Good People Really Don't Last Long...

"Good people don't last long" is one scary belief here in Nigeria, and I hear people utter this statement whenever someone passes away before old age. When I was younger, I always wondered if all those who died untimely were good people, but as I grew older, I understood why a lot of people are so rigid with this belief.

Regardless of whatever we think, death remains the surest thing in the world, and every human will have a taste of this bitter truth one day. It's sad that the world is a temporary place for every human, and whenever I think about life without the people very close to my heart, it makes me really emotional. The fact that the deceased are free from the world tribulation but it's impossible to be happy about their departure.

"Can't we just continue living as families and friends forever?" I have asked myself this question several times, but life wasn't designed that way, so when something we pretended to be unexpected happens, it leaves a scar on their loved ones hearts. I doubt if there is anyone who doesn't panic when reminded about death, because no matter how much we think we are prepared, we always have one or more things to accomplish here.

If extending our lifespan was possible and people could buy more years for themselves, a lot of people wouldn't hesitate, but it's just impossible so when someone's time is up here, it is a good bye and all we have left are memories.

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I traveled down memory lane briefly and had to observe a minute of silence for the beautiful people in my life who have departed the world untimely. They include friends and family members who loved me wholeheartedly, and I never regretted our paths crossing in life.

Uncle Jide's death came as a shocker to not just me but to every other member of the family. He was my dad's immediate younger brother and the cool-headed one in the family. He was an engineer, and God really blessed his work. Uncle Jide was a philanthropist, even though he wasn't very rich. He always ensured that he attended to the needs of every family member when they sought assistance.

One thing led to the other, and I had to live temporarily with Uncle Jide for some time. He had a female daughter and didn't treat us differently; he took care of me like his son. Uncle Jide enrolled me in a school, and life was beautiful while with him.

At the time I left there, his wife wasn't feeling good having me around anymore, but Uncle Jide still insisted that I remain there until mom eventually withdrew me from there. Upon leaving there, I barely communicated with him because it wasn't the smartphone era. We still spoke once in a while, and he always told me to focus on my studies because he had big plans for me, which included sponsoring my university education when the time came. Uncle Jide was a hope for many, but death took him all of a sudden.

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I felt sick when my mom broke the news of his death to me. I thought about the beautiful moments we shared and couldn't hold back tears. Sometimes, I wonder what life would have looked like for the many kids who were looking up to him if he didn't pass away over a decade now. Although I was young but knew he was a very important figure in my life.

I didn't get to pay him my last respect physically, but I always prayed that the Almighty God would forgive every one of his sins. Uncle Jide's way of life opened my mind to something while I grew older, his lifestyle is worth emulating and legacy should be held high.

He is selfless and doesn't discriminate. He embraces everyone regardless of who you are, and it baffles me why he doesn't push away children even though he is not on good terms with their parents. If I had the opportunity to ask him one thing today, it would be why he does that, and finally, he is another proof that good people don't last long.

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A lot of people misses his absence not just because of kind nature, he was a strong bond holding the family together and since his absence, I doubt if the other brothers have been united. I hope my generation in the family emulates his legacy and promote love amongst us.

I pray that his gentle soul continues to rest in peace.

_{All image belong to me.}