So it’s true. You left earth! Never to be seen in flesh and blood again, but in dreams and memories.
I finally have the strength to write you, thanks to the rain which seems to have done a fair job with washing away the topmost part of the pain and tears.
I remember the first day I met you, April 2018. I had just resumed work from Leave and walked up to your desk, “So you are the new guy?” I had said, “the one with the grey hair,” I added with my usual tease.
“Yes, and I believe you are AJ, the one they said would keep me company.”
Idoko Negedu
We hit it off easily. You were such an easy going fellow; free-spirited, kindhearted, overly intellectual and versatile. The one guy I know who knows almost everything in the world…Sports, Politics, History, Journalism, Photography, Geography…name it. You were widely read and in one phrase “A Living Encyclopedia.”
I also remember the last time I saw you, 16th May 2020. You were having your birthday shoot at home and I was there to cheer you up. Made you dance (even though it wasn’t your thing), made you laugh (something you were very good at), and made sure you struck the best poses for the camera.
Idoko Negedu
Sadly, you never got to use the pictures, cos you never stayed to celebrate your 41st birthday.
Just curious. Why did you go like that? 40. Single. No mini-you left behind. No hint of your demise. Nothing!
It really hurts and I miss you terribly.
I miss the times we gisted, played, and argued.
I miss having lunch with you on 5th Floor.
I miss the snacks you always share at work.
I miss your vegetable beef sauce.
I miss you buying me random gifts.
I miss you taking me pictures and me disturbing you to send them via Google drive instead of WhatsApp.
I miss you calling/typing my name on every sentence.
More importantly, I miss the sound of your laughter and the non-official you.
You were such a good man…the perfect gentleman, Boyfriend to the Boyfriendless, Husband to the Husbandless, Chief Admin Officer, “Idoko & Wives.” Just so you know, we love you but God loves you more. He needed to take better care of you, so he invited you over… to cover his wedding or for a press conference.
You have always loved to travel, explore and take pictures and I believe you had a seamless trip to heaven. Please take pictures of everyday you spend in heaven and send me selfies with Jesus and Angel Gabriel.
Ps: kindly send the soft copies via Google drive so I can archive them forever. The same way I have carefully archived memories of you in my heart.
Sleep on beloved. You will forever remain in our hearts.
