I lost one of the most wonderful women I have ever met, recently. Now, after the euphoria of everything earthly such as the recent elections yesterday, we have to face the harsh realities of burying our dead.
As we plod on in this great journey of life and the struggles within, the realisation of our own mortality strikes us from time to time.
Here is a tribute I was privileged to write for her later in the day.
Goodnight Princess, you are the Meaning of Life.The age-old question has been asked and keeps getting revisited with occurrences in our daily lives.
Reasons for the experiences we undergo in the journey of life and the search for its meaning come to many at the end of one.
Yours was a life that provided an answer for many of us.
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Whilst we aim for that which is not ours or strive for levels of acknowledgement and recognition;
Whilst we measure our successes in terms of material assets, social standing, professional accomplishments or that which has a price tag but no value;
Whilst we look to overcome our daily hurdles, seemingly insurmountable mountains or wild raging rivers of turmoil;
We must not forget the lessons imparted upon many who came in contact with you.
Today we can reconcile your kindness, humour, sense of being, honesty and care for others;
The meaning of life is to be Human and Humane.
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That you could be facing the challenges you faced for many years, yet put first the considerations for others and their needs;
That you could spend an inordinate amount of time discussing and deliberating about the options and opportunities for others;
That the importance of my daughter’s birthday mattered though you laid on your sick bed thousands of miles away or
Your impulse to inject such memorable and glorious laughter into conversations of despair,
That Smile, those Sparkling Eyes and that Laugh.
All for the benefit and feel-good of others;
You showed us all how, to be Human and Humane.
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Princess, you fought a battle we must and will all learn from.
A battle that many would not have had the will to fight.
You stayed long enough to check up on everyone you loved and cared for.
To enquire about their own well-being.
To the end, you always wondered how this person or that was coping with his or her own struggles.
Despite all, you were Human and Humane.
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To your dear mother, my mother, our mother who sits quietly today – Mama, you gave us one who made us stronger than we could ever be.
To your darling sister, my sister - Etta, that Smile, those Sparkling Eyes and that wonderful Laugh live on in you.
To your brother, whom I have only just met at this unfortunate occasion - Chiedu, if ever a man is called upon to stand up for his own, yours are actions we must all seek to emulate. Thank You.
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Princess, I will forever remember the early morning walks you took and me in my manly laziness reading a newspaper waiting for you to return, all sweaty, smiling though tired but with a lesson to impart.
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What is the meaning of life?
To ensure that while we breathe each moment, our efforts and thoughts must be predicated upon the well being of others and especially those who look up to and expect from us.
In the end, I pray we are all remembered, as you will forever be.
A generous, kind, human and humane Princess.
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G-Baby, this journey you take now is not to an end but to a new beginning; where there are those who need that Smile, those Sparkling Eyes and that heart-warming Laughter.
“Girlfriend, them shoes need not hurt no more”
Sleep Well Princess.
Goodnight.
PS. With you I have kept the Faith that Beauty, Integrity, Exceptional Humane Qualities and Class can never be bought. These remain Priceless.
