TRIBUTE TO MY SWEET AND WONDERFUL DADDY
Dad, it took me time to write this tribute because it is hard for me to embrace that I will not see you again. I know the inevitability of death, and I knew it would happen sooner or later when Ogbo Echem called to tell me your latest condition. I heard you gasping and struggling for air; it occurred to me that the hour has come for your transition to glory. You graduated from the school of life and finally decided to meet your maker. My greatest concern is that death could not give me a break nor show mercy other than turning my life upside down and setting me back with life achievements. Each time I try to recuperate here comes another death. Daddy, I know that there are hidden things we do not see in challenges of life, and I will not forget what you told me during your visit to the United States. " Owogu nke nkporo di ejegie" It will all come to pass. If it pleases God, it is well with my soul.
The stings of death nevertheless are felt no matter when and how it happens. The distance from you pained me most. I felt that I was not close to seeing your last breath and worst when my daughter Destiny cried out loud she would like to see you at the time of your brief illness. Her sense of thought and crying for you broke my heart. I was as sick as a dog, did not go to work for several days because I lost my strength and dispiritedly thinking about you. I was lifted up in spirit when Pastor Dale Aguas told me that your grandson Daniel made a prayer request for you. It came to my mind that you were in Gods' hands. I also recalled all your conversations recorded on my cell phone. Your thoughts will remain unassailable wisdom, treasure, and legacy to my children and me. I thank God, our bedrock who gave you the chance to see America and your grandchildren. Daddy, You were so important to me, as well as your grandchildren. I shared your homework and stories to my children. Your presence brought closure and made you more valuable to us. I believe that was the most powerful good thing that I did for you. I tried to do everything a daughter could do for a father, and I drew satisfaction that I took good care of you, and I am alive to bury you instead of you burying me.
Daddy, I chose to celebrate you for what you molded me to be and for the world to know what a wonderful man you were. You did set a high bar for me. Oh, what a sweet dad you were? On a much serious note, more words could not do justice to the doubtful man I grew to love. You made it clear that where there is love, there is a miracle. You treated and respected me as a woman and always said thank you to every single thing that I did for you. My first favorite toy from you as a child was a xylophone. You taught me how to sing and play, and I enjoyed every bit of your sing-song voices. I still recall how you played with me when I was a child. You were my mom and dad all in one. I cherished your sense of humor, integrity, generosity and infectious smile. You lived memorable moments and fulfilled your dreams of giving back to those in need. I appreciate your gentle and peaceful demeanor and commitment to my well-being. Speculating how you walked the distance of Mater Misericordiae hospital now and then when I was in School of Nursing to bring food to me showed your greatest love. Daddy, your beautiful web of love surrounded and bound us together. In a more classical mode, you quitted alcoholism, embraced God to the fullest and deposited the best gifts of faith in the bank for me. You separated none of us; you showed love and responsibility to each and every one of your children till the time of death. You were such a prominent figure in my up bring. I appreciate your kind gestures. Thanks for all that you did for me. Thanks to my able and great aunt, my sacred encounter, Justina Ubolo Onya Ogbu. Aunty, I love you to the fullest. Thanks to "Ugoeze" Mrs Agnes Ewa Elechi Who is always there for my aunt. Thanks to my babysitter Mrs. Theresa Elum Azoke. Thanks also to my late aunts and uncles- Mrs. Comfort Eze Agboti, Mrs Esther Igu Okokpa(Oke Nma) late Mrs. Rose Osinachi Egwu, Mrs. Bridget Ijeoma Okoroafor, Mr. Augustine Uwa Okokpa, and Mr. Onya O. Onya who collaborated with you to make me the best woman I am today. You all made life easier for me growing up without a mother's love. May their gentle souls rest in perfect peace Amen.
Daddy as you reunite with your wives, Regina Orieoma Echem and Joyce Ogeri Echem, my regards to them. Tell my mom that I love her, and her grandchildren who she never lived to see are missing her.
Pa Echem, Echemical, Echemicable, I cannot replace first your handsome face, smile and special things you did for your children, grandchildren and others around you. Not only did your sons inherit your name, but they also inherited your lands. Benjamin, your first son, also inherited the membership benefits from Inne trade union. That's how good you were. The Bible declared that "a good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children,-proverb. 13:22. Your epitome of love had no limits.
The family was paramount to you. You taught me so many values realizing that family comes first no matter what. You made it clear that family is the solid rock for my high points. You made family your priority and found the silver lining in every difficult situations. You stated that it is not important where I am going or how I get there, but it is much important where I came from and whose daughter I am. You made me realize that resilience and perseverance are the keys to triumph. When I left Nigeria for the first time, you had no much words for me. You told me that I am "OHAISU CHILD" ; "that I will ever remain eating raw yam with my eyes." Daddy, you made a difference, you touched many lives in the family. You accommodated, and have made enduring impressions to everyone who transversed your path.
Even if water made cocoyam like it was not food, You were able to cope with the difficulties of life and remained the beacon of light to us. You never put any of us in trouble and so did your children. The little things you did made you great to the best of my knowledge.
To end up my tribute, I don't want you to think you were a perfect man; only Jesus lived a perfect life. I love you for the respect you shared among us, and you cared for your children beyond the extraordinary. You are gone but not yet forgotten; we are apart, but your spirit lives within me forever. God bless you as you rest in the bosom of our God Almighty. Daddy, until we meet again by the precious grace of God, may He hold you in the palm of His hands.
Adieu Nnaa Alu Echem onuu,
Papam nkweri ihem nko oma, larue n'udo- my father that loved me so much, go in perfect peace.
Your beloved and ever expected daughter,
Beatricx Ngozi Alu Eni,
-Nee Echem-