"Lord, it belongs not to my care; Whether I die or live:
To love and serve Thee is my share; And this Thy grace must give.
If life be long, I will be glad; If short, yet why should I be sad.
My knowledge of that life is small; But ’tis enough that Christ knows all
"
Philanthropic, vivacious, adventurous, fashionista, audacious, brainy, gorgeous, amiable, gregarious, radiant, charismatic, conversational, cheerful, an achiever, an accomplished social worker, multiple award-recipient, social activist; those are just a few words to describe who you were to many, all around you.
My dear egbon, Esteri, Anike, Yemisi, Gbeminiyi……… you were many things to different people and you touched many lives in diverse ways. You were a woman of many hats and an epitome of open-handedness, always ready to provide needed support to all around you. There was never a dull moment with you. In life and now in death, you will not want us to be sad but rather to celebrate your meritorious life.
I have always known you as a strong woman, surmounting the challenges and difficult circumstances of life which earned you the name ‘Oluwanifishe (the Lord has need of you)'. You were unique in many ways and you lived life on your own terms. You were so patriotic and passionate about the transformation of your country of birth, Nigeria, as well as an advocate of mental health as a component of total wellness of an individual and of the society at large.
Despite the many years between us, you still related as though we are equals and always open to share your feelings. They say I'm your look-alike, yet I saw uniqueness in our dispositions and ideals. As I reflect on our growing up years, I realize that there are many more memories that space and time will allow sharing…but in it all, we are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus!
It is with a deep sense of loss that I'm putting this together, as I never envisaged that I will be writing your tribute this soon. I had imagined this write -up would be in a very distant future, but as the Bible has adjoined us, “ninu ohun gbogo, ki a ma dupe”(in all situations give thanks) When a little while ago, you shared with me some deep words of advice, little did I know they were your parting words.
I will miss all the long calls, your generous compliments, the endless gists on various topics, the customary early arrival of your birthday greetings, daily devotionals regularly sent and so much more.
You will be greatly missed, but your memory and legacy live on……sleep on dear sister, till we meet to part no more.
And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, “Write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them….” Revelation 14 vs 13
Your aburo, Olubukola…….