It's One Year Already.

This story is a long one. First, I thought I shouldn't write about my dad's death because it would end up opening old wounds. On a second thought, I've healed well enough to stomach the pains of recounting my experience. Okay. So there are so many angles to this story, there's the family angle, the hospital angle and then smaller smaller interesting stories that made up my dad's ill health and eventual death. Interesting because casting my mind back, I could only laugh. The hard feelings I had  vanished long ago.


So on that fateful Saturday morning, it was my bestie's birthday so early enough I was awake to make birthday posts on my WhatsApp status and call her to wish her well. As it was my routine when I wake up, I do the house chores, have my bath, eat, then head straight to the hospital because my mum would have to focus on other things too. She couldn't leave my dad alone for more than five minutes because he could need help. I lazied around that day and at about 11am, I was still at home. This was unusual. I  reluctantly left for the hospital and on getting there, I saw my dad in another dimension. This time, I doubted everything about life. I knew the day was turning out to be a sweet-sour one.


My hair was tattered that day because I had loosed it the previous night and my mum had insisted that I made my hair  because I was looking unkempt. I didn't want to but I had to leave the ward because I could not bear the sight of a once jovial and active man lying on the bed breathing heavily and looking up to heaven. I went to a nearby woman (still in the hospital) and I twisted my hair. I had come back to show my dad the hair I made but he wasn't responding. He only kept looking at me and while I joked about it, he remained mute. I was restless. My mum started with her plenty talks on "do you want to leave me alone in this world?" "who would carry your grandchildren?" "wouldn't you at least say goodbye to your tata?" Ordinarily, I would rebuke her but I didn't. I was quiet. I couldn't say a word nor cry. Gradually, I watched life slip off his hands.


Fast forward till evening. I had gone to sit outside the ward while my uncle discussed with my mum inside. I was supposed to be watching a movie but honestly, I didn't hear a single word from my phone. Soon my mum began to scream. He was gone! I walk into the ward and i look at him. His breath had stopped, eyes open! Gently, I held his hands and all I could say was, "daddy, i would miss you". The shout had made people gather and the usual sympathisers came around. I stepped out and came back in severally not knowing what a perfect reaction to the death of a lovely father should be. My dad had never died before. This was the first time. I didn't cry not until a guy who had become my friend in the ward came to say sorry. Then, tears flowed down freely. I didn't try to hold them back.


Losing a loved one can have dire consequences on the bereaved. It could lead to depression, hate and low self esteem. Getting your life back against all odds is key. To those who have lost a loved one, take heart, stay strong and move on. Did you know that even crying a river wouldn't bring them back? If paradventure they ressurect from the dead, you'd possibly run away.


Just like yesterday, it's one year already and yea, we are all fine.  We are fine and would strive to make you happy wherever you are. And yes, I miss your calls and our regular gist over the phone.I miss your overflowing wealth of knowledge and understanding to solve life problems. Mummy is happier by the day, Chuka is no longer the Bobby you used to know, he now behaves like a father, I'm more mature and meticulous with life and your tata is now a full blown adult and the chief commanding officer of the house. You see? Though difficult, we've moved on.

Until we meet again, rest in God's bossom, D.C Omeike.