TRIBUTE TO A DARLING SISTER

Yes, a very difficult task, indeed – having to write this tribute to a darling and quintessential sister: “Sister Me”.

Of a fact, I started writing this tribute in my heart a couple of weeks ago but my courage kept failing me to pen it down and now, one day after the closing date for the submission of tributes, I just have to start and finish it, all in one day, even if I have to stop thus far.

The point is that I am still battling with the fact that Sister Me is dead, as in that she actually died; and that is because she is still very much alive in my mind, possibly just that she is on the other side of an invisible dividing wall, hence I am still referring to her in the present tense in my mind. So much so that I had to ask the T-shirt vendor to take out the word, Late, in the design. Nkechi was just an epitome of what anybody would want in a sister and very truly so. Her arrival in any home or gathering symbolised warmth; joy; energy; camaraderie and all. Having been my elder sister for all the years God has so far blessed me with, it is obvious that the story of our relationship is a quantum one. Starting from our infantile years, when she had to guide and protect us as her juniors; being the first child of Davidson Okonkwo and Comfort Uzoamaka CHIME. Fast forward to the year 1976 when Nkechi wedded, she made my first pair of suit which I donned for her wedding! Career-wise, it was this Sister Me that guided me up to the point of not just becoming an Accountant, but a professional one at that. And when it was time for my wedding, her whole family, including the husband, who was the Chairman of the wedding reception, relocated to Jos, Plateau State, for the event. Though married to ”Supark” in far away Amansiodo, Nkechi championed and resolved any issue/matter that concerned any member of Davidson Chime’s Family. She was quick to remind all of us in any of our family meetings of how our late father enjoined her to ensure to keep the family together on his sick bed at the Amigbo General Hospital in Imo State during the Biafra/Nigeria Civil War. The old man eventually passed on January 6, 1969 and his legacies still live on and on – thanks to Sister Nkechi A-Chime(as she is fondly called) as she kept faith with that fatherly injunction.

Again, fast-forward to October 2023 and it gets even clearer why this tribute has continued to be a great pain in my heart and I am trusting God for the fortitude to bear this colossal loss. I was in constant touch with “Sister Me” in far away Minnesota all through October discussing and finalizing all the arrangements for the several social events lined up by the family for the Christmas holidays, including our Mother’s 97 th Birthday celebrations. Nkechi actually chose the design of the cake that was made for Ezinne’s birthday party and she also requested that I make hotel reservations for all her Sons-in-law, who will be attending the several events from far and wide. We were all expectant and awaiting her return in
November to kick-start the 2023 Yuletide activities. Then the devil struck and before we could say Jack, the worst happened. And because every conversation and discussion is still fresh on my mind, the whole issue of Nkechi’s passing still looks and sounds like an
expensive joke to me but alas, that is the naked fact we have to face.

However, we truly and truly take consolation in the fact that Nkechi lived a jolly good life and accomplished so much within the life span which God graciously allocated to her. Starting from her all-round commitment to the Davidson Chime’s family in Udi Town and cutting across to her infectious love, pious life and rock-solid presence in the Sylvanus Chidobem’s family in Amansiodo, Oghe, her good deeds and legacies continue to speak for her. That she will be sorely missed is a huge understatement but we are consoled by the knowledge that she is comfortably seated by her Maker, our everlasting God, and constantly praying for us till we meet again to part no more.

Good Night Darling Sister and Continue to Rest in Perfect Peace in The Bosom of the Lord.

Always in Our Hearts and Fondly remembered:

Chief Sir Chika Ozo Chime(Jnr Brother)
Ome-Ise 1 of Udi Ancient Kingdom
for: the entire COC family.

Friday April 19, 2024.