In Loving Memory...

Last week on Thursday July 25th, I received a call from my best friend Ndidi. This was one of those calls no one ever wants to get. She called me to tell that her dad passed. He had been sick for some time, but we all thought he was getting better. Either way, this is one of those things I don't think anyone can really prepare themselves for. We cried together but thankfully we were also able to have some moments of laughter. Didi, along with all my family members always call me out about looking crazy, which I'll admit, I do sometimes... Lol. We had to FaceTime with our IPads because her phone died while we were talking. I was so glad it was one of my crazy days because as soon as she saw me, we both busted out laughing. If I had ever been glad to be looking busted, that was the first time.

Yesterday morning, while at the doctor's office for my check up, I looked through my Facebook news feed to pass time. I came across Didi's status that she had put up a few hours early and I found myself holding back tears sitting in that room. I wanted to share the message. I've read it several times and I just think it's such an awesome tribute to her dad. I'm sure if he could read this, even though his time here is over, if he did only one thing right, he would be satisfied knowing he was a great father and I think that is more than enough.

Here it goes...

Daddy,

I really do not know where to begin. The fact that I will never get to hear your voice, hug you or tell you I love you one last time has left me brokenhearted. I miss the way you smiled, the way you constantly brought joy to my life, the way you called me 'ndi babe' when we spoke, the way you influenced me positively and made me always want to make you proud. I THANK YOU for so many things daddy, but here are just a few; 

I thank you for making me learn the times table when I was little. Lol. I remember cramming it with dedication, so that I could impress you when I recited them back to you. I lived for those happy smiles!

I thank you for buying me novels because you knew I loved to read. When you would go away for work, you would return with new titles from my favorite author, whoever it was at the moment. It is because of you that I eventually had a large bookshelf at such a young age.

I thank you for always sharing your food with me. Lol! I loved when mommy made you food because it was always some elaborate spread. I loved eating with you and I wish I never stopped doing it when I got older.

I thank you for never being harsh with me whenever I did wrong. Honestly, you never even had to yell daddy because the gentle way you approached my shortcoming, whatever it was at the moment, always tore my heart apart and made me cry a million tears. You showed me that screams and yells, are not the only way to go.

I thank you for teaching me about my family history and telling us stories about how you grew into the wonderful man you became. You were a rock daddy. You worked very hard to give us a great life.

I thank you for being a great conversationalist on celebrities! We loved to talk about what a particular celebrity was up to and discuss award shows! Lol. I admit, it was a unique thing to have in common with my dad and I LOVED it! You were also passionate about politics! You could probably talk about it for hours if you had the chance.

I thank you for showing me the world at such a young age. You loved to travel and loved to take your kids with you.

I thank you for ALWAYS buying presents. You loved buying us things and I think it gave you immense joy to see our faces light up when we received our treasures. We always knew that we were thought of constantly.

I thank you for teaching me the value of selflessness. You were the kindest man I have ever known. You gave and gave and gave, and never expected anything in return. I remember becoming annoyed whenever you would give people who I felt were taking advantage. I literally wanted to scream that you couldn't see that some of them were just users. But if you did, I don't think you ever cared about that...you were just altruistic that way!

I thank you for always encouraging me, showing me that you were proud of me, and always believing in me. Your words and love really helped shape the woman I have become today.

I thank you for being brave in the beginning and even later, towards the end, when I could hear it taking a toll on you, when I could hear the weakness in your voice, you still remained brave. We were so far from each other, but you still struggled to hear our voices until you couldn't anymore. I never thought death was a possibility. I never thought that you could slip away and disappear forever in a split second. 

Daddy I have wondered if I will ever think about you again without wanting to burst into tears, without my heart feeling like its being ripped apart or without having this lump form in my throat.

REVELATION 21:4

And he shall wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away...

You were the greatest father in the world and I will never forget you daddy. I love you with all my heart and I am so blessed to have called you father on this earth.

P.S. Daddy, I hope you can run really fast in heaven because I intend to leap into your arms as soon as I get there. My angel orientation class will simply have to wait! lol.

Love You,

Ndi Babe

Didi and her dad.

How beautiful.

Rest In Peace Mr. Yadi.