My friend, Elijah (Chris Azodoh)
Elijah, the long night is over. The dawn is here. Receive the mead reserved for you by the merciful, loving and just Father! I wept buckets as I watched your transformation by the salvic pains. Now, I weep no more. I rather rejoice in the Lord, as in the fullness of time, He recalled his servant home.
Yes Edna, rejoice in the Lord that Elijah’s immortal body is released from the perishable body and you are summoned by our Maker to lay down your precious burden, which you had dutifully and with extreme love, borne. You stoutly rejected the provision of external daily help for your husband, to give you some relief. You preferred to surrender to him your familiar and loving presence. Your self amalgamation was most touching and I could not but applaud. Your life with Elijah was inimitable – a show-piece of love, humility, sweet regard and delight in the service of mankind.
Elijah was of that quintessential rare breed of Nkwerre sons, well-crafted in feature, always correct in manners and never remiss in courtesies, ideal husband and father. All the years I had known him from the early fifties, first, through his elder brother Jerry, then together in University College, Ibadan, and then the civil service, in private life and in business, I had never seen him put the wrong foot forward. He was a gentleman to the core. Elijah, can there be another you?
Adieu Elijah. In the Father’s bosom, remember your dear wife, your loving children, relations and friends. I am proud and privileged to be numbered among your friends. Adieu. We shall all meet where there is no more parting.
Chris Azodoh (KSM, K.O.C, J.P)