Wednesday 8th July 2015 would rank amongst the days I would never forget in life. The day started brightly, by my timetable, I should have a lecture by 8:00 am, so I rushed to school so I won't miss the lecture. I got to class around 7:40am, sat in class and was expecting the lecturer. Around 9:46 am, when it was certain that the lecturer won't show up, I left class with a few other colleagues and headed towards the Microbiology Laboratory. On my way to the Laboratory, I heard someone call my name. Lo and behold, it was my big cousin, I rushed to meet him, hoping to disturb him a bit, to my disappointment he wasn't really in a good mood. When I got closer to him, he said to me softly, "Lawal's dad is dead". I will forever remember my shock and consternation on hearing such disheartening news. I was traumatized, fighting really hard to hold back tears. I couldn't even say a word. I just walked away....
My uncle AbdulRazaq Zubair belongs to the heavens now and his spirit walks among those of his dear mother, father and brother – uncles and aunts and cousins too. As I think of the absolute finality of death and realise that I can no longer speak to him, I rue the missed opportunities – the conversations I could have had with him but never did. I suppose that is the cruelty of death – and life. My uncle is no more and I shall never see or speak to him again. I cannot tell him how much I loved him – nor could I ask him what he thought about one idea or another.
The saying that "you don't value what you have until you lose it" is actually true, at least today, I can confirm that.... From my experience. The little time we spent together, usually when you come visiting, or rarely when I visit you didn't make me realise that someone that cool and fun to be with would leave us so soon. I have a passion for writing, but in never thought I'll be writing you a tribute so soon. Yes we all pray to live after our elderly ones, but you shouldn't have left now.... Not now, not this time!
My cry and wailing is useless now, but could I stop missing the time we would not get to spend together again? Could I ever forget how strong you've come through the numerous challenges of life? Could I for just a single moment look into little Lawal's eyes and tell him his daddy is doing pretty well? I wish I could, I just couldn't.
As frequent as I can, I would keep sending you prayers , that's all you need now. My tears won't bring you back, but my prayers would help you wherever you are. Am in tears trying to put down this tribute, I no longer can't help it. I'll miss you uncle, I'll really do. Lawal, Fatima and Abdullahi would also do. Everyone would! Your death is a blow to us, But what could we all do?
Innahi Illahi waina illehi rajiuna
Adieu
Ayodeji Aladejana writes............
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