On July 20th, 2023 your sister Justina Forbin gently transitioned to paradise. Ma Justina, we will miss you here. We know you are in a better place but that does not make the pain any easier to bear. Rest in heavenly.
Amen.

Series Continues!!!

My dearest sister Agie,
Today marks your third anniversary in Heaven and I want to repeat that:
My Mind still talks to you
My Heart still looks for you
My Soul knows you are at peace in Heaven with The Almighty God.
But how I wish you were still here; It has been a long three years without you.
Your brother.

Series Continues....

Series Continues…


My Sister’s 2nd anniversary in Heaven.


My dearest Sister Agie,

It’s been two years today, December 13, 2021 that you went up the roadless traveled to heaven.

Since then it’s been multiple trips around the sun without the light of your love. I hold your memory as a glimmer in my heart.


They say time heals ALL wounds, but I have come to realize that anyone who says that hasn’t truly grieved. I have also realized that in grief, one year can seem like a few days and time loses meaning but your memories never can. I’m certain I heard your voice louder in the wind yesterday when I was at your tomb-stone. Your memory has been beside me for two years now, and I’m, indeed, so grateful for the company.


As I have said before, losing you was difficult but learning to live without you these past two years has been even harder. But death cannot kill your name.


My mind knows you are in a better place, where there is no pain; You are at peace. I understand that, I just wish I could explain that to my heart.


How fortunate I am to have someone like you, my dear sister Agie, that makes saying goodbye extremely difficult.

Love as always

Your brother,

Stephen

Gone!!!! It seems like yesterday. We continue to talk about you because there is just so much to remember and talk about. It is all memories now but consoling memories. I thank you for your constant presence. I continue to follow my heart and weigh every decision against my conscience following simple ethical principles of what is God-fearing, good, bad, hurtful, helpful, acceptable, Christian-like, and beneficial to most. It is not about if I can be tough, act tough and be spiteful. I still write as you know every so often. There is so much going on that It helps to continue to write. The challenges are sometimes overwhelming but Our God has not failed us as he continues to see us through like you used to say. 

It is All Souls' Day.****** and your Birthday. I wonder if you will surpass my imagination.
We pray for you and all our love ones who are in the sphere above.
Until we meet again. Happy Birthday Mother!!

My Dearest Sister Agie,

I just wanted to let you know that even though I have not heard your voice since Sunday, December 8, 2019 (the day I called the ambulance for you) but my heart have conversations with you every day since you answered the call from our creator that fateful morning of Friday, December 13, 2019.

These past 561 days just still seems it was yesterday. No, I am not okay, I miss you. You see, missing you isn’t the problem. It’s knowing you never coming back that’s killing me. Often I just wish you were here so I could tell you how much I need you and how hard every day has been without you.

Your brother,

Stephen

From Ntimeh Rosaline
My first encounter with her was in 1980 when I went to Mamfe for my secondary education and she visited Cameroon. She was so happy to see me and she spoiled me with precious gifts and also told me to take my studies very seriously. One evening during our conversation with her and her mother (my auntie) who is also of late. Her mother told her that, she has a good character to take care of and unite the family and people of such character are never angry. Her reply was mama I have heard you. Her late mom saw it well and Auntie Agnes kept to her promise. My best gifts always come from her when other family members were visiting Cameroon.

In 2004 when I arrived in the USA, I lived with her for four months and she treated me nicely. She nick-named me Chantal Biya because of my dressing pattern and my cousins still call me by that name today.

My great Auntie was such a caring woman. She was constantly checking on us by phone and paying us visits. Whenever she visited us, she would not allow us to be on your phone. She always made us to understand that life is too short and the little time we spend with the family was very important. Each time she was passing through our area, she will always call to stop by. All these taught me a great lesson.

Although she used to tell us that she did not want to become too old and sick before she dies, we did not know that her life will be cut short so soon.

She always compliments my cooking and each time she ate my food she will always say madam Biya you will open a restaurant and I want you to work hard and open it.

She taught me how to be a good Christian. She taught me how to pray and to attend church regularly. She also taught us to show kindness to everyone we come across us and to bear no grudges to anyone because life is too short. Four months before she passed away, we travel to North Carolina for my nephew’s wedding. She paid the hotel bill for all of us. In the morning of the wedding, we were dressing up to go to the church wedding and she wore a very nice dress and I complimented it. After the wedding we return to the hotel and she gave me the same dress, and she said I don’t want to die tomorrow and you refuse to cry because I refused to give you my dress. The dress is very special to me and each time I look at the dress her memory keeps flashing in my mind.

Sis, a value I appreciate and hold dearly is that, you told me not to bear grudges because life is too short and unpredictable. Most of us, if not all, passed through her house in America before becoming what we are today. She left a formidable legacy that can never be forgotten. She was a consoling rock of all in the family.

Thank you for the happy moment that we shared together, thank you for giving me the opportunity to know you, and thank you for making me endure and survive the inconveniences in life.

I appreciate you. Your good memory will forever remain in my heart. The work of your hands is always before me and they will never be forgotten. You are dearly missed. My great Auntie, I take consolation in the fact that there is a place for us Christians at God’s appointed time. Continue to rest in the bosom of the lord until we meet to part no more.

Shalom,

Rosaline Lifio.

My Name is Symphosia Forbin, Nkemnkengafac, Mama Agie, Grand Auntie, Mami was my sister-in-law. When I came to the USA in 1997, my husband did a fine job introducing me to the Forbins. Instantaneously Grand Auntie embraced and accepted me as one of her daughters. I have many great memories of her, but I will do my best to highlight a few. Initially, I did not know how to act around her because I had learned earlier that I have to walk on eggshells around my in-laws. I was surprised that she was extremely welcoming, generous, and honest. Her mannerism made me allow myself to enjoy her company.

Back then, I did not have any friends besides my husband. Grand Auntie coming into my life was God-sent. My relationship with her quickly grew into a friendly mother, and daughter relationship. Each time she visited, she brought gifts and quickly noticed that I had a special relationship with puff puff and beans. She invited me over to her house and taught me how to mix puff puff and fry, and to cook a pot of delicious beans.

One day, Grand Auntie requested that my husband bring me over to her house. When we got there, she took me upstairs into her bedroom and opened up two pieces of luggage. She told me to go through carefully and take the clothes that I liked. I went through both, and I chose a suit set. When she noticed that I had taken only one outfit, she insisted that I take more. The truth was that I liked taking more, but out of courtesy, I had to be modest. I ended up taking multiple bags of clothes and cosmetics back to my apartment that evening. She was firm but generous.

Grand Auntie loved to travel, she came over on a Spring day and asked that we go to some Travel Agencies in Vienna and Tyson Corner. I was insured because I was a new driver and I was not familiar with the areas. I offered to drive given that she had just driven from Silver Spring to Falls Church. I dread hurting her, as we got into my little Nissan Central, my heart began beating loud and fast. I was nervous, and it was written all over me. Grand Auntie looked at me from the side of her left eye and whispered let us go, you are doing good. Her encouraging words gave me the strength to push on. We made it to the agencies and back to my apartment. Again, she refused to give up on me.

Grand Auntie made it a routine to invited us to holiday dinners like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year. During our holiday celebrations, she would always bless our food and tell stories about growing up in Mamfe. I looked forward to those holiday dinners. Needless to say, that if she did not invite us, my husband and I would always stay home on such occasion.

When Grand Auntie's cousin Sister Christina Forbin passed in 2002, my husband hurriedly traveled to Cameroon. I had to stay back to seek a visa for our two-year-old daughter. Grand Aunty made an appointment for us in the Cameroon Embassy in Washington DC for the next day. On the day of the visa appointment, she met us at the Embassy. While at the Embassy, we were advised to provide another document. Grand Auntie drove us to some office in Washington and obtained the document. Within a few minutes, we were back at the Cameroonian Embassy. She presented the requested document and after a few seconds, the consular office granted the visa. Grand Auntie came with us to Virginia and slept. The next day, she took us to the airport and saw us off. Indeed, she was more than a sister-in-law.

In the Spring 2003, Grand Auntie and Uncle Steve’s household came over for my graduation at George Manson University. As I got ready to go with them to the ceremony, Grand Auntie looked at me and said “Cynthia people them di go school, them di lose weight, but you your own na fat”. I replied, “na only you fit talk for me like that Grand Auntie, we laughed it out.”I had gained weight, and she was right. Before going to my graduation ceremony, she prayed and after the graduation, she prayed and called on the Almighty Father to bless and give me the strength and courage to further my education. Grand Auntie was my number one advocate.

When we bought our first home, she made my favorite food and brought it over to the Falls Church apartment. Then she assisted us to move our belongings to our home in Woodbridge. Leaving from Silver Spring to Falls Church and then to Woodbridge on the same day was tedious, but she did it for me. After helping me all day, she felt tired and spent night. It was obvious that her goal was to enable me.

The truth is bitter, I am an average cook, but Grand Auntie always claimed that my food was tasty. In her eyes, I was always meeting and exceeded her expectation. She had a gentle way of winning hearts and enhancing confidence. I felt happy, relaxed, and motivated to be better because I knew she had my back.

Grand Auntie loved, encouraged, and respected me nevertheless I did not have anything to offer her. I am the woman that I am today because of the confidence that she instilled in me. Her leadership and empowerment served me well, and I will forever be grateful.

Grand Auntie's absence has been awfully frustrating, and I realized that things are never going to be the same. I have learned to console myself by engaging in activities that she took pride in, hoping to find peace. For example, her source of strength was the love for the Almighty God, Mama Maria, and charitable initiatives. I pray that after today she would fully carry on her angelic role in heaven and continue look over us. Fair winds and following seas. I will always love and miss you, Grand Auntie. To God be the Glory.

The Series Continues….. On The Anniversary Of The Date You Flew Away

My dearest sister Agie in Heaven, today is the first anniversary of the date that you flew away; the date you answered the call from The Almighty God. And for some time it felt as if I had lost you but I finally came to the realization that I did Not lose you; I know precisely where you are—with your creator, The Almighty God. And for a time it felt as though you did not leave alone, you took me with you.

Even though I have accepted the fact that you are in a much better and safer place, nothing has been same without you. Though your smile is gone forever and we can no longer touch, and I am full of sadness that you are no longer here, your influence still guides me and I still feel you very near. No three days have altered my life as drastically as Sunday, December 8, 2019 (the day I rushed you to the hospital by Ambulance), Friday, December 13, 2019 (when you flew away) and Saturday, January 11, 2020 (when you were lowered down).

Everyone says that time heals everything, but even after a year I still can’t stop my tears. I still find it excruciatingly difficult to move on without you, especially harboring the thought that we never had the opportunity to continue where we left off on our conversation that faithful Sunday, December 8, 2019.

Until your departure to Heaven, I had always lived with the faulty conception that there was a time limit for grief. But, even after a year I still cannot stop going through your pictures and reminiscing on our good times. I treasure all those memories of growing up literally in your arms. I remember the first time we were JUST THE TWO OF US in a home was when you sent a bus fare for me to join you in Yaounde. And, upon my arrival that Friday evening, you had gathered few friends to wait for me and I was served with my favorite meal.Although you had no personal transportation, you took me around town the very next day in a taxi introducing me to your friends. And at the end of one the best two weeks of my life, you again took me to Yaounde Airport and handed me my first flight ticket of my life for me to fly to Douala.I felt then I had arrived. I made sure I narrated the fabulous time I had with you in Yaounde to everyone I came across, and, of course, the plane ride was the icing on the cake.It did not just end there.You brought me into this great nation, The USA and insisted I further my education.You still did not stop. After I attained the level of education good enough for you, you negotiated for a life partner for me knowing I would not have the audacity to reject your choice of a wife for me. I am sure I said this to you before and I know you already know this, but I will say it again; you could not have found a better wife for me than LUCIA. She is my better half. She is indeed my rock, to say the least. You, and yes, ONLY you, my dearest sister Agie, made me the man I am today. And, without a biological child of your own, I had many at times considered you as my mother because of the priority you gave on every of my needs from infancy to adulthood. The Almighty God knows I have tried my best to make you happy, although He did not give us enough time as I would’ve liked.

Nothing has been the same since your sudden and untimely departure. The hard part, I have come to find out, my dear sister, was not losing you to our Almighty Creator, it was and still is, learning how to live without you. I think of you in silence and always speak your name whenever my house phone rings after 9 PM, EST.

Like any other day, today means what it means because of the meaning I give today. Days will pass and turn into years, but I will still always remember you with silent tears. The day The Almighty privileged me to be your brother, you were imprinted on both my heart and brain and those imprints can never truly go away. So, my dear Sister, though you’ve been unseen and unheard for all this time, I still feel and often notice your presence very near. I know I said this earlier but I will say it again. There is something The Almighty God has given us that is more than family; He’s placed a love for you, my DEAR SISTER AGIE, deep down in my heart. So, you see, your memories in my keeping are not those that will fade over time but those that shall remain part of me and which I shall forever keep. God has you in His keeping; I have you in both my heart and brain.

Rest peacefully in Heaven my dearest Sister Agie.

Your brother,

Stephen.

I remember how you would take off every November 2nd on all Souls day to go offer mass for family members who have gone ahead. Never did you ever make this day yours by highlighting the fact that it was your birthday. I remember how you would go to the Basilica in DC for mass and return with tons of religious books and Holy items. 

Almost a year Mami Agie! I see you everyday in everything I see, touch, or do. I am comfortable with that as it keeps me at piece.

I could picture you preparing for the election. I know for sure that you will not even blink when you make the decision to vote for Vice President Joe Biden.  

Atemnkeng reports that he is having a great time at West Point.  I am sure you already know that.  Asong graduates this year. We are praying she makes a great choice graduate professional school.
I know we don't need to remind you to keep an Angel eye on both Atemnkeng and Asongatabong.... your Dad and Uncle.

My dearest aunty Agie, you heat me so badly. Your dead shocked me to the point where l will never forget you.. But God is good. He is the almighty who knows what he does. You will remain in my heart.
Happy birthday to you. Enjoy yourself with the Lord.

Shutu Banging

Series Continues…..


My dearest sister,

Happy early birthday. November 2nd is not far from today and I wanted to be the first to wish you happy birthday. Today is the thirteenth day of a calendar month, the day of the month that always reminds me of that fateful day, Friday, December 13th 2019 at 7:44 Am, that you answered the call from The Almighty God. My dearest loving sister, I am not sure how I have gone through these long ten months (304 days) without hearing your voice.


I have come to realize and believe what they say--those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday Unseen, Unheard but always near, still Loved, still Missed and, indeed,very dear. I just recently realized also that I didn’t lose you--because I know for sure where you are--with The Almighty God. But, if only I could have you back for just a little while, at least just so we can conclude on our conversation and say our goodbyes, It would be another memorable moment.

You gave no one a last farewell, nor ever said good-bye before you left that morning. You were gone before we knew it, and ONLY God knows why. I often lie awake at night when the world is fast asleep, and walk down memory lane, with tears in my eyes, reminiscing about us. I am always thinking of you and even if we communicate every day, it is not the same. I want you to be here with us again.


My dear sister Agie, you see remembering you is easy, I do that several times every day. But there is an ache within my heart that I am sure will NEVER go away--the fact that we never had a chance to continue where we left off on our conversation that fateful day on Sunday, December 8th, 2019 just before I called the ambulance. The fact that you are no longer here will always cause me pain, but you’re forever in my heart until we meet again. I hold you dearly and tightly within my heart and there you will remain until the joyous day arrives that we will meet again.


Sister Agie, your memory remains in my keeping with which I shall NEVER part with.

The Almighty God has you in His keeping and I have you in my Heart.

Rest with The Almighty,

Your brother,

Stephen

These First One Hundred Days

My dearest sister Agie,

It is often said that Time heals wounds that we suffer in this our not so long journey of life on earth. True, but Time cannot erase from our minds the legacy of memories a loved one like you leaves in our minds, especially if those memories are something we cherish and yearn for more. These first One Hundred days of your sudden and untimely departure from this earth have only solidified how much I miss having you around.

As we have grown up through the years, the things we have done created memories that I shall forever cherish, and kept us strong even when we couldn’t be together. You were always there to lend a listening ear and have always shown how much you care. Often times, I think of you more like a mother, since our beloved mother passed in March 1986. So, you see, my dear sister I wouldn’t trade you for another. Where can I find that requited love of yours?

I remember the day you left for a foreign land, to see you again was all yearned for and you succeeded to orchestrate our reunion. That was a dream come true for us. You tried your best to make us happy. Your sudden demise was a pearl of thunder; it struck down the happiness imbued not only in me but also in the world. Darkness was high and low, at least in my house.

I am sure I said this before but I will say it again. When I think of you (which is always) it breaks my heart how I am missing you, and it is in those silent moments when my heart pains. Memories of you my dear sister are all that I am holding on. Many at times I wish I could see your face; to hear your laughter would mean so much to me and how often it happens within my dreams. And each time I am awake I always wish it was real.

You know all through these first On Hundred days, I can indeed fathom the effect of your memories on me. You had such a positive, affectionate influence on me. I was always and still am proud and privileged to be your younger brother. True, if there is a rebirth in life, I would so very humbly beg to the Almighty to make me my adorable and irreplaceable sister’s most beloved brother. What a day that would be to see you again my Dear Sister.

May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.

Your brother,

Stephen

My dearest Sister Agie,
This past fifty one days in your absence has been very rocky for me despite the so many events that should have at least destracted my thoughts. I spend most of my time in your lonely home attempting to put together your estate, and, most importantly, hoping i will hear the door knob turn open and you will walk in so we can continue where we left off in our conversation on Sunday, December 8, 2019 just before i called the Ambulance to rush you to Holy Cross Hospital. You left and and never return and we both did not know that shall be the last meaningful conversation between us even though we sat again that afternoon at your bedside in the ER. Just so you know, when you left that morning of Friday, December 13, 2019, you did not go alone. For, part of me went with you and nothing seems the same without you, my loving sister and my confidant. I am yet to completely wrap my thoughts arround what you suggested but i am trying and i am quite sure i will get there, God's willing.
Your brother,
Stephen.

My Dearest mother, 

Where should I begin? I am still in shock.I have come to realize is more important to honor your memory . As a little girl you have always been there for me even though I know I gave you some serious headache sometimes.You have taught me the power of forgiveness, caring and always put GOD first. Last year you took me and the kids to Emmitsburg, that visit changed my outlook in life. I know GOD wanted his beloved daughter more. I just wish I had more time to spend with you. My life is better because you provided me with all the necessary tools to succeed and be a better person and for that I will be forever grateful.I just hope I made you proud .The kids, Alain and I will be forever grateful for all you did for us.  RIP my dear mother until we meet again.  The entire world has gain a guardian angel.

Love Ya, your daughter

Aunty
I still cannot believe you are gone.
I will never forget your welcoming and loving smiles and words of encouragement.
Rest in Peace. Our Good Lord Loves you more.

I remember in Summer of 1999, you, sister Seraphine, Mama Fobella, and myself went to bush garden. You were so scared to get to the water slide. I convinced you and you did. The expression on your face coming down the slide was scary.Then you said to me "Akabang you take money go find die", Then we all laughed.



Goodbye, Rest in Peace till we meet again  



- Relindis

je me rappelle comme si c était encore hier  que le temps passe vite nous nous sommes amusées en1999 ma première fois de venir aux USA tu resteras gravée dans nos cœurs nous t aimons très fort mais le Seigneur est là présent au milieu de nous tout ce que je souhaite que le Très haut envoie ses anges t accueillir dans ton vrai pays qui est le ciel sister Aggie repose en paix que la terre de nos ancêtres te soit légère.

Ngwinkong Fobella Rosalie

Grand Auntie, I have not been able to believe that you are gone forever. Just a week after we meet and shared a discussion, you left us without saying goodbye. 
Sister, what can I say? Since I got to this country and met you for the very first time, you embraced me as your son. You guided me in all my endeavors, cautioned me and warned me when necessary. When my family later joined me, you equally embraced them and we have remained together till your departure. You had planned to take your goddaughter for a week during summer as she prepares to go to college. You were more than a sister to me. You were loved and cherished by members of our community and beyond. You championed the creation of the Lewoh community organization in the United States and remained a mother to all it members. You often called me to reiterate the fact that we have to make sure that LECUDEM-USA remain strong.  
Sister Agie, we loved you but God Almighty loved you most. We thank Him for the life He gave you during your sojourn on earth. I wish you a safe journey and pray that the Lord God will give you eternal rest in Heaven till we meet to path no more. Accept farewell from all my children. 

Adieu Grand Auntie.

Peter Atembe

I have known Agie for over 30 years.  We worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yaounde in the early eighties. I was transferred to London and she was transferred to Washington DC. We visited each other. Agie was a kind hearted person, sweet and generous. Always willing to help if she can. During my visit to her, she will make time to take me out shopping from one shopping mall to the other. The news of her death is shocking to me and my daughter. We still  can't believe she is no longer with us. My last visit to her made me understand that her relationship with God had deepened. She will wake me up at 0500am to say the Rosary and then go to morning mass. She will also take me to night vigil. I feel honored and privileged to have been Agie's friend in all the years. She will always have deep place in my heart.  My thoughts and prayers are with Gwen and the rest of the family. May her kind and blessed soul rest in peace.
Cecilia  Akunda
London

Waooo!!!! Boh is really difficult for me to believe that u have gone without us going to the Holy Land or the Germany trips we discussed.
Agie, many of us will learn much from ur prayerful ways how u have just WALKED to Heaven. Boh,ur prayerful ways made u discuss matters concerning death with a pinch of salt. U even told me some years back that u will never bother people carrying ur corpse home that u have bought ur space already. I was rebuking u for mentioning death but u said u were ready at any time.So boh l don’t doubt where u are now.
Farwell AGIE wait for us any time.Rest In Peace.
Akokem (ma Achankeng Prudentia)