First it was the husband of my eldest sisters-in-law, Pa Iyeke that died last year. It was a shock to all because the old man was always healthy and full of life. The man had been a farmer all his life and had used that to train his children in schools and in other vocations. He was a witty old man. Always having words of wisdom or advice as he called it for everyone and was ready to counsel with or without one's consent. When we were called that morning that he had passed on after a brief illness, I felt bad. He was such a good, simple and unassuming person. He had a nice personality. Well, death crept in like a thief and took him away from family and friends.
Another sad incident was in January, when my husband's eldest brother lost his wife. It was really sad considering that the General Hospital that she was taken to did not manage her health condition professionally. Imagine a patient that was weak and tired being driven from central Lagos to Oshodi for a test when the test could have been conducted in Ojuelegba which was closer? She came back and became weaker from the trip. We were there to see her and at the end could not because she was extremely tired from the rocky and bumpy drive.
Even when the family decided that it was a mistake to take her there in the first instance, there was no one to sign the release papers. We were told, there is only one lady to sign the discharge note and she was not readily available so we had to wait. At the end of it, she was not discharged or released from he hospital that day.
She was in the hospital for a week and no tests were conducted on her. My husband was visibly angry that a supposed specialist hospital like that can act so unprofessionally. I mean why administer drugs when you do not know what was wrong with the patient? She was not even allowed to eat. The woman was asking for food but they refused. Anyway, I am not writing about the poor services in all the Government Establishments today including hospitals where the Doctors swore to protect humans' lives. Will do that on a later date.
Mrs. Cecilia Job Ibomhen died 16th January 2013 after being in the General Hospital for a while without adequate treatment. She left behind a husband, seven children and several in-laws and relations. She was a devout Christian and member of Deeper Life Church. May her Soul rest in perfect peace.
My husband knows i attend Power must change hands organised monthly by Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries. The programme is always every first Saturday of the month. So you can imagine my annoyance that the burial date is always fixed on the first Saturday.
My sister-in-law's husband was first Saturday of December and the late woman was first Saturday of March this year. I quarreled with my husband for being in those meetings and not insisting on the movement of the dates. The man said he is not directly involved so he cannot influence anything. But seriously, if he is used to attending this revival meeting every month, he would have insisted on the days being moved to other weekends. Whatever is the case, I still have to attend and help out.
The last one, we had to buy drinks to give to the women in the village on behalf of the children who are all in Schools. Particularly proud of the first son who despite delays, is now in University of Benin.
We can only be remembered by what we have done while on earth. Be a good christian, a good father, a good mother, a good worker, a good neighbour and a good friends. Impact your world and let people remember you as a good person after you have gone. This hymn says it all.
Fading away like the stars of the morning
Losing their light in the glorious sun
Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling
Only remembered by what we have done.
Chorus:
Only remembered, only remembered
Only remembered by what we have done
Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling
Only remembered by what we have done.
