Summer 2013 saw both my first and last circumcisions (Tuli).

At first, I didn't
want to get Tuli since my cousins kept telling me it would hurt a lot. However, my
parents have been encouraging me to have Tuli because they claim it is for my
health. They kept saying that the doctor will chop off my penis with the needle,
which is quite long and the size of a light post. My parents were furious with me
for being stubborn, and I kept crying out of fear for what the doctor might do to
my penis. Finally, after having enough of me, my parents persuaded me to undergo my
first circumcision, despite the fact that I was still frightened of it.
Nonetheless, I underwent the procedure that day.

Undoubtedly, the stage that gave me one of most anxiety and fear was the day of the
procedure. My legs were trembling, my hands were perspiring, and my heart was
pounding nonstop. Many children wanted to get circumcised when we were at Dr. Carlo
F. Layese for the procedure. I recall a young boy who continued screaming because
he didn't want to have his circumcision. As I watched the boy cry, I tried to calm
down a little and kept telling myself that everything would be fine and that
nothing bad would ever happen to me. I was third in line for the operation and
assumed that it would only take one person at a time. To my surprise, Dr. Layese
and his companions were waiting for us when we entered the room, along with the
needles, cottons, and other equipment needed for the procedure. One of the nurses
asked me, "What's your name?" as I climbed the bed where I would be cicumcised.
Achilles was the response I gave her, and she then added she would give me a
lollipop after the procedure. I was overjoyed to hear this. The first thing I could
think of was administering anesthesia so that the procedure wouldn't be as painful
as I had anticipated.But, for some bizarre reason, I continued to experience the
worst pain of my life, as if the anaesthetic had completely failed. I sobbed during
the procedure, especially when they were almost finished since it was so painful.
Nevertheless, I was so relieved when it was over since the pain was subsiding.
After that, we immediately returned home, and I relaxed the rest of the day.

The plaster bandage that my father had to remove off my penis on the second day of
my circumcision added to the discomfort. When many of my relatives went swimming, I
mistakenly believed that we were heading to the beach to do the same. But, my
father advised me that swimming is not recommended because the sea is not entirely
pure and clean. My dad had to forcefully remove the bandage while simultaneously
pouring hot water infused with guava leaves. This combination was incredibly
successful, as I could see my penis healing every day. . My other cousins like
playing every day, so I have to sit and observe them from a distance. I was limited
to doing nothing but playing chess and watching TV. Initially, I wasn't
particularly in favor of it, but as time went on, I came to understand that it
wasn't all that bad—not just because it was good for my health, but also because I
wouldn't have to do all of my tasks; instead, I could just sit back and unwind
while supervising my younger brother and sister. It took two whole weeks for my
penis to heal completely, but now that it has, I can resume my normal life, which
includes playing with my cousins and doing my responsibilities, which can be a
pain.