Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Adim

THE END OF A MOMENTOUS JOURNEY How do I define my Dad? How do I write about the glorious life and the peaceful ascension of a general? No dictionary can describe all that you represent and meant to us and all. Dad, it’s been quite difficult for me to write this tribute as the tears cannot stop flowing. This is a moment I never prepared for at this point in time. It’s still hazy for me. Just too unsettling. Most first daughters are their father’s favorite but ours was different considering that my birth was anxiously waited for after 7 years You and Mum had my brother. So, it was love at birth until your death. There is so much to write about you, but I wonder if this piece will be enough to tell your story. How do I sing a dirge for my Dad, my friend, my hero, my role model, and soulmate? Ah! The best of us is gone. The rest of us are left to ponder. In the quiet echoes of farewell, a few good men left an indelible mark. In the tapestry of our lives, may we weave threads of kindness. My General, Our Leader, God’s Servant, My Honorable, Our Tripple Chairman, A true believer of his faith. A gallant soldier of the Cross. Dad, the testimony of your exceptional kindness rang in undiluted tones. Daddy m, akuko iheoma ñu na obioma ñu nile akoola n’ala Nkwerre na Orlu nile. Many have alluded your death to the fall of an “Iroko Tree” and that goes to show the material you were made of- tough, dense, and durable. Indeed, you stood the test of time. Daddy, you gave us the best any child could ask from a father. You simply gave us your all. A man with a great vision who started off from a meagre background due to the sudden death of your Father, but excelled beyond human imagination, beating all odds, defying all obstacles and emerged as a figure to be reckoned with. Through hard work and resilience, you rose above most of your peers, such that by today’s yardstick, you are considered a very successful man in every facet of life. Most importantly, you were contented to with what you had. Dignity was your virtue. Love was your anthem. Mediocrity had no place in your life. Honour and prestige were your values. Your standard was unmatched in every area of life. Christ was at the center of your Godly life. You loved us deeply. It was Love till the end. It was still Love for us that made you go at this time. You loved your family, in-laws, community, town, church, friends and ally etc etc. The most interesting and amazing part of you is that you went beyond family boundaries, extending the same love and care to all that crossed your path. You were a father figure to many and had a positive influence on many lives. You were the greatest historian and best record keeper of your time. Be it world history, state or local, you were very versed in all. Members of your kindred were always very enthused to draw from your stores of historic events that they never learnt from their fathers. Your recollection of events from past generation was unbeatable. Your work with the church and community was huge. God is indeed a rewarder of those who truly and diligently serve him. As I said, your story cannot be told in this piece. Daddy oma m, A man of peace and wisdom. Kindness was your way of life. Your life preached till the end. You were so selfless to the core. Your life exemplified in all ways. Your words were filled with blessings. You were a unifier, who united many homes and families. You were a uniting force and the Go-To person for so many. You were a peace maker and advocated for peace at all times. My leader, my leader, my leader!!! On your mandates we shall stand forever. All I saw the day you passed was a man at peace with his God and indeed the glory of God was seen radiating around your lifeless body. Angels were singing, Hosanna in the highest. It was a peaceful ascension and a call to a greater glory. Truly, Precious in the sight of the Lord is the passing on to glory of His Saint. Daddy, while you were with us, you taught us the power of action and service. You were an unrelenting advocate for peace, justice and fairness. You were resolute and unflinching in your commitment towards your community. You served your people/community with absolute loyalty, humility, dedication, devotion, transparency and forthrightness. My Dad was brave, bold, fearless and courageous yet unwavering in his belief. He never lowered his standard for less. He was great in life but greater in death. He was simply a man and half. My Dad was a shelter for all. His unimpeachable integrity and legendary goodness spoke volumes. His life was an open book. Even death could not limit his physical span of influence. I was his little cutie he loved so deeply. He was my teacher, preacher, mentor, nurse, advisor, advocate, and many more who still bought me bunches of bananas whenever he visits me in my house and treated me like that little baby he always bought snacks for as a child. Let me also tell you that my Dad perfected my hand in driving (especially in making reverse). Most times, he drove me to where I went, and never wanted me to stress myself. Daddy, you ran a good race, you fought the good fight, you kept faith till the end, henceforth there is laid up for you the crown of righteousness which the Lord will award you on that day. (2Timothy 4:7-8). Your last days were momentous. The glory of God shone, you saw the light from heaven, the cross of Jesus and Christ himself. In clear words, you told us you wanted to go and rest. We begged, we cried, but you chose heaven over us. You chose to answer the call to a greater glory despite our pleas. It was our loss but heaven’s gain. “Then sings my soul” was the song on your lips. All I saw was a man at peace with his maker. Verily, this world was never your home. For you, your belief was that your commonwealth (citizenship) is in heaven, which proved true. (Philippians 3:20). Again, December 7th confirmed to me that truly you were in a better place as you reassured me in the dream.