Around 2014 or thereabout I got a message in my inbox. A blogger, Mr MA, who had been reading my random Facebook status updates got in touch and asked me if I wanted to work with him. I had a lovely convo with him, but I declined the invite. We didn’t keep in touch.
Fast-forward to 2022, we met at an event in Nigeria, and we exchanged numbers. He asked me to work with him again. I wrote one article but declined the invite. I felt the timing wasn’t right yet. In my mind, we had plenty of time for me to get on board with his work proposal. This time, we kept in touch.
On 9th December at about 11:45 pm he told me he’d been unwell, I immediately video-called him. On 10th December in the morning, I checked up on him again, he told me he was in the hospital. He told me he loved me. And I said, ‘Take it easy’. I planned to check up on him later that day to understand what was happening.
By the evening of 10th December 2022, death had snatched my friend away! I remember when I found out he'd died, I fell flat on the floor.
I DIDN’T GET TO SAY GOODBYE PROPERLY! I DIDN’T GET TO WORK WITH HIM! I DIDN’T GET TO EXPERIENCE HIS FRIENDSHIP FULLY! I DIDN’T GET TO TELL HIM HOW MUCH THE FACT THAT HE CARED MEANT TO ME!
I spent days crying! You see, just a few months earlier death took Aunty A, one of the nicest persons to Tiny and son. In 2021 my nan died; I was certain I understood the pain that accompanies losing a loved one. In 2022, when death took Aunty A, and my friend Mr MA, I experienced a different type of pain. I realised I didn’t understand NADA.
The more I thought about them, the more I am inspired by the life they lived. Aunty A was a bold one, she took life head on. Mr MA was too!!! Death that unwanted visitor, denied them of doing more; but the time they had with us, they did a lot that meant they can never be forgotten.
So, tapping into Aunty A’s bravery and following Mr MA’s constant encouragement, I'm starting this blog again! And this time I won’t stop.
I’m sorry my first post is about such a subject, but I can only truly start if I can pay this little tribute to Michael Bamidele Alonge. Who, for the short time we were friends reminded me daily, that the person I thought I can no longer be, is the better version of me.
My blog since its inception in 2013 has been about my life, it’s about my experiences, about my thoughts. I’m going to start sharing those again. Welcome aboard, let’s do this!!!
You've always been an amazing writer. From your posts to your comments, even your messages. I am so proud of you. For a title I want to suggest, " Make hay when the sun shines". Your aunty Shells.
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