Daddy, you lived your life quietly, constructively, kindly, selflessly, passionately, and productively. You did so for 105 years. During this time, you told the truth as you knew it, though some may not have liked that. This is no surprise considering how bitter the truth could be sometimes. That notwithstanding,” the truth is the truth”. Due to your inherent qualities, for example your kindness, some took advantage of you. In those situations, you kept growing stronger socially, financially and in God. This showed your strength because only a man with a backbone will remain as focused as you did through life. You were rarely angry. The very few times I saw you angry were when food was delayed. If you were angry for any other reason, I belief it was too short-lived for me to have noticed. May be one of the secrets to living over 100 years is, worry only over getting your food on time. You never used the words “angry, enemy, hate, wicked etc”. By who you were, I came to understand things like “empty vessels make the loudest noise, because you spoke less and calmly but made the most sense most of the time”, “be your brother’s keeper, because you cared about yours and others”, “ little things matter, because you did little good things everyday”, among an endless list.
You may not have known how much I admired your person, your deeds and the respect you got from your peers. I wish I had told you that in person. I guess you understood that given that just like you, I tried to do only the things that will bring praise to our family and glorify God. You have set the bar high for us, at the same time prepared us to be equal to the task. As you go, know that you will be forever missed and that your work here on earth was done well. I could not have asked for a better father, I could not have asked for a better you. You gave us so much and even in your death you give us reason to celebrate rather than mourn. Your final grade here on earth is an A+. It is time to rest.
GOOD NIGHT, DADDY.
Dr. Emmanuel N. Enokpa
