Oh, my friend! I met Dr Nkem at an event (Lift Effects 2014) & after that, connected with her on phone, Facebook & WhatsApp. Even after I returned to Nigeria shortly afterwards, your kindness & friendship helped me so much. Your support for my career was immense; you'd call me "my celebrity friend" and you would be among the few people I'd call when I had an off-the-chain idea. You never told me that anything was impossible; instead, you'd do the opposite. It didn't matter what it was - blogazine, books, radio, whatever - even when I was in a new location & didn't know anybody.
I don't even understand how I'm talking about you in past tense. It grieves me that you didn't see the physical manifestation of so many things I talked about with you - but I promise I'll see them through to completion. It makes me weep to realise I can't reach you on phone, WhatsApp or Facebook - who do I talk to now, about everything?
Ah, Nkem. I'm not ashamed of my tears for you, because you were/are my friend. I truly believed I'd see you again at the event you promised to attend; I put your name on the guest list, last week. My heart is broken. I'm not sure when I'll stop randomly breaking down, when I see something that reminds me of you. But I'm told I'll get there.
Thank you for being my friend. On the night of your passing, I thought of you. It was different. They tell me that was you, coming to say goodbye. Thank you, Nkem. Thank you.