Nwatakri
nna ya kooro ya akuko, ya na mbe bu otu Igbo proverb
Emezie! Emezie!!
That is how my name is called and only one person
calls be by that name. his name, Ifeanyichukwu Linus Udechukwu. He was my
father for 18 years and it has been fourteen
years since I last heard that voice.
Dear Daddy,
Today makes it 14 years since you answered the
Glorious Call. Since then so much has happened; yes I finally went toNnamdi
Azikiwe Univeristy, Awka and got a
degree in Political Science. I also went to the National Open Open University
of Nigeria and acquired an Msc in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution.
On that fateful Easter Tuesday, exactly 14 years
ago, you answered the glorious call; leaving us without a word. Since then, it
has not been easy but God is on the Throne. Dad, your leaving us was did take
us by surprise but we grateful to God for his grace in our lives and for all He
is doing in our lives.
Nnam,
You only met two of your grandchildren Malvin and
Elvis but now, four more; three granddaughters Vanessa and Monalisa and Kobimchere,
and one grandson, Chimaobi have been added. These are from your daughters; your
sons are warming up.
Dad, we truly miss you as your many legacies still
stand tall after your departure to the afterlife. We believe that God‘s
perpetual light is shining upon you now as you are resting in his bosom
enjoying the Beatific Vision with your darling Bridget, a place we also pray to
be when we leave this world.
My Mentor!
Going through life and attaining the little
successes we achieve without ur being around is quite sad noting how hard u
pushed us to personal excellence! Life without you and Bridget is somehow but
your lessons and teachings are great guides in this journey. Your legacies are
forever etched in our hearts.
Odozobodo!
You were my first Priest, Bishop and Catechist. As a
father, you were beyond the Pastor of our souls; you were to us your children,
an administrator, a teacher, doctor, farmer, counsellor and more wrapped in
one. Your unction as head and shepherd of the home was fully utilized. You taught
me what it is to live full and die empty!
We will never forget your popular dictum which I
have adopted as my daily mantra “a good name is better than gold or silver“.
It was Visvesvaraya who once said "If
your business is only to sweep a crossing, remember it is your duty to make
that crossing the best swept of the world."
Despite your little resources, you had a beautiful
soul, a charming personality and benevolent heart! Your doors were always open
to those who wanted to come in boy did many come in! Your life best described
what it means to be servant of the
servants of God, because putting others first before you was top priority
for you.
You had gone for confessions during Holy Week,
taken ill on Holy Saturday and left us on Tuesday after Easter. I remember that
that like it was yesterday, just as I remember the nights we shared watching NTA
news and analysing politics and socio-economic trends. I miss your fine
writing, your polished grammar and indeed the richness of your cultural knowledge.
When
I have my first son, he shall bear the name Linus, for in him I shall be
reminded of the greatness of a man who once walked this earth. A man who was
always contented with his possessions a fine gentleman, an amazing teacher, disciplinarian,
fine cook and, an ever attentive confidant and advisor.
When
I get married and start having my own kids, I shall not fail in passing unto
them, the many lessons from my father just as the
opening quote says, a child whose father tells his stories to, is as wise as
the tortoise. You were a wise man; my children will be wise too.
Today as always, I remember you, I live your legacies.
Zuo na ndokwa!
OjisiEmezie
