I was a fresh graduate living in Sango Ota after about 4 months of graduation, when I met her. I had come for CLF Alumni meeting for the first time
and as we "fellowshipped" together, enjoying one another's company, time flew by so fast that by the time the meeting ended, it was too late for me to go back home. So I ended up following Segun Okubanjo home. I remember stepping into his home and straight into the warm embrace of Doyin Okubanjo, his wife. And oh, did I feel welcome? I can't possibly forget how she pampered me and made sure I was comfortable. I was surprised! For a woman caught unawares by the fact that a guest was going to sleep over in her home, Doyin was way too loving. Aunty, like I call her, really did touched my heart. For some of us, whose family members are far away, a smile or a hug is more than just a nice way of greeting. No, it goes deep through the tunnels of our burdened hearts, lighting up the paths to bring a warmth that spreads round the whole body even on a cold night.
Hmm... Sister Doyin... I remember her entering the room the next morning, wondering if I was awake or not. She waited for me to get dressed and even set me on my way before she headed for work. Before we left the house, she didn't forget to shower me with gifts. She was so thoughtful. Yes, she was. I can't believe I'm using "was" for her. But, I am, you know!
As I write this, there is a void in my heart that might never be filled; there will never be another Doyin that can be Doyin to all of us again. But I rest in this; your path in this world was never without prints, good ones for that matter.
She and I would disagree often, especially on the "little things," but just then, when the heat of the moment is over, we were settled. All it cost was a smile, sometimes a pat on the back. I remember once when she needed me to help her carry somethings upstairs, after I had been upstairs two times over. She had come to me, rubbing my back and reminding me of how much she loved. But when she told me what she wanted of me, and I protested, she planted a peck on my left cheek, and there goes all my protest. It all melted away... She would do this time and again; she sure knew how to get me. Once when someone did something I didn't approve of, I remember telling a friend how Sister Doyin would have handled the situation, were she there. I said "she would have gently collected it from her with a broad smile while rubbing her on her back at the same time."
Oh, was she lovely! I had thought her to be in the category of people I would write about in 2 years time, as I have thought it wise to write about people as part of my biography in case I get too busy saving the world to do it all at once. But this couldn't be more timely, since we are celebrating her breasting the ribbon as she finishes triumphantly the race set before her. I guess I had thought her to be a marathoner. How wrong I was?
Doyin Okubanjo, I celebrate your life and your triumphing into glory, resting in the joy of our Lord, your Father, my Father. I am glad you left us all with footprints to follow as we all journey our ways homeward at different speed and different pace. I am grateful to God who brought you our path, and thankful that He has you at His side. As heaven has gained more light, we press on, knowing that you have join in with the large crowd of spectators that are cheering us on, encouraging us even as we are pressed by your departure from the earth. We love you and ... I'm sorry I'm saying that for the first time. But, I did love you. Hallelujah, you are where you belong!
The strife is o'er!
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