I pondered about how to start or even write this for a while now, more
because I have tried to find a name for the relationship, I had with you
and your family as a whole. I am not an offspring, relative or any of
those supposed familial titles but I was just as hurt and pained when I
heard that you had gone to be with your maker but then in the same
breath happy because I know that without a doubt you left to go be at
the right hand side of God.
You were indeed a father to so many people, myself included, I became
close friends with your daughter whilst in school and got blessed with
another father in the process. Indeed, I was welcomed with such warmth
and yours was one of the few homes, I slept at growing up.
I remember, when you would call me daughter, just like you called your
daughters and I felt extra special. You were an embodiment of what a
Christian should be. You showed it in your actions and in your complete
devotion to the almighty. I was a partaker of those early morning
devotions at the house in Akowonjo, a recipient of many “Every Day with
Jesus” devotional booklet. It is so funny that all the time, I was at
the house, one hardly got out into the living room before you and mommy.
Those morning devotions created an indelible mark on my heart. With one
barely awake, the praise and worship eventually would ginger you up.
Awesome memories.
There is a story, I tell anyone, whenever I want to describe, someone
who to me is a Christian and the story is about you, daddy. I will share
the story here, especially to let the world know that you not only
showed love to your immediate family but to anyone who came your way,
regardless of ties and all, it was when Toun and I were getting ready to
go for our industrial attachment, I believe it was in our 3rd year of
university and we were both looking for placement in one of the oil
& gas companies. Of course, daddy knew we were both on this quest
and unbeknownst to me, so was he. One day, I was called to come in and
see someone at Exxon Mobil, on getting there, this lady whom I had never
seen before in my life, greeted me with some warmth and the next thing
out of her mouth was “ Are you the girl, daddy said if we didn’t have 2
spots, should forget about it?” my jaw dropped, of course, my friend
true to her nature never mentioned it to me, so I was there so
surprised, amazed and impressed. He said and did this behind my back and
was ready for his own daughter to walk away from such an opportunity,
if I wasn’t included in the package. Who does that? He didn’t have to do
that but due to the person he was, genuine, loving, man of God, indeed
and above all, great human being, of course he did. I had great love and
respect for him and his family before that but you can imagine the
level of my admiration afterwards. We both ended up serving our
industrial attachment at ExxonMobil that year. Many Years, later it
still gets me!
While my friend traveled for school and I was still working in Lagos, I
would drive to Akowonjo, just to chit chat with the old folks and I was
always welcomed with warmth and grace. The last time, I saw you in
Houston, I kept telling myself after you left that I didn’t take any
photographs with you and mommy, which is so unlike me, I always like to
catch and have memories, I guess I was just so carried away and felt, I
will get it the next time, well now you are gone, even though, its sad
you are not here with us physically, all your works, your devotion to
God and the examples you laid for both your family and others like me
will live on forever.
To know him is to love him. That smile and calm that eased one when one
visited, will be greatly missed.
May your gentle, uniquely wonderful soul, rest in peace…..
