Iye

You call me ‘Chem.’ A special name just for me!

I have a memory of you spanking me just twice. Those two things you spanked me for, I never repeated.

You barely give me chance to call you as you would call a minimum of five times a week. They always end with laughter and blessing.

You always cease every moment to tell me how proud you are of me. You started calling me ‘eze-nwayin’ recently. I did not even bother to ask you why.

I have fond memories of you driving me to school on your motorcycle from primary school till the day I finished secondary school.

You introduced me to God and did your best to live an example.

You made me believe I was your favourite. You won’t believe that all of us felt the same way one time in our lives.

I don’t know a man that was best suited to raise five girls because you were cut out to carry that job perfectly! You were such a glue that held us tightly!

Iye, you pumped me to the brim from primary two that I was the best in my class and every class I find myself in. I believed, acted so, and stayed so.

Iye, you promised me you were coming to visit us soon. You told me when to expect you.

We were planning for your 80th birthday. Do you know I already prepared your gift? I had a picture of how you will like it!

Iye do you know my regrets?

I knew I was supposed to see you last month, but I kept putting it off, but I already resolved to come to see you this weekend.

Iye, I felt in my heart since late March that I needed to consolidate with you but I did not want to admit it. I wanted to believe that I had more time with you.

I think denial was what caused me to drag my feet with every legitimate excuse I could find.

Iye, I deeply regret that when you called me 15 minutes before you went to be with the Lord, I did not stay on the phone to hear what you were saying to me.

I knew you were struggling to communicate something to me but I was not hearing you. I only heard when you said, ‘you mean you can’t hear me?’

I thought I knew what was best for you when I asked you to hang up and that you should please take your rest that I would call back!

Mummy said those were the last words, 15 minutes later.

Why didn’t I strain to hear you out?

I thought you would leave a note for me but I have searched your room. Mum said it was sudden!

But Iye, you could have hinted to me. I would have pleaded that you hang on till noon that I was coming – just to hold your hands as you went to be with Jesus.

Oh! Iye, I don’t like this dream at all.

Mum said you woke her up for morning devotion! You sat down, bent your head, and heaved just after the phone call!

I take solace that you are with Jesus now.