I apologize for keeping you all in suspense for so long. I’ve been unable to blog as consistently as I’d like because I’ve been so consumed with funeral arrangements and activities. For those of you that are completely unfamiliar with Nigerian culture (which is probably a large percentage of readers), let me intimate you with some of the things that go on when a loved one who has led a full and commendable life, dies.
Rather than a solemn ceremony with copious amounts of tears and mourning, a celebration of epic proportions is the norm. Dubbed Celebration of Life, this festive occasion begins with a wake-keeping, which is essentially a service of songs and testimonies of how individuals were personally impacted by the deceased. That took place on Thursday evening. Today, we held the funeral service at 11.00am at my mother-in-law’s home church, after which we followed a long procession of cars to the burial site where her body was interred.
Then we went back to the church and gathered in the multi-purpose hall for music, dancing, food and fellowship. It was amazing to see the number of people whose lives have been impacted by my mother-in-law’s life. I must admit that it set me thinking about what my funeral would be like. I’m not trying to be morbid here, simply realistic about the fact of death, which as they say, is as inevitable as taxes. I pray that at the end of my act in this amazing drama called life, I will have impacted even half the number of people that have been so obviously impacted by Abigail Olumuyiwa Obaweya. I’m posting a few photos of the events so you can live vicariously through me. If you haven’t yet, now might be a good time to start thinking about the impact your life is having on the lives of people around you!
Rather than a solemn ceremony with copious amounts of tears and mourning, a celebration of epic proportions is the norm. Dubbed Celebration of Life, this festive occasion begins with a wake-keeping, which is essentially a service of songs and testimonies of how individuals were personally impacted by the deceased. That took place on Thursday evening. Today, we held the funeral service at 11.00am at my mother-in-law’s home church, after which we followed a long procession of cars to the burial site where her body was interred.
Then we went back to the church and gathered in the multi-purpose hall for music, dancing, food and fellowship. It was amazing to see the number of people whose lives have been impacted by my mother-in-law’s life. I must admit that it set me thinking about what my funeral would be like. I’m not trying to be morbid here, simply realistic about the fact of death, which as they say, is as inevitable as taxes. I pray that at the end of my act in this amazing drama called life, I will have impacted even half the number of people that have been so obviously impacted by Abigail Olumuyiwa Obaweya. I’m posting a few photos of the events so you can live vicariously through me. If you haven’t yet, now might be a good time to start thinking about the impact your life is having on the lives of people around you!
6 comments:
When I go, I want a party. I want loud, fun music with lot's of happy and touching stories. I don't want people to be sad but as you have described a celebration of life. Of course, the only way that will happen is if I live the sort of life that others would want to celebrate. It's up to me.
Joey, you and me both. And it is up to us what the celebration will look like. We've got to start preparing for it today!
looking good
You guys look amazing! I like the celebration idea a lot better! Come home safely...we miss you!
Thanks Jake and Valerie. We miss you guys too and can hardly wait to get back home!
Wow. It looked fanastic. I agree with Joey, I want a party when I leave. I want people to celebrate my life!
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