*ʼThe Rose that Grew from the Concreteʼ: Adieu Sister Adia*
It's extremely difficult to put into words how I felt about your passing, Sister Adia. A strange sense of downcast grips me as I picture your facial expressions. Your voice echoes in my ears and, mostly, your remarkable personality hovers in my mind.
There were countless cherished moments I spent with you that took me back to my secondary school days at the prestigious DMGS where you were the vice principal at the time, and I had the privilege of living with you.
You made me your son and ensured I never derailed in my academics as well as in morals. Those days got us very close. You took me on extra lessons in geography which I was finding boring at the time, but in a short while I took keen interest due to your application and approach.
I got older and we kept very much in touch, as you had become my Mother.
Your relocation to the United states of America and distance never strained or disrupted our bond. Rather, you became more of my Bossom Friend, Confidante, a Rock that I firmly stood on.
You went further to stretch out your loving hands to my wife Iffy, who became your favourite, and the kids too.
You were so filled with positivity and never settled for less, always giving a listening ear to one's biggest problems, so encouraging, especially in the heaviest storms of life. You were always uttering words that soothed me, coupled with the admiring names you called me - like Aloycoco, Okolobia Oyibo, Onye Ikem Oligbo, Nwa Ikem Ototo.
They were so magical and instantly lifted my soul.
You'll be terribly missed, Sister, for you were so visible in my life and family. I prayed for God's intervention at your time of travails, but God had better plans already - and that was making a special place for you to be seated amongst His Angels and Saints.
Sister, you were able to defy all odds, all restrictions, all limitations, all boundaries, all obstacles, and became a real life conqueror while on earth.
One distinct attribute of yours was your slender frame, and yet behind it was the bravest heart a lion couldn't contend with.
Your life was worth adopting and I learnt so much from it.
Goodbye, my sweet Sister Adi'a. Your legacy will forever live on in my heart, and, just like the renowned American Poet, Writer, Activist and Educator Nikki Giovanni wrote: You'll always be "The Rose that grew from the Concrete"
*Your nephew, Lloyd Bel-Molokwu*