Deeply rooted in our hearts 🕊️🕯️

May 11, 2022, was a sad day for us. We got a distressing call from my sister in-law, Ifeyinwa, that left us cold. We had lost you to death, after several weeks of being stricken with an illness.

Your death left me with a web of emotions and, yet, I do not have the right words to express these derailing thoughts. We lost a husband, a friend, an Uncle, a sibling, a grandfather, and mostly, a father.

I never really had a father-like experience because, I was tender when I lost mine. But, in eight years of being your daughter in-law, I have felt what a fatherly love is. The relationship and, connection between your first son, my husband is evident of that. My love moulded him to be a loving and, caring husband.

Your kindness, care, concern and, constant checkups filled the void of not growing up with a father. I remember when I was newly wedded to the family in 2014—I was still trying to fit-in and, you would constantly remind me that, this is my family, giving a reassurance that I am loved and safe. In your words, ‘feel free, you are at home’.

When my husband and I departed to Lagos and were sometimes overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle, your calls brought warmth and, encouragement to our hearts.

Sometimes, I feel guilty for living so far away. I feel guilty for not being present in your last days and, not being able to comfort my in-laws in this dreadful time.

If there’s anything I am grateful for amidst these trials, it would be having a good connection with you during your time here and, bearing in mind that you are in a better place. You aren’t physically present, but you remain present in my heart.

You are gone, but never forgotten.

Rest on, Oranwezuoaku!

Rest on, Daddy!

Rest on, great man!

Till we meet to part no more.