bala came over to us to congratulate us for a splendid job, he was proud of us he said.
Where is that boy? He shouted
All eyes were on me. I came forward awaiting the chastisement that was coming to me. To my surprise, he congratulated me for a tactful display. I had messed up the formation but it wasn’t obvious. I made lemonade out of the lemons situation and went with the flow. Apart from him and the squad, nobody else knew it was a mistake and for that I got an extra cup of tea.
My spirits lifted o, confidence renewed. I could eat now.
I can never forget that day.
Making Lemonade out of the lemons life throws at you.
I learned that day.