"Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality."
                             ~ Emily Dickinson

It is still so unreal. But you are at peace, and that is all that matters now.

Thinking of you as deeply today as I do everyday. Rest in peace Sweetie for you are in a good place now.

The first Distinguished Journalists lecture held yesterday in the multimedia lab named after you and as I sat in there, I felt even prouder of you and the legacies you had left behind. We miss you and talk about you daily but I know you are truly in the best place. Rest in peace sweetie. Ediye.

LIGHT

Abrasive stillness in the space around me
grips my heart
Once more reminded of how frail I am, I take a stand
And smile through silent hurtful tears while music soothes my life
For hope is very much alive in me, I will not die.

I open really wide my arms and blow myself to steps
My eyes are closed, I softly move to rhythms in my head
I feel the pain explode in me and rip my peace in shreds
But still I breathe, teeth in my lips, I bleed; but it will end

I will not run, and though I ache; I’ll be just fine you’ll see
I’m not afraid of anything on friendly terms with grief
I wrap my arms around myself to keep the cold away
And move into the promise of a blessed and brand new day

Does it get easier? I don’t know; infernal weakness grows
But wings of blessings lift my toes, and fly me straight to hope
Where I will be renewed again with strength that only grace
Can give whenever there’s a need – unrivaled and untamed.
                          - Emilienne Idorenyin Akpan

I don't know how this gets any easier. Yesterday someone asked me about you because he had not seen you in a long time. I was with the girls and the question jolted the three of us. I don't know why... I can't say why...You are fondly remembered and profoundly missed.

I look at the ocean and try to understand its depth, power, blessings and reach.
The waves remind me of the things you did and the seeds you planted,
The ripples unite into the enabling force of kindness, compassion, meaning, friendship and love which you left in peoples' lives.
My scope is limited but I know that just as the expanse opens up far beyond what I know, so does the amazing impact you left behind seep into more lives than you would ever have imagined.
The cold air from the Pacific blows against my face but I live your warm reassurance that everything is going to be alright.
Up in the sky, the sun stretches out in amazing rays of red and orange; and I smile
Remembering how beautiful you left every space you were a part of and how passionately you gave of yourself to every experience.
Your heart was angelic and every moment with you was insightful, educative, motivating, funny and truly magical.
I look around me and as I behold the mosaic breath of nature, the pain I feel intensifies but I surrender to a higher power and connect to a perfect will;
Which breaks within endurance, chips away for purpose, heats into shape, straightens through focus, equips by mission and directs with destiny.
I hurt deeply from missing you but I will remain blessed for knowing you, beloved son of the most faithful and loving God.
Happy birthday with the King.
- Emilienne Idorenyin Akpan

Professor Idorenyin AKPAN, you have left a leadership style of professionalism, full of warmth and saturated with humaneness such that we shall never forget. Continue to rest in the bosom of the Lord.

16 years ago today, we joyfully proclaimed "I do". You will never be forgotten and you will always be remembered with gratitude, pride and love. Rest my darling, in Elohim's bosom, in peace.

I did not get the chance to meet you, but from every single corner I've looked all I've seen is the love your family, friends and people who did not get to meet you have for you. You were really loved by all, and still loved. I'm certain that you were a kind man, and God knows why He called you to dwell in His place so soon. Your legacy and kindness remain in our hearts. Rest in the bossom of our Lord, and may God continue to keep your loved ones strong. Amen

May this month which heralds the celebration of the birth of Christ clothe you in even more divine refreshing peace.

I hear your name everyday as people remember different things about you. You are truly missed. Rest in peace and thank you for the paths you created, the people you lifted, the passion you shared and the legacies which will speak through eternity.

How is it possible, I ask myself, that you are no longer here
The dullness in my heart reminds me of that with daily tears
The only way I find comfort is knowing that you're finally home
And at peace with the Father, the Son and Holy Ghost.
                   - Emilienne Idorenyin Akpan

Your light shines and guides us through each maze, every day
Your light warms and keeps us here together through the pain
Your light blazes and opens up paths for us to safely tread
Your light glows keeping you in our lives, keeping us forever blessed
              -Emilienne Idorenyin Akpan

I hear you in my heart
I feel you in my mind
And everywhere I look, I see you shining bright
You'll always be with me and
With God,
I am going to walk this path until we meet
Rest in peace

Flowers for you my darling, you who made everything beautiful.

I will remember you forever. Forever.

Sharing the light you gave me. Sharing your love too.

Your glow makes each day beautiful and each night spectacular. Always in our hearts...and on our lips.

To our dear dean we have really missed you, even though it's been a year. We have not forgotten you and you have been in our heart. My condolence goes to the family, I pray that God continues to comfort you people and protect you as well. Till we see again dear dean.

We miss you dearly. Rest well in the bosom of our father.

It still feels so sore and I can't stop missing you.

Continue to sleep in peace in the bossom of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Dean,
A year has passed, but the memories of you are still etched in my mind. Thanks for providing clarity to those academic issues. Your words were helpful in the end. Peaceful by thy rest, dear Dean.

It was like yesterday, when we had our information sessions in Warri, Benin and Uyo...I remembered we both eat in the same plate, discuss about a lot of things...And Prof Said to me...I admire the way you think and Act, Pls never give up the good work...How I wished you can see the extent I have gone now....I will forever miss you, My heart is always too heavy to say good bye, because all we shared still rings in mind...We meet to part and we have parted to meet no more...till the last day...RIP my Brother, My Father, My Prof and my Pastor...The academic world miss your endless impart.....Michael Otabor...Al. Dar University college of Dubai. UAE.

You will forever be missed Prof. Rest In Peace!

I remember the first time I walked into your office. The first thought that came to mind was "what a stylish man". Your sense of humour, friendly and warm approach towards me was quite surprising considering the fact that I wasn't a CMD major. That was the first and last time I ever had a face to face conversation with you. I'm grateful to God that my friend sent me to your office that day for I wouldn't have known a wonderful man with such a great personality like yours. May you continue to rest in peace. God bless your soul.

Prior to meeting Dr. Akpan, I had not met a professor that could make students feel so welcomed and relaxed around him. You were so receptive the first day I met you that we soon became friends. I admired many things about you:

-The fact that you had accomplished a lot yet so humble
-The love you had for your family
-The pride you had in your culture demonstrated through your dressing, and
- Your interest in cooking.

I cannot forget the standing ovation you got when you were given an award in 2011 during the Founder's Day event. You were greatly loved by all who knew you. I know you are in a better place - away from sickness and all the troubles of Earth. May God continue to guide and protect your loved ones. Continue to rest in His bosom. It is well.

BE
You’re in the break of morning light
That welcomes me each day
To yet another lease of life
In spite of all the pain.

You’re in the breeze which blows my hair
The leaves that dance on trees
The grass I feel to lay my head
When overcome by grief.

You’re in the voice that calms me down
The peace that says “be still
I’m here with you, don’t let these doubts
Abort your destiny.”

You’re in the smile that comes my way
The laughter that I hear
The warmth that spreads across my face,
The kindness of a friend.

You’re in the gentleness of love
Surrounding us each day
When emptiness and hurtful loss
Just want to have their way.

You’re in the words that soothe our hearts
The songs that keep us close
With rhema we can understand
And channel to our souls.

You are in God, you are at home
And finally at rest
-Where death and sickness have no hold-
Forever missed and blessed.
               - Emilienne Idorenyin Akpan

HOME

you should be here to chat with me
and watch our children grow
to sing a song or dance with me
and share the thoughts you hold

you should be here to see each change
that’s happened since you left
the world has moved at such a pace -
defying common sense

you should be here to keep a smile
on faces since forlorn
to close the wounds in broken hearts
and still the raging storms

you should be here to see the seeds
you planted - how they’ve grown
the seeds of love, of joy, of peace
of courage held by hope

you should be here to give the world
who were meant to be -
ordained to preach the word of God
and show us how to dream

you should be here, I think of you
with every breath in me
remembering all we used to do
in strengthening harmony

you have been here, you've run your race
completed what was asked
you are now in the perfect place
at home, with God at last
                - Emilienne Idorenyin Akpan

What an INCREDIBLE blessing U were . . .

ALL U contacted felt that GOD KIND OF LOVE u exuded - that one that ELIMINATED fear TOTALLY from your surrounding & while U CORRECTED US there was always a good dose of INSPIRATION to go with it . . .

Rest ON Dearest Dean Akpan!
#1yrTODAY

How the seeds you have planted have grown... You should be here to see them blossom... But from where you are, I know you can. You are forever missed.

Wherever you are fondly thought of, dearly remembered and sadly missed, may the flowers of your love bloom and bring divine solace.

I've asked so many questions even though I know I may not have answers but yet I asked anyway because the pains wouldn't let me stay quiet. As the days pass by I've tried to let go but I can't... I have cried and cried. Then I said: " God this is not the way to test our Faith if that was the plan".  Sometimes I wish you are here because you were always there. If God asked me who I wanted back, I promise my answer would be you, the father I always wished for. Rest in Peace.
                      - Nancy Wilson

Remembering your voice, today and always.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZIGYlbdHls

God keeps every promise He made to you. Rest in peace sweetie.

I miss your laughter, your singing, your energy. I miss you.

You are in a good place beloved. A good place.

Your glow is in everything, everywhere. You remain truly unforgettable and missed. Shine, divine star. That was your destiny.

I don't think I'll ever learn how to tell you goodnight. You will live through eternity in this world and the next. Rest my darling. It is well deserved.

I remember your loving and gentle accommodating soul every single day. Rest in peace my darling. Rest.

Thinking of you and how bright you made the world daily for everyone you met. You will always be remembered with fondness and loved. And you will be forever missed.

Your star will always shine. As it was meant to.

To all the fathers in heaven, including you my darling; happy father's day.

Your light will always shine brightly my darling. How we miss you.

THINKING OF YOU

You were the smile who lit each day
The voice that calmed our fears
The strength which taught us to be brave
The peace that ushered rest

I think of you and smile sometimes
Well, other times I cry
But still I know that where you are
Beats life here anytime

God’s hand is firmly upon us
His faithfulness is true
His love and mercies comfort us
Through living without you

His daily blessings never fail
We lean on him each day
As husband, father, savior, friend
He guides us when we pray

The numbing pain from missing you
Will never go away
But we’ll stay blessed for knowing you
Until the end of days

The seventh month has come, will go -
You’ll never be forgotten
Abide in peace amazing soul
You’re now at home in heaven
              - Emilienne Idorenyin Akpan

ever since you left me
my heart was so empty
I try not to cry
and hoped you would reply
I was wrong
and you are gone

love your wonderful second child,Faith

You are missed. You loved well and you loved hard. 

She still hears your night whispers
Still wakes up with a jolt
Feeling for the familiar dent
The whiff of you on the air.
Be her silent guide
The almost touch in the twilight
Sudden waft of lilac
Be there.