Exactly a month ago, I lost you - Adefunke Sandra, my dear older sister. It’s taken this long to write because I kept hoping you’d pop over and tell me it’s an elaborate joke.

You were an amazing sister who simply loved me for who I am. You taught me so much. So many of my “firsts” were shared with you. My first pair of heels at 12, my first make up kit at 13, my first pair of skinny jeans - so tight I always had to lie down to put it on. You took me to my first day at boarding school, my first and subsequent concerts - Kool & The Gang, Shalamar …….. You snuck me into “Aiye” and then feigned ignorance when I couldn’t sleep with the lights off for weeks.

The 10 yrs+ age gap meant nothing to us. We shared too many experiences and escapades. We enjoyed hours of family gossip and endless witty conversations. We shared a lot of confidences - mainly your scandalous ones but I’ve sworn to take it to the grave.

I remember the many parties that you snuck out to. Then at early morning devotion where we all had to recite bible verses, I would have crammed a long verse (effico that I am) delivered with Popsie nodding with pride. When asked, you’d usually quote John 11:35 “Jesus wept”. It never failed to crack us up as Popsie’s veins will be throbbing in annoyance whilst Mumsie would give you serious side eye of “to be continued”.

You were beautiful, fabulous, wickedly funny and fearless. I remember you once threw a party for your 21st birthday that blocked the roads leading to the Estate, we then had to put the house back in order before the parents returned at 9am. Neighbors came to report you yet you remained adamant that it was a party for a “few” friends. Sis, you truly were a legend.

We shared a love of music, dancing, fashion and makeup. I’ll never forget your wedding; I did a smoky eye makeup thinking it was fabulous. Pictures came out and I looked like a panda. I asked why you didn’t stop me, you said, “You felt amazing so why should I burst your bubble”.

You also permitted me to sew a backless dress for the After Party. I had to spend the night avoiding awon parents so they wouldn’t see my age inappropriate aso ebi. You always supported my schemes and endeavors. I remember when I started my entrepreneurship at 16, I’d bring all manners of knickknacks to your office and you’ll coerce your colleagues into patronising me.

The last few months were brutal but you approached it with your fierce spirit. Thank you for the last night I spent praying with you. Little did I know that I was ushering you towards the Heavenly Gates. I know that you will have customised your garments in Heaven, and ensured that the crown matches your shoes, my fashionista Sis.

It’s now beginning to dawn on me that you’re gone. It really hurts to think that I simply do not have an older sister anymore. Thank you for the posse of loyal friends that are willing to make your loss easier to bear.

Thank you for trusting me to take care of your affairs. I hope I have made you proud with my decisions so far.

Thank you for the love and support you blessed me with. I can’t put into words how much you are missed. Rest on Sis, till we meet again.

Isaiah 601 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.2 See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you.3 Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. 4 "Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm.5 Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.6 Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD.7 All Kedar's flocks will be gathered to you, the rams of Nebaioth will serve you; they will be accepted as offerings on my altar, and I will adorn my glorious temple. 8 "Who are these that fly along like clouds, like doves to their nests?9 Surely the islands look to me; in the lead are the ships of Tarshish, [1] bringing your sons from afar, with their silver and gold, to the honor of the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, for he has endowed you with splendor. 10 "Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Though in anger I struck you, in favor I will show you compassion.11 Your gates will always stand open, they will never be shut, day or night, so that men may bring you the wealth of the nations-- their kings led in triumphal procession.12 For the nation or kingdom that will not serve you will perish; it will be utterly ruined. 13 "The glory of Lebanon will come to you, the pine, the fir and the cypress together, to adorn the place of my sanctuary; and I will glorify the place of my feet.14 The sons of your oppressors will come bowing before you; all who despise you will bow down at your feet and will call you the City of the LORD, Zion of the Holy One of Israel. 15 "Although you have been forsaken and hated, with no one traveling through, I will make you the everlasting pride and the joy of all generations.16 You will drink the milk of nations and be nursed at royal breasts. Then you will know that I, the LORD, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.17 Instead of bronze I will bring you gold, and silver in place of iron. Instead of wood I will bring you bronze, and iron in place of stones. I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler.18 No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise.19 The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.20 Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.21 Then will all your people be righteous and they will possess the land forever. They are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.22 The least of you will become a thousand, the smallest a mighty nation. I am the LORD; in its time I will do this swiftly." 

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