Tribute to my HERO
With tears welling in my eyes, I write this heartfelt tribute to celebrate the life of a man who held immense significance in my heart. Death, a debt we all owe, yet its timing remains uncertain. Daddy, I will forever cherish the principles upon which your life was built and how you instilled them in us, your children. Though you may not have authored books like the bestselling authors, your life itself was a priceless book.
Daddy, I recall your frequent words, "Delay is dangerous." You used such phrases to underscore the importance of decisiveness. Moreover, punctuality defined you as a man. You taught us always to be at appointments at least an hour early. I still remember how we seldom arrived late for our morning masses.
Integrity defined your existence. In Igbo, you would always say, "Kuwa akagi oto" (always be sincere). I carry this with me wherever I go.
You were the epitome of a family man. You loved your wife like no one else could. She held the highest priority in your heart, as you would inquire about her before anyone else. I vividly recall a few years back when she visited me in Uyo and you sensed her prolonged stay. You promptly called me, speaking in earnestness and in English (to emphasize its seriousness), "Chinwe, please, I need my wife to come back." I wasted no time and immediately asked her to return to her husband. I didn't want anything to disrupt the sacred union blessed by God.
You cherished your children, fighting for us and defending us tirelessly. Though a disciplinarian, you dispensed discipline with love. Your parenting style was truly remarkable. As children, the punishments we received for our transgressions were fitting. We engaged in countless dialogues with you, given the opportunity to defend ourselves as if we were in a courtroom.
You diligently recorded every life experience and encouraged us to do the same. You would often say, "Record it, write it down, so you don't forget and can learn from it." Your meticulous nature extended to document keeping, where you stressed the importance of making copies of every important document.
Daddy, you fought for us, protected us, and were there to celebrate our successes and encourage us never to give up. Even on your sickbed, you kept urging, "Julie, don't give up on your dreams. Don't let my condition distract you from your work." You were a fighter, even in the face of death. You taught us the value of hard work, diligence, sound judgment, patience, and humility. Your simplicity and warmth were truly endearing. You taught us the essence of determination; I still remember your humble beginnings and how, through determination, hard work, and honesty, you transcended your circumstances.
Wally (the name we used when seeking a favour from you), you may not have been the wealthiest man, but you bestowed upon us the most priceless gifts: paternal love and presence. You made significant sacrifices to ensure we had the very best. I was never a sorrowful child. I felt like the daughter of the richest man. You were present in our lives from the beginning until the day you passed away. Your presence moulded me into the confident woman I am today.
You detested the absence of logic in decision-making. You would use phrases like, "Always apply mathematics, don't you know how to use arithmetic? Be calculative." I assure you; I apply this principle in all my endeavours, and it has taken me far.
You were a giant, despite your "short" stature. When we all grew taller than you, we playfully teased, and you would reply, "Wisdom and intelligence are not dependent on height. I am a wise man, and that's why I married a tall woman to compensate for my height."
I once mentioned to you that I noticed your grandchildren displaying some of your attributes, to which you responded, "Yes! Blood is thicker than water."
I have often pondered whether I thanked you enough for all you did for me and how much you meant to me.
Dad, you lived a good life. Daddy, it pains me to see you leave after catching a glimpse of the fruits of your labour. It saddens me that you couldn't stay longer to savour them. However, who are we to question God? My heart shattered when, on your sickbed, you apologized, acknowledging that you wouldn't be with us for much longer. You assured me that whatever transpired, it was God's will. Dad, I am a firm believer in God's will.
We are certain that you fulfilled your purpose; you completed your earthly race. You fought the good fight, just as St. Paul mentioned in the scriptures (2nd Tim 4:7). I will take up the baton and continue from where you left off, ensuring that your legacy lives on forever. I will make you proud, as I have already begun. We will take care of your wife, our mom, and ensure she doesn't miss you too much.
Lastly, I will find solace in God's word, specifically 1 Thessalonians 4:13. I will grieve, but not like those without hope. Daddy, you departed in the Lord and are now resting in a better place, free from pain and sickness.
Daddy m, gaa nke oma, till we meet to part no more.
With utmost love,
Your dearest daughter,
Chinwe (Pharm Julie or Julie Julie, as you fondly called me)