Tribute to Ezinne Lady Lolo Ihenacho.
3 min read
Words cannot describe the pain I felt on the said February day, when I learned I would not see or hear you anymore. As your first son, you raised me to be kind, supportive and love people. Although I have been heartbroken, I take silence in the many great and countless memories I shared with you.
My mama is gone but will always be in my heart. I can’t believe I will not hear your voice again until we meet again. Grateful is the emotion that despite the sadness since you passed, is the most prominent. Grateful to have been blessed enough to have such a special relationship with you Mama. Grateful to be your firstborn son. It is still so real and unbelievable in a sense that I will see you no more. I am grateful for the over 60 years I was conscious to know you as my mother. These shoes you and Npa left are enormous, a lot of responsibilities rest on my shoulders now and I have a responsibility not to disappoint you and my heavenly Father. I miss you so much, Nma.
Like Npa, you were also my voice of reasons in the most trying times, my premier confidant, my hero in every sense of the word. I must say I took for granted as it comes to light just how much of an impact you have had in people’s lives. I wonder where you found the strength to form the various personal relationships with many people and sacrifices you made to Jonathan Iheanocho’s family in supporting my dad and many people’s life. You are loved by so many, in the stories of your heroic selflessness I find comfort, joy and peace. 1 Thessalonians 4 :13 says we shouldn’t weep like those who have no hope. I know I will see you again, if I love Christ, it Is inevitable. This mantle you’ve laid down for me might seem heavy at first, but I know that with God everything is possible. Besides, I’m an Iheanocho and we have broad shoulders.
I am grateful we got to hang out with you last December 2020 and January this year, one last time. Ushering the 2021 new year by the pool, watching and enjoying YouTube Christian videos will always remain my cherished moments for the rest of my live. I love how easy it was to talk to you, so approachable despite your strict, disciplined but loving ways. You had this warmth to you, this welcoming aura. Only God could pair such a beautiful disarming smile. So, I thank you mama, for this tremendous legacy you’ve left behind, for all the very early morning life advices you and Npa gave me during my early years, for the time you sacrificed for others, for the love you showed me. This is goodnight, as I will see you again on the resurrection morning. And what a glorious morning it will be. This is your first son Ikechi, saying I Love You. I miss you and I am grateful.
Nnamdi Ikechi Andy Iheanacho
First son.
