FAREWELL MY SR SERAH

FAREWELL MY SISTER SERAH

Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua

 

My dear Sister Serah, when I announced your death to my friends, the question that came with some condolences was, “How are you related?” Some asked because they know that my mother gave birth to only me and Mrs. Margaret Iye Imomoh. Others wanted to know whether we have the same father and mother in the English categories. That my father and your father have the same parents is not what really make us relations. We have been netted together from birth. We journeyed into this world together. You arrived in December while I arrived in January. As we were growing up in the same home of Omonokhua, you always introduced me as your younger brother. You would go further to say, “I senior him with one year; we used to fight as children but I was stronger than him!” My response was always, “can you still fight now?” and she would respond, “For where, I get power again?” We were very fond of each other. Dear Sister, you were so open that you could easily reveal your secrets. You were open minded with a generous heart. 

 

As children, we grew up in love to the extent that some people do not know that we were cousins. Growing up, you were my best friend, so how could I see you in a distant relationship of the “English Cousin concept?” I can still recall this incident in our primary school days. Only you and I were in a flooded Ogioriver. In the process of swimming, I was tired and was drowning, you dived into the water and pushed me to get me on top of the wooden bridge. That day, you were my life saver. Otherwise, that would have been the end of my life. 

 

Whenever we go in search of fruits, you would be the one to climb the mango tree and cashew tree to fetch fruits for us. We called you Osera-mo (Serah the tree climber). When we were in primary school, no girl in our school, St. Peter’s Anglican Primary school could break your record in 100- and 200-meters race. In sports, you were simply the best. Although married to a Muslim, you never forgot your Catholic faith. You desired to remain in union with the Church and today, God has allowed that desire to be sustained even at death. We thank God that you are enjoying a Catholic funeral. 

 

A good journey is a safe and good arrival. We pray that the Angels and Saints will welcome you into heaven where you will rest in peace with God forever. Great athlete and great swimmer, we shall miss you. We shall miss your charming jokes, smiles and counsels. Your aged parents, (Basil and Marian) will miss you! The entire family of Omonokhua will miss you! Your only daughter, Mrs. Jessica Otse Kayode will miss you! Your son inlaw, Mr. Kayode Nissi will miss you! Your sons, Abdul-Jabbarand Oshioke, will miss you! Your grand-children, Eyitayo, Oluwadabira Serah, Oluwamayowa, will miss you! Your husband M.J. Bello will miss you! Your colleagues and friends in NAFDAC will miss you! Sally Baby, match on like a gallant soldier to heaven.  Adieu Serah!

 

Fr. Prof. Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua