Titi, It's a pity I can't be here, but I know you will understand that if I could, I will.
You're more of a sister to me than a cousin. We grew up together with our grandmother,
lived under the same roof in the same room. We laughed together, cried together and had
squabbles like all siblings do, but we do care about and love each other dearly. An adage in
our culture says 20 children cannot play for 20 years, we did, but naturally, as we became
adults,we had to find our different ways in life, taking us to different parts of the world. First,
Ola, your lovely husband took you away from me, but that was temporary; we still
communicate and saw each other a few times. The last time was just over a year ago when
you came to the UK. We had so much fun and your laughter radiated in our home that my
family, your nephew and niece are planning for us to visit you and your family in the US this
summer. Now death has plucked you away from us. You know what, it is not forever as you
will still live in our memories and it is that bubbly personality that will linger in our hearts. I
will rather keep your laughter of last time in my memory than seeing you unresponsive in a
coffin. Adieu my dear sister. Rest in the Lord till we meet again to part no more. We love you
but God loves you more. He will give Ola, the girls and the rest of us the fortitude to bear this
irreparable loss --Amen.