Day Native Intelligence Saved Me From Mid-Air Collapse – Kayode Ogunjobi

There are circumstances in people’s lives that happen so suddenly before they can decipher what the problem was. No one in life has immunity against circumstances beyond their control. Anything could happen! Yes, anything and anytime. Little wonder the Bible succinctly puts it that there is a thin line between life and death.  

I had arrived at the airport early as I normally try to avoid putting unnecessary stress and pressure on myself ahead of any trip. As a matter of fact, any form of travelling should be a form of pleasure. With more than two hours before take-off, I had completed all formalities only waiting for boarding. During this waiting period, I was glued to my phone and laptop as I had a few assignments to complete. The serene environment at the airport was inspiring though the cold was biting.  

Then the announcement of our boarding came. No stress at all as I was traveling light with just a laptop bag and one other hand luggage for a few clothes. We quickly formed a queue and one after the other we entered the flying bird where we would be enclosed all night. I certainly had enough things to occupy me throughout the trip. I had people waiting on me for some of the work I had planned to do in the air. 

I settled in my seat, completed the normal safety protocols and relaxed for about an hour before I started to sort out the assignments I had listed for the trip. With good traditional gospel music entering my system, all was going smoothly and as planned. 

Before long they served the main meal. It was a nice meal. Naturally, I do not discriminate against any meal. I have no allergies and it is always good to eat anything. Yes, anything. I enjoyed my meal with tasty chicken and gulped it down with the chilled drink. Why won’t I enjoy myself.  

However, about twenty minutes thereafter, I started feeling uncomfortable and gradually it became more serious. I released my belt and still was not feeling comfortable. Before I knew what was happening, I was sweating profusely like a man who had completed a marathon during extreme dry condition. With my face covered in beads of sweat I knew something was certainly wrong. Sweating profusely mid-air when people were covering their bodies with blankets. Devil is a liar!  

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The guy beside me was deep asleep. From the earlier conversation between him and the third guy, he was a footballer going for a trial. He was deep asleep. Snoring. I was sweating in pain. 

First thing first, I prayed to God. What is the meaning of this? I was healthy and suddenly became sick. The last time I must have sweated like that was before I turned 15 when malaria used to be malaria such that one would be sweating, feeling hot and still cold. The sweat was just gushing out, I was mopping it away and it kept coming.  I was beginning to feel dizzy.  

I was beginning to pray that we should just arrive safely so that I could seek medical attention at the airport. I checked the flight time and realized I still had more than three hours to travel then it dawned on me that something must happen. The relevant scriptures were coming, and I was believing but was getting weaker. I tried to stand up, but my legs appeared feeble. I sat back, prayed in the spirit to gather momentum. 

I was convinced within me that I needed to act fast. Do I call the flight attendants for help? How do I explain that I suddenly fell ill without any history of sickness. Then, I moved towards the toilet which was about six rows from mine. Unfortunately, as I walked towards the toilet, there was this guy standing at the entrance of the toilet waiting for the person inside to come out.  I do not know what the guy saw but he paved the way for me to enter. This may be prayers answered or part of the British courtesy or both.  At this point, I could hardly see. 

I entered the toilet, quickly watched my hand and dipped my finger deep into my throat. This we grew up to know but some guys may not understand. It was magical! Everything in my tummy rushed out. After each episode, I tried to wash my face, and another would gush out. Then I felt the urge to poo which came like a bang. I finished and went back to my seat. I did not see the guy that paved the way for me at that critical moment again.  

I was back in my seat and the sweat and pain just disappeared. I slept like a baby for about an hour, woke up and continued my work. Then, I began to wonder! What if? 

I began to interrogate the cause of the problem. I found the problem. Part of the meal I was served was a plate with a leave which was uncooked. With my mindset that I could eat anything so far others are eating it, I ate it with my rice and chicken. I know they could not have served the leave it if it was not good for eating. With my knowledge of plants science, I knew an interaction had taken place between the leaves and something I ate before boarding or while on flight.