Today, the phone is silent. There are no more hour-long conversations between the USA and France, no more hearing you ask,
"Dele, how far na? How you dey? How dem Yinka and the kids?"
Yet I still catch myself expecting your name to appear on my phone. I still find myself hoping, just for a moment, that it will be you calling from the USA as you always did.
Brother, although an ocean separated us, our hearts were never apart. Distance never weakened our bond. We made time for each other because we understood that family is life's greatest blessing.
To your beloved wife, Mojola, and your precious children, Benjamin and Victoria, thank you for sharing Victor with the rest of us. We know that you were the centre of his world. Everything he did, every sacrifice he made, every extra hour he worked, every obstacle he overcame, was driven by his love for you. May you always find comfort in knowing that he loved you completely and unconditionally.
Silikiye,the shoes you have left behind are too big for me to fill. Since the passing of our Dad, you became my adviser, my encourager, and my safe place whenever life became overwhelming. I don't know who I am supposed to call now when life becomes overwhelming.
But if love could place a call across Heaven, mine would be the first to ring.
I would simply say, "Bro, how far?"
And I know exactly how you would answer:
"Dele, I dey o, I am hanging in here"
Until we meet again, my dear brother, thank you for every conversation, every prayer, every sacrifice, and every act of love. Thank you for being an extraordinary husband to Mojola, a devoted father to Benjamin and Victoria, an exceptional brother, and the quiet strength of our family.
My phone may never ring with your number again, but every time it does, a part of me will still hope it is you saying,
"Dele, how far na? How you dey? How dem Yinka and the kids?"
Some voices never leave us.
Some hearts never stop loving.
And some people leave footprints so deep that time can never erase them.
Yours never will.
Rest well, my beloved brother. Your Kid Bro, Dele.
Until we meet again.
