Eulogy for my Grandfather - A Life Full of Pride, Joy and Happiness
April 9, 2019
Today, I have the honor of reintroducing you to Festus Akalugwu Nwaigwe —better known to many as “Pa Akalugwu”. born in the year 1904 into the Nwaigwe family making him at date 2019 January at departure the oldest man to have lived in his clan
I would like to reflect on the person Grandpa was.
I could write here for the better part of the day and reminisce about all the stories grandpa was either part of or he told, and for those who knew Grandpa, you understand how long those stories could be.
Festus Akalugwu was a loving person and a philanthropist till death. He lived a life that was full of pride, joy and happiness, he took pride in his career as a farmer and a trader. He wasn’t an educationist, he never went to college but never underestimated the power of education and he strives to provide this for every member of his family and always encouraging his grand and great-grandchildren to strive in there education. Grandpa was always full of joy seeing any of his grandchildren on TV.
As a young prosperous price charming of his youth he was pleased to have found Fidelia Omougu who later became his wife. Fidelia Omougu was indeed a compliment to grandpa, she had a large heart to accommodate. Her beauty and good heart soon grew to the nearby village and praises never ceased from the lips of anyone who came across her. Ezewanyi Fidelia as she was fondly called was blessed with the fruit of the womb and bear 8 children for Papa Akalugwu.
Papa Akalugwu lost his darling wife in the year 2008 following an illness this was really a sad period for both grandpa, the entire family and friends. who says old men can't be emotional. Again in the year, 2011 papa lost his first son who was a replica of papa and an illustrious son of the clan.
Grandpas generosity, humility and selflessness are all qualities that I admire him for and qualities I myself aspire to have. Some say it’s what you leave on this earth that shows what you did with your life.
What Grandpa was able to help me see is, it is more important to grow old with style and dignity and give everything you can to the people you love.
loved the way he would save every little piece of wood and nothing would go to waste. The people that make the biggest impact in the world are people like grandpa—honest, truthful, and putting the needs of their family first, it’s bigger than I think Pa even realized.
Grandpa also has a sense of humor can remember whenever he falls sick and taken to the hospital he will smile and tell the doctor ‘am healthy then you and everyone in the room’ and I can still remember grandpa telling his children one day in a family meeting that whenever is time for him to go he will go peacefully and he will show them a sign to prepare for his death which he fulfilled, such a promise keeper.
Albert Einstein once said “our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.”
So let us celebrate our Father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, husband, in-law, friend, mentor, teacher’s life and continue his legacy. Thank you Pa Festus Akalugwu Nwaigwe. we love you.
~Onyechere Bright
I would like to reflect on the person Grandpa was.
I could write here for the better part of the day and reminisce about all the stories grandpa was either part of or he told, and for those who knew Grandpa, you understand how long those stories could be.
Festus Akalugwu was a loving person and a philanthropist till death. He lived a life that was full of pride, joy and happiness, he took pride in his career as a farmer and a trader. He wasn’t an educationist, he never went to college but never underestimated the power of education and he strives to provide this for every member of his family and always encouraging his grand and great-grandchildren to strive in there education. Grandpa was always full of joy seeing any of his grandchildren on TV.
As a young prosperous price charming of his youth he was pleased to have found Fidelia Omougu who later became his wife. Fidelia Omougu was indeed a compliment to grandpa, she had a large heart to accommodate. Her beauty and good heart soon grew to the nearby village and praises never ceased from the lips of anyone who came across her. Ezewanyi Fidelia as she was fondly called was blessed with the fruit of the womb and bear 8 children for Papa Akalugwu.
Papa Akalugwu lost his darling wife in the year 2008 following an illness this was really a sad period for both grandpa, the entire family and friends. who says old men can't be emotional. Again in the year, 2011 papa lost his first son who was a replica of papa and an illustrious son of the clan.
Grandpas generosity, humility and selflessness are all qualities that I admire him for and qualities I myself aspire to have. Some say it’s what you leave on this earth that shows what you did with your life.
What Grandpa was able to help me see is, it is more important to grow old with style and dignity and give everything you can to the people you love.
loved the way he would save every little piece of wood and nothing would go to waste. The people that make the biggest impact in the world are people like grandpa—honest, truthful, and putting the needs of their family first, it’s bigger than I think Pa even realized.
Grandpa also has a sense of humor can remember whenever he falls sick and taken to the hospital he will smile and tell the doctor ‘am healthy then you and everyone in the room’ and I can still remember grandpa telling his children one day in a family meeting that whenever is time for him to go he will go peacefully and he will show them a sign to prepare for his death which he fulfilled, such a promise keeper.
Albert Einstein once said “our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.”
So let us celebrate our Father, grandfather, uncle, brother, cousin, husband, in-law, friend, mentor, teacher’s life and continue his legacy. Thank you Pa Festus Akalugwu Nwaigwe. we love you.
~Onyechere Bright