Grandpa dear,
I’ve been in denial about you passing on for the past couple of months. On the 24th of February 2011, Tito told me you had gone to heaven. The minute I heard, time froze. I couldn’t move, my mouth went dry, I couldn’t speak. It’s just so hard to believe. I knew one day you would go, but silly me, I thought you would be here forever and ever!
Everyone has their own way of handling grief. Not sure I do. Been waiting for you to call and say “Princess dear, why have I not heard from you since?”
Reality has set in; they're holding a service of songs for you at the Catherdral. It is hard for me to talk about you in past tense. *sigh I miss you.
Now who am I going to talk to about ideas for my book, who is going to proof read my book. Feel bad because I’ve been writing this book for a hundred years. Feel so sad about all the things we never got to do together, like go to the beach or go for a drive in my car.
Feel like I'm dreaming, I can’t believe you are no longer here. Want to drive to papa Ajao so you can ask me what I’m reading now, what I'm writing now and whats on the news.
You taught me so much, how to think, how to write. You have had so much influence on who I am now and who I’m going to be in the next couple of years.
I love you Grandpa!
On the way to your room, there was this poem hanging on the wall and I remember every time after reciting it, I would ask you what it meant and you would say “Princess dear, it’s written in plain English, it’s about a man.”
Who has lived well,
Laughed often and loved much,
Who has gained the respect of
Intelligent men
and the love of his children;
Who leaves the world better
Than when he found it,
Whether by an improved poppy,
A perfect poem
Or a rescued soul;
Who never lacked appreciation
Of earth’s beauty
Or failed to express it;
Who looked for the best in others
And gave the best he had.” -Anonymous
Today I know what that poem means and I know that man is you!
One things for sure, I know you are here with us in spirit. The other day, Grandma told me, she knew you were with us in spirit. She was taking her time in the bathroom like she always does right before breakfast. Then she heard the door slam a couple of times, there was no way it could have been the wind because the door was shut and no wind except a tornado can open that door. She knew it was a sign from you because whenever she takes her time, you would call out “Grandma dear do you want the tea to go cold?” I believe it was you! ☺
Wish you were here to give me some grandpa medicine to take the pain away like you always did when I was younger whenever I was hurt or sad. I miss you granddad, we all do.
Rest in peace Micheal Omiunu Imana. My Grandfather.
Love,
Princess dear. Xxx
