The life of one we love is never lost.
“The life of one we love is never lost. It’s influence goes on through all the lives it ever touched.” This beautiful quote by Christopher Holloway is evident in the journey of a particular woman I had the privilege of calling “grandma”.
My grandmother, Late Mrs. Felicia Adeyemi Durowaiye was a selfless, loving, kind, hardworking, prayerful and disciplined woman. Throughout my life, I was told many touching and inspiring stories about my grandmother and I even had the opportunity of witnessing some as well. From how she helped many families while she was alive, to how she was so determined to learn English despite not going to school and actually learned it from her grandson, uncle Rotimi, to how she raised my father, Mr Ayodele Durowaiye and my uncles and aunties in the way of the lord and also how she was able to fast and pray for long periods of time even in old age.
I look back now and remember how she never failed to say a prayer for me each time I spoke to her and how a smile always appeared on her face every single time she saw me with the words “iye l’Ogidi” following that smile.
With that being said, death is a significant and inevitable part of life. We shall all die one day. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will, and I can say for a fact that this is exactly what my grandmother did. Clear evidence of this statement can be seen in everyone she left behind and every life she touched while on earth, from her children to her grandchildren and even family friends and acquaintances. Grandma, you may have passed on, but your memories and teachings would always live on within me. Thank you for raising my father to be the man that he is today, this is one thing I would be forever grateful to you for. Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and your love. You have gone to be with the lord; therefore I am rest assured that you are in a much better place. I am eternally thankful to God for choosing you to be my grandmother. I will always love you. Rest in Perfect Peace Grandma.
From your grand- daughter,
Esther Eyitayo Durowaiye-Herbert.