Everyday Training Center

*FAREWELL TO MY WIFE GRACE ADETONA.*

I could write a million pages yet unable to say just how much you gave yourself, your love, your resources, your everything; how dedicated you were to caring for your children and others around you; the hope and succour God gave to the childless through you; the free drugs you gave generously, the child delivery you superintended through sleepless nights without asking for a dime; the home you gave to the homeless. You paid for education for those who could ill afford it; mediated between warring couples; your generous smile, your sincere advice and kind words that soothe all troubled souls around you, your profound belief that God in heaven watches over our actions.

If I could write a story about your life struggles, the needless troubles and battles you went through in defence of your children and your brothers and a huge heart full of sunshine with which you tolerated and forgave, a million pages would not be enough to tell the story of how simple a heart you were.

You desired that those who troubled you could understand your inner pains; they failed to understand that you loved and cared for them so much.
When your stepson threatened you with a gun, destroyed your properties, insulted you and made life miserable for you, goaded by his evil and wicked accomplices (my stepmother and uncles) “don’t ever lay a hand on your brother,” was your candid advice to me. Were it not for your kind and forgiving soul, Maami, you would have still been alive till today.

Mama, I watched helplessly as you were harassed, threatened and eventually hounded to your untimely grave. Each time I wanted to act in your defense you would always say “Nuu rapu.” How I wished I did not listen to you Maami. My pain is not in the fact that you are gone but in the senseless circumstances of your death.

Though the wicked (who has since after your death ran away from our compound) may rejoice but your death will remain their loss and shame but to God's glory. Who will they go to for free medicare when they are sick? Who will they run to when they need bread? Who will they go to for advice? Who will they call for help when they run into trouble? (which was regular).

Who would mend their leaking roof or give them water to bathe and wash their dirty clothes? Who will provide them shelter when it rains? When babies cry, when women are in labour, who will give them free delivery and medication? If they had thought about all these My Angel, they would have prayed that you lived longer.

You called me honey, yes Maami, you were my BIG SISTER. I called you Maami because you were like my mother from another world. You were the most precious and most beautiful. You gave me another life, you nurtured me, you loved me unconditionally, you taught me how to navigate the shark infested industrial constituency, forthrightness and my strength of character, you taught me how to fight, be myself and stand on my own. You shouted at me and cuddled me. Above all, you taught me what love truly is and the beauty of forgiveness.

You were a bundle of inspiration to all around you. Your kind soul, wise counsel and outstretched hands can’t be quantified. Your home was open to everyone, your hospitality made them feel special. You are the most humble, compassionate, understanding family oriented woman I have ever seen. You are so dear and so true. You had an indescribable inner strength.

When your Daďdy passed on, on 6th February 2017, you went through storms and battles to raise and cordinate your siblings. Like mother hen you shielded us from harm, navigating through legion of landmines laid for you and your children in your home. You owed no man and paid everyone their dues.

You were very energetic, highly organised and disciplined. I was not surprised that each unit we went for clearance after your death, the reply we got was that wonderful and light hearted woman.

When I watched you dance on crusade Day, November 21, 2017 your last oùting day. I saw you dance like never before. You were so happy. Never in my life had I seen you, dear Angel, dance like one intoxicated with new wine.

It was a glorious moment. That God opened your eyes to see how much I and your chilďren love and appreciate you was glorious.

From then a new lease of life entered into you. You became a happier person. You began to radiate in peace and joy of your new discovery. A week, and four days after, God took you away to blend with Him. You have fought a good fight. God opened your eyes so that you can see how beautiful you are. He took you so that you will have the peace you so much desired as you continue to dance in glory with Him in heaven.

Born to the family of Paul Iwookunam and Madam Maria Iwok of Iwokunam town Akwa Ibom, she was trained as an aćcountant and season administrator. She dedicated her life caring for people, her family and children. Even at 49, she hardly had four hours of sleep. Money was not her consideration. She gave out drugs and food free. When I complained she wasn’t making profit because we always replenished her stock without any returns, her response was that she would continue to pray for us to have enough money to buy the goods n foods so that she would be able to continue giving them out free.

I am saddened by your death, dear wife. You went home at the time we were beginning to reward you for your labour over us. But I feel profoundly honoured, blessed and proud that you are my wife. Missing you is a heartache that will never go away but your life will remain a constant reminder that there is no greater way to honour you than to be a better me and uphold the love and peace you lived and died for.

No doubt your parting has left a deep crater but we will fill it with memories of joy, laughter, friendship, kisses that we shared. Yes, My Angel, these things we shall miss very much.

Enjoy your deserved peace with the Lord, till we meet again to part no more.

Adieu Nne Anike

Adieu Nne Aniekan

From ALL of us.