Tribute to The World’s Best Dad
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful….. Psalm 116:15. I have attempted many times to do this tribute in the last few days following the departure of my beloved dad Pa Christopher Udeze Ajodo, a man that I have grown so much to admire and adore but each time, words fail me. I have written so many tribute that one would have imagined that this was going to be easy to handle but alas, I don’t even know where to start.
Where do I begin? How do you come to terms with the reality that the one you literally boast about daily is suddenly no more. Believe me dad, this journey of yours has caused so much pain and heartache that I wished I could bring you back and nurse you back to health. Papa, you were a rare gem, an angel in human form otherwise how could you have gone through life with such ease despite the daunting challenges? I have never heard you complain nor worried about anything for you seem to know how to fix everything. A man who had no formal education yet vast in all fields of human endeavours. No wonder both old and young rely on your judgement whenever there was a dispute or matters to be settled. You were a devoted husband and father not only to me and my siblings but all who you came across. Your house was home to so many who were not your biological children and you nurtured everyone like you did your own. Your uprightness and strength of Character is another outstanding quality of yours that stands you out. My dad was not a man that you could sway to join the crowd for he himself provides the direction for others to follow. A man of truth has departed. The Bible says that godliness with contentment is great gain and that was what my dad stood for. He was indeed a contented man. Oh dad! How can I tell your story in one page? You it was who laid the foundation that many of us are enjoying today. You never read the Bible yet you lived by it’s principles. Thank you for pouring out your life as a sacrifice to ensure that we have the best. Hmmm, long before the campaign for the right of a girl child, you were ahead providing a level playing ground for us despite the mockery from many who thought you were wasting your resources training a girl child. Papa! You be Man. If there is an opportunity to come to this world again, I’ll chose you over and over again. Now that the music has stopped and you have joined the cloud of witnesses, I pray that you continue to join our Saviour and Master to Intercede for us. Papa, it’s really had to say goodbye but I am comforted knowing that you are resting from your labours. Sleep on great son of Udogwu Ojike. You came, you saw, you conquered.
Felicia Anthony-Okoro
(Daughter)