September 1, 2023
September 1, 2023
CHIEDU OKEKE COME GET THE DOOR FOR ME!
In the month of August 2023, I lost my two most valued relationships-my bestie and my best male friend. There both happened in quick succession!
I couldn’t explain my hurt to anyone.
What pained me the most was that I saw these things before they happened
For my best male friend, he flew into Nigeria for a burial and he invited me to accompany him. For some reasons, something was off. I tried to stop him but if you know Chiedu, he’s a typical Odogwu (strong man); not easily swayed.
We both travelled in the same car sitting side by side for 16 hours-a journey of 7 hours.
During this ride, Chiedu literally told me all there was to know-as if he was reporting and accounting his life to me.
When we arrived his home, I sensed this unmistaken cloud of darkness, to which I called his attention. Consequently, I spent my first 24 hours in-doors in his home town in prayers; refusing to eat or meet with anyone.
After he left Nigeria, he called literally everyday, complaining of either his head or heart or stomach. One day we prayed together over the phone and he assured me he felt some relief.
By way of introduction, Chiedu since December 2021 had adopted me as his pastor and go-to prayer partner. We made several prayers together! One of them that I can’t easily forget was the day he confessed Jesus as his Lord.
Early July, 2023, in one of my mid night prayers, I saw his death and called him severally to warn him. He confirmed that his mom felt some apprehension too.
Following which I advised him to spend time in prayers while also taking his medications religiously.
To support him in prayers, I took up a 7-day prayers and dry fasting and encouraged him to do same. I can only hope that he did the same.
But
But
After all our efforts, he still passed.
Chai! Chiedu.
When the news of his death got to me, I literally passed out. Needless recount that I slipped into depression and was hospitalized. It has been difficult to accept that Edu is no more.
Though the pain is real but I choose to accept the comfort of GOD, the one who knows more than I do!
In accepting this comfort, I feel better but I’ve not forgotten my man Edu.
I mean we sat side-by-side in one car for 16 hours. Upon your return to the US we talked everyday.
How could this happen now?
I just got Edu to quit drinking and smoking. Edu would call to report how he was excited going to church . He just won a contract after praying with him. We both just acquired a business in Nigeria and I was looking forward to returning to the US to escalate things.
Things were looking good!
What happened, my man?
In our 16-hours of chit-chatting, we didn’t talk about or agreed that you would leave like this?
Or was that my chance to prepare you for your departure?
Kai!
Even few nights before your departure, you gave me 3 missed calls, why didn’t I call back?
Were you trying to say good bye?
What happened men?
What can I say to the OKEKE family, friends and we’ll-wishers? What can I tell Mrs. OKEKE (edu’s twin)?
All I say to everyone concerned is that we must take heart and accept the comfort of God.
Somehow, I still think that all these are fairy tales! And this makes me think that someday I’ll be in New Jersey and I’ll be in Edu’s house snd I will ring the door bell and I will say “Edu come get the door”; and you’ll get the door for me and you’ll hug me like we usually do!
That’s all I know that will happen
In the month of August 2023, I lost my two most valued relationships-my bestie and my best male friend. There both happened in quick succession!
I couldn’t explain my hurt to anyone.
What pained me the most was that I saw these things before they happened
For my best male friend, he flew into Nigeria for a burial and he invited me to accompany him. For some reasons, something was off. I tried to stop him but if you know Chiedu, he’s a typical Odogwu (strong man); not easily swayed.
We both travelled in the same car sitting side by side for 16 hours-a journey of 7 hours.
During this ride, Chiedu literally told me all there was to know-as if he was reporting and accounting his life to me.
When we arrived his home, I sensed this unmistaken cloud of darkness, to which I called his attention. Consequently, I spent my first 24 hours in-doors in his home town in prayers; refusing to eat or meet with anyone.
After he left Nigeria, he called literally everyday, complaining of either his head or heart or stomach. One day we prayed together over the phone and he assured me he felt some relief.
By way of introduction, Chiedu since December 2021 had adopted me as his pastor and go-to prayer partner. We made several prayers together! One of them that I can’t easily forget was the day he confessed Jesus as his Lord.
Early July, 2023, in one of my mid night prayers, I saw his death and called him severally to warn him. He confirmed that his mom felt some apprehension too.
Following which I advised him to spend time in prayers while also taking his medications religiously.
To support him in prayers, I took up a 7-day prayers and dry fasting and encouraged him to do same. I can only hope that he did the same.
But
But
After all our efforts, he still passed.
Chai! Chiedu.
When the news of his death got to me, I literally passed out. Needless recount that I slipped into depression and was hospitalized. It has been difficult to accept that Edu is no more.
Though the pain is real but I choose to accept the comfort of GOD, the one who knows more than I do!
In accepting this comfort, I feel better but I’ve not forgotten my man Edu.
I mean we sat side-by-side in one car for 16 hours. Upon your return to the US we talked everyday.
How could this happen now?
I just got Edu to quit drinking and smoking. Edu would call to report how he was excited going to church . He just won a contract after praying with him. We both just acquired a business in Nigeria and I was looking forward to returning to the US to escalate things.
Things were looking good!
What happened, my man?
In our 16-hours of chit-chatting, we didn’t talk about or agreed that you would leave like this?
Or was that my chance to prepare you for your departure?
Kai!
Even few nights before your departure, you gave me 3 missed calls, why didn’t I call back?
Were you trying to say good bye?
What happened men?
What can I say to the OKEKE family, friends and we’ll-wishers? What can I tell Mrs. OKEKE (edu’s twin)?
All I say to everyone concerned is that we must take heart and accept the comfort of God.
Somehow, I still think that all these are fairy tales! And this makes me think that someday I’ll be in New Jersey and I’ll be in Edu’s house snd I will ring the door bell and I will say “Edu come get the door”; and you’ll get the door for me and you’ll hug me like we usually do!
That’s all I know that will happen