When it rains, it pours".
Papa, I am touched beyond words asking if my house is a cemetery? Do I need to lay in the ashes of all these deaths? Having experienced loss after loss of fatalities, yours just came like a tsunami wave. When I saw you on the video breathing with your accessory muscles while in the hospital, I also felt the rhythm of your heartbeats. It brought puddles of tears in my eyes.
I cannot imagine so much loss in such a short moment of time. 2014-2017 are traumatic years for me, and it is just too much for me to bear these bereavement overloads. Honestly speaking, I am physically and passionately exhausted experiencing such a profound sorrow of one loss to another. I pray to God to keep me emotionally safe because the brainwork of all these deaths pains me to the core.
Papa, it is sober to lose you when I am in most need of your support. Your death and my daddy's death has impacted me in such a way that I did not expect, and I ponder why God called both of you home. I miss you, love you and feel depredated that I have no father to talk to as of now, but I raise my shoulders high looking unto God for more hope, love and less worry. As a father figure to my husband, you have been by my side bringing aspirations, joy, and healing.
Papa, several times, you laid pointed emphasis to bring my son home for you to see again. I am glad that I saw the joy in your heart when I fulfilled the promise. You made my children, and I feel wanted in the family. The miracle of your love to my husband and kids became a platform and a bonus for me to love you more. When you spoke to my husband after our last visit to Nigeria, you puzzled that I cared a great deal for you, but that's who I am. My life phenomenon is welded in family love. The same love I have for my dad I share with you as a father-in-law, and I promised to always be there for you. Your care and support during our stay with you on my daddy's burial made a lifelong impact on the whole extended family. Your old and funny jokes of holding me accountable for my husband's absence always ring hollow to my ears. I appreciated your lovely interactions and every laughter that we shared together. I am consoled that my children were afforded the kudos to close the distant gap and spend time with you and their cousins. I felt recovered watching the mouthwatering presence of quality time bonding together.The early morning prayer at five am every day except Sundays inspired me knowing how humble you and your households were to our God Almighty. I draw my consolation that you knew God before your death.
Papa, I witnessed your meritorious traits, boldness, fascinations, enthusiasm and commitment to poverty cutback. You took the ball, and ran with it. Your high experience and art of bread making met an official hallmark and satisfied the explanation of ancient gastronomic delights of the BREADMAN l know when I married my husband. You worked so hard to raise your beautiful and handsome children; you did well in Real Estate. Establishments were your center of life and trademarks, I believe you passed this talents to your kids. I am so grateful for the tremendous legacy and fabulous memories you left for us. Your qualities will contribute significantly to make us whole bonded and extended family. Your establishments and website are picturesque keepsakes that will be treasured now and for generations to come. Thank you for your prayers, concern, and care that you rendered to my lovely husband. You were the light of his life. May your memory lead us to everlasting happiness. May you find peace in the Lord as you rest in the bosom of His hand.
Adieu my father-in-law,
Adieu the Breadman,
Ome ihe Ochi, larue nk'oma.
Your daughter-in-law,
Beatricx Ngozi Alu Eni.
Nee Echem.