I put off writing this till late!
It was with indescribable feelings of shock and utter disbelief that I received the heart- breaking news of her demise. We spoke on the phone and she sounded hale and hearty.l promised paying her a visit that same week.. That was too late!
Life is, definitely, too transient and, surely, a walking shadow. To John Donne, it tolls for everybody.
Words cannot convey the loss and void her departure brings. Hers was a quiet, peaceful, and humble life, devoid of ostentation. A life that touched numerous people in different ways. Her life was filled with love, warmth, hardwork and utmost generosity.
Undoubtedly, she will be greatly missed for her maternal disposition and wise counsel. We, however, thank God that she left remarkable legacies for which she will, forever, be remembered. To Albert Einstein, "Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us: Our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life."
I hope we can continue to hold true, Mrs Agnes Abia's virtues and live our individual life journeys, so that at the end, we will bequeath honourable legacies to our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and generations unborn.
Adieu, Mrs Abia!
A mother par-excellence!!
Ezigbo nne, good night.
"The strife is o'er, the battle done."
May her kind and gentle soul find everlasting rest in the bosom of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
We wait till our tolls are called.
OKPAGU LILIAN,(MRS).
DEPUTY DIRECTOR,
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION.(RTD).