A letter to heaven addressed to Chief Tony Ede, my Big Daddy
Dearest Daddy,
How are you doing, sir?
I hope you are content with your new home on Heaven's Vessel, a place we all want to arrive at when the Almighty calls us home.
I apologise for taking so long to write this homage, even though you have always said that I had the capacity to be a fantastic writer, evangelist, or motivational speaker - your exact words.
Since I can no longer send you messages of this nature, I have pasted a little excerpt from one of my final messages to you here.
Beginning the message with my customary salutation, "Blessings, Big Daddy" I really procrastinated about sending you this message, wrote it in three different versions but ask the Holy Spirit to take control and help me choose the most suited one to send to you, as I need for my message to be received, digested, reflected upon and instilled.
When I think about my drive/ ambition to be the best version of myself at all times, I always wonder why, even when contented. I realised a few years ago, this is purely because of what was instilled me at a very young age, either directly or indirectly via observations etc. The credit does not only go to my mum, as she has played a role but not the full role.
Stay with me pops, I promise I am going somewhere with all this.
The acknowledgment and credit is shared with people like yourself as I have always looked up to you and vaguely thinking I want this type of life when I get older. I want to make this man proud one day. Your work ethics and ethos are priceless attributes I gained and stuck with all my life. Work hard now for a better tomorrow.
Anyways, let me get to the moral of the story and summarise quickly.
I still have your response to me after you saw/read the entire message that was written.
Chai, this one truly hit home for me, Daddy.
The pain experienced upon the loss of a father is immeasurable. Losing a parent is often equated with losing a superhero, a guardian, a helping hand, and a friend. I couldn't help but wonder why. Why?
It's unbelievable that I am now penning an homage to you, God. How and why?
I had assumed you were unbeatable for a very long time. Above the trivial problems that plagued normal people. The Great Lion has officially fallen.
You have experienced some difficult periods in life, and it hasn't always been easy. I was heartbroken to witness your suffering, yet those exposed moments demonstrated to me our close family's genuine resilience. You were God's personal foot soldier, a true commander-in-chief who guided us through those storms.
Daddy, you embodiment of discipline. Who else, after all, is as adept at maintaining a schedule as you are? You have such amazing precision in how you navigate life every day. It demonstrates your steadfast dedication to greatness.
For myself and the entire Ede family - our very own Olori-ebi, I appreciate your presence. I am deeply grateful for your wisdom, your encouragement, and your steadfast love.
Though I write this homage with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, the Lord gives me peace every day when I think of the life you have led - a life worthy of emulation.
Though I write this homage with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart, the Lord gives me peace every day when I think of the life you have led - a life that is admirable. Above all, I pray that you are in the arms of the Lord, keeping an eye on your family and myself.
We know the Lord healeth and bindeth up their wounds. We recognise and exult in the fact that Psalm 34:18 states, that “The LORD is close to the broken-hearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed”.
All of us in the family have been wondering how to fill the enormous gap that has been left behind while we grieve our loss as a family. The most crucial thing to remember is that Christ, promises to never leave or forsake us, he will always be there for us.
"The Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son," gives us comfort. Deuteronomy 1:31
According to John 11:25 in the Gospel, Jesus says, "I am the life and the resurrection. Even in death, he who believes in me shall live". According to Thessalonians 4:13–14, "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve as the rest of humanity, who have no hope, does." Because of our belief in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection, we also believe that God will raise from the dead those who have fallen asleep in him.
I shall always cherish you. I hope this homage comes near to expressing how much you mean to me, Daddy, but I can never find the right words. I shall always think of you with love, no matter where life leads me. Knowing that you are at rest now makes me thankful.
Kindly ask the Angels for me, that they take excellent care of you and make sure your sweet tooth is satisfied. You can also take as much Lucozade Energy Original drink, now that it is in excess, you don't even need to dilute it with water - you never really like doing that anyhow.
Stay outstanding, soldier. We, the distinguished citizens of this country and your family, salute you.
We appreciate you coming to earth to be a blessing to us. We are grateful to God that you were brought into the world by your amazing parents, Ma Ajemito Ede and Late Pa Benson.
Please extend a warm greeting to our good Lord on my behalf. Please don't forget to give the angels up there a serious run for their money. Just as you did with each and every one of us on earth, chasing them around the kingdom garden.
Please give my amazing grandparents my love and let them know how much I miss them.
Rest in perfect bliss, Sir, till we cross paths again. Till then, good bye.
“A Great Soul” by Maya Angelou
“A great soul serves everyone all the time.
A great soul never dies.
It brings us together again and again.”
Love you always Daddy, One of your several daughters,
Tosan O-Kotey July 2024