Grandmother,
I never imagined that I would have to do write a tribute to you. Even though I am very much aware of the realities of life, your passing from this world into the House of God has truly shocked and saddened me. I was always eager to see you and I will ask my parents about the next time we could come visit you and Grandpa, and whenever we did my joy was always the same.
There is so much I can recall from our times together. I remember when it was just me, you and my mum in the States for your surgery. I would watch you while you rested on that rocking chair during the day and I would pray every night that God will protect you and those involved in your operation for our family’s sake. When we were ready to leave after your successful surgical treatment, I was glad that not only were you coming back home feeling better and stronger, you would be living with us in our home in Abuja. Grandpa would call and ask of you and wondered when you would come back or he could see you – he really missed you then. I also remember seeing you after I had completed my University Foundation programme for six months in England. As usual, you welcomed me home with open arms and told me that I have made my parents, my Grandfather and especially you very proud and happy. When we spoke about going to university, you said it was important to always trust and have faith in God and his ways, because even though his ways may not be known to me, they were always with good intentions. “But Kelechi, make sure to eat properly now that you are at home, so that you can gain weight and protect yourself from the cold!” you added. I laughed and replied, “Don’t worry, Granny. I will be fine…”
Now that you are no longer hear with us, I want to always remember these times. They say when you haven’t been with someone for a long time, the first thing you forget about them is their voice. I hope that I will never forget your voice. Yours was always one filled with kindness, humility, wisdom, humour and most of all, love. Yours taught me to place everything into God’s hands and also that family is an important aspect of anyone’s life. Yours was one that often spoke words of encouragement when needed. Furthermore, Granny I would like to thank you for bringing my mother, and her brothers into this world. They are true reflections of your strength, intelligence and your fear of God. They are people I look up to everyday. As I say my final goodbyes, I assure that your family will celebrate your memory and your warming presence, and I know that God has received you into his abode. Goodbye and hope to see you one day again.
Love,
Kelechi.