Madam, the Original Londonier, Dame de fer!
As a sister, you opted for something more than that. Yes, you opted to be sister mother, “father”, friend and companion. Yes, you opted to be my girlfriend. You played all the roles so well that none could be your rival in my life. My spouse thinks that nothing can come between the two of us. YES. You will continue to play that important role in my life and that of my family. That is the way you made it to be and that is the way it will be. Even with your departure, I still feel you by my side; talking, discussing, reminding, teaching and educating me. Yes, you are still instructing, commanding and moralizing to me and the world at large. You sure excel in these all through and true.
It was in 1979 that you and your husband opted to adopt me into the family. It was voluntary and tough. It has been a long, sweet and enjoyable journey. Many assume that you are my biological mother. YES, they do so not knowing that its LOVE and BLOOD that binds us. As a half-sister, you are too true to be real. Who can believe that you can endow so much to me and for such a long time frame? Who can believe that you can sacrifice so much for others and be so selfless? YES, you have been more than true to life and will continue to be so.
I come this day to simply say, thank you for being what you are and continue to be. Less than ten hours before your final sleep, you urged me to take good care of your ‘Beloved husband”, you entrusted the mantle to me. I come to say thank you for the leadership, love and all.
At this time, I bear in mind all the traditional values that you placed in my life; the love of God, love of man, to bear the burden of others and to be the best of persons that I can be. YES, I’ll try and try and try. I recall the days when you returned from one of those trips to the United Kingdom and Great Britain. I recall two pounds ten. I recall the stories about Spencer’s and Boutique. Yes, Ten Downing street, the Royal Wedding, the Merry go rounds and double carriage buses. I recall the ugly stories about Bronze, Cardiff and Exeter. Who else could provide a more vivid picture about these places? Yes, you did with all aptness and dexterity. What about those experiences in Kenya, the Jomo Kenyatta international airport and the friendliness of the Kenyan folks? Yes, a true teacher in all domains. I am reminded of the value of education from your perspective: to value what you’ve got.
As you go, bear in mind that those you leave behind have every reason to be grateful and thankful. Bear in mind that your virtues and values will be live forever. Bear in mind that we will strive to be strong, courageous and steadfast; that we will strive not to be “DAFT” (as you constantly put it) in all our undertakings. Weakness, laziness and complaining are not options for success. Yes, you did all you could! When you get there, say hello to papa, Mr. and Mrs., my mum and all. Help us have a smoother ride to eternity and have a Blessed day, iron lady.
Benjamin Afue Ayuk
Madison, Alabama.