Monday, June 13, 2016

The last photograph with a departed loved one...

... is mostly one to cherish. I was on my customary 2 year visit with my wife Catherine and 2 daughters Jane and Fiona, to Nigeria, and we as usual dedicated a day to spend with dad and my children - granddad. It was nice and we had laughter and fun. I added a different dimension. We took him out as well as my sister Shola to eat. It wasn't fancy; just one of the fast food eateries. (In Nigeria, is that extended to include even rice, and other delicacies) We made sure he chose what he liked to eat and drink and we sat at table and chatted. First time ever away from the house at Agege. Then back at the house, spent some more time, took photos one by one with him and some group ones and prayed together. This was in July 2014. How was I/were we to know that it would be the last time that we would ever be together with him in a photograph while he was still alive. My wife visited in October 2015 with here brother in tow, but they did not take any photographs. I was privileged to visit him in January 2016, after attending the funeral of my best man/ friend of 30 years Pastor Eghes Eyieyien. We laughed together, prayed, ate but did either not think about or get around to taking any photos! Opportunities in Life and what we do with them. In any case. Today 13 JUNE 2016, dad you would have turned 77 years on earth. We celebrate posthumously while you are over there free from worldly cares. Rest in peace. You can never be forgotten and you are part of who I am today.