REST IS SWEET AFTER LABOUR
Daddy, to say that I am missing you is an understatement. It has been very difficult to come to reality that you have gone home to meet your Creator until resurrection day.
Can I say you are too young to die now? No; because at a ripe age of 90 fulfilled years, you are not young to die. We love you, but God Almighty loves you more. Hence, you had to obey His call .
On that fateful day, when you told Nike my sister and Ayo your first grand child that you were waiting for me to come, little did they know that you are waiting to bid us final farewell.
Earlier on Tuesday night (13/02/2024), you engaged us (my hubby and I) in a long chat. You followed it up with another long prayer. We didn’t know that it was part of bidding us final farewell.
Going memory lane; I remember with nostalgia when we were kids how you never compromised our daily routine assignments at home. Once we wake up in the morning, we knew already that we must go to church (from mission house) jingle Bell to wake members up for early morning prayer, then open the doors, pick up our brooms to start sweeping the church. We may be lucky that members may join us before we finish sweeping. We know that after early morning service in church, we must still come home to wash your volkswagen beetle car before preparing to go to school. This does not imply that you will tolerate our going to school late.
You taught us how to read the word of God with understanding. We were even put on weekly roaster which when it comes to your turn, you will have to read the bible, preach from the content you have chosen to read.We will now end our duty that day with prayer while you end it up with final prayer of blessings and say the grace. Daddy, you ensured that you trained all your children to experience personal contact with God. You made us realise that salvation is personal and that salvation of Father is not a licence/passport to heaven for any child. Your insistence in being responsible was never in doubt. Even though you are a loving father, yet that did not stop you from enforcing discipline to your children.
Daddy treasured Western education. He was ready to spend his last kobo in sending us to school. I recall with pride how his eyes will glow with pride, joy, and fulfilment whenever his child is graduating from higher institution.
Daddy’s unique life of moral, social, economic, and spiritual discipline actually laid a solid foundation for his children individual achievement.
You had one of the most brilliant minds I ever encountered and a memory like an elephant to boot. Your training and words of wisdom you shared with me in private and public lingers. Daddy, I am proud to be your daughter.
The way you fondly call me “BOLANLE ANIKE” and the one you popularised “BIG MUMMY ” is now missing because there is no one to replicate the way you call me. What about your signature greetings “HINLE OKO IYA”. You were unique in your own way. No other than you in my world. You are a man of honour and distinction; a fashionista par excellence. Your name will forever be synonymous with honour and respect. You are indeed a general in God’s Army. The great hero of faith.
You have fought a good fight, you have finish your course, you have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give you at that day 2Tim: 7-8.
Continue to rest in perfect peace in the bossom of your Redeemer. Rest is sweet after labour Eccl 5:12.