THE DARK CLOUD IS GONE
At about this time, exactly 31st Jan. the lights went off, a dark cloud suddenly appeared over my family. It started earlier but finally made bold as the loud cry penetrated through the cloud. I was on my knee at the time 22 years ago asking to know if this was my destiny. I had just finished secondary school with no WAEC result yet and the promises of studying was reassuring; he was still very youthful; just about 43 years old when the cloud sufficed,
At first at the Foundation Clinic Omoku before proceeding to the old UPTH, I called out loud, shouted and he finally recognized my voice, Nnah, Nnah he called back "this pain is severe, I don't think I can make it" was his last comment to me. The rest were mumbles.
Yes 22 years ago I was quite small and the challenge was huge but I had to be a man, I had to survive, I had to be strong. Yes 22 years ago I lost my Dad. Masi Prince Mbadiwe and since then I made a covenant with God that fatherlessness would not be the invented excuse.
He was hugely missed because his departure that night was never anticipated. From the meeting at Obigwe where he was struck by a drunken sleepless driver to the hospital and then to the mortuary, all in quick succession.
See what we have all become, proud parents of your grandchildren and hopefuls as well. The dark cloud is finally gone and the adventures are paying badly. While all seemed bleak, I realized I've got head, a machine of tissues and matter which functions in extraordinary proportion. Mine have been put to use ever since. I smile my way around the house reminding your grand kids of how great a man their grand dad was and Izolda sometime would ask curiously, Dad will he come to our house? My reply has always been the same,,,Izo he has always been with us.
I am writing with a smile now, not the sorrow of old and I will call the rest family tomorrow to observe this transition, from our old selves to this new age.
If the dead can pray please help us thank God for thus far in the journey