“I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me, though he dies, yet shall he live and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”  (John 11:25-26, ESV)

I was overwhelmingly engulfed in sadness by the sudden departure into eternity of my dear beloved father, when I received the news. Indeed, your sudden departure from this planet Earth is a bitter pill for me to swallow and has created a void in my heart.

Therefore, I have not yet gathered the courage to accept the reality of your being called to glory. Tears are streaming down my face not because I have no hope in God, but because I have lost a dear father, adviser, a counsellor, and a mentor who cannot be replaced. Your humility, sense of humor and way of making everyone around you better cannot be forgotten. Your love and kindness to humanity will always be felt in my heart. You practice what you teach. You had always been spending whatever you had in taking care of your family (including the church, community, etc.). Your priority in spending and caring for others was more noticeable in the areas of “Education, Health and Food.” Thus, you teamed up with mum (Miriam) to make my education a priority. As an educationist, you always encouraged me to work hard, to climb higher on the educational ladder, and to that effect you and mum sponsored me to the highest level possible. To me, you were a substitute father who gave me the privilege to be parented by and learn from a kind humble, loving, and industrious man.

Dad and mum never gave up on me and through your tireless effort, I was able to dream big. You gave your uttermost best in touching my life and without you my future would be desolate. Again, you and mum never gave up on me when I got into trouble and as a matter of fact you taught me love, patience and endurance. You again taught me to love God and be faithful to Him. You praised me whenever I did good and pointed out my mistakes with that gentle voice. Dad and mum purposed to do the will of God. They obeyed without question and at whatever cost. This taught me to always listen to the Word of God no matter the circumstances. Dad also taught me that life is not a sprint, it is a marathon.

Love leaves a memory no one can steal, but death leaves a memory no one can heal. I am saddened that death took you away, but I take solace from Romans 14:7-8: “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die to the lord, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”

Your death left a scar in my heart. My heart bleeds each time I remember that you are gone, but your loving and caring fatherly role will continue lingering in my humble heart. The legacy you left us is what made me what I am today.

You lived for others, always helping others, I will do my best to carry on in your footsteps. I am happy that I am one of your children. I miss that little twinkle that used to light up your eyes. And I miss the sound of your voice, your laughter, and your sighs.

I miss you Dad, I love you Dad, you are and forever will be my hero. God loved you, now you are home. I will see you again someday.

  
Daa, yaa wo ojogbann! Prof, DzidzƆ lԑ Nutifafa me.