Dear Joseph,

I can’t believe you’re gone.  Is it possible that the younger cousin whose faith in God inspired me will no longer send me emails that include mention of this faith?  I will never again hear from you by email, asking me to join a new forum that you have created, or asking if I can send you the latest gadget?

You were a young man with a dream:  although I was your older cousin by some years, I still saw many qualities in you to admire–you had a vision you were working tirelessly (literally 24 hours a day) to accomplish.  You wrote about your country, a country where many of its youth have become without hope and ready to give up, where many are finding other ways to get what they want, no matter how many rules they break, or how many others they destroy on the way.  You were a shining example of what hard work and perseverance would get you, in time.

But you didn’t get to see the fruits of your labour, and for that I am very sorry.  To your sisters who will never see their brother grow up and live out his full potential, I grieve.  For your mom and dad, who only wanted the best for you, who never wanted to bury their child, I am heartbroken.

You will never know it but we, your sisters and brothers here and your mom and dad here cry for you.  We love you deeply and pray that you are at peace.  I am so very sorry that an entry about you has to come at such a sad time.  You used to read this blog occasionally, and left one comment.  And in typical you fashion, it was on the entry on my father’s birthday last year: 

To me he’s an inspiration that show’s me nothing is impossible to achieve to them that belief in God.

Am particularly grateful to God for his life.

May God continue to renew him and all that pertain to him.

Igba odun odun kan ni, in Jesus name.

Joseph

I hope that I don’t have to tell you that my father considered you a son.  I am so glad you were able to see my parents this past November, and you will be happy to know they were so proud of the business you were working so hard to build, and touched by your generosity and kindness during their visit, although you had so little yourself.

Rest in peace, Joseph.  You will not be forgotten.

With love,

Jummy

Filed under: Family, Inspiration by jummy