Presence of an Angel

I have not written in a bit, because the new year started with sad news coming from everywhere; the extension of the lockdown due to covid, increase number of people testing positive with covid and deaths of friends’ loved ones which seemed to be happening back-to-back. Despite, all the depressing news I was able to celebrate my mum’s birthday in January, with family and friends. Though this had to be done virtually, it at least provided us with the opportunity to be thankful to God for our mum’s life.

Today, I woke up with the sole purpose to celebrate an Angel that I had the honour and privilege to have been in his presence. That angel I speak of is the Late Dr. Yemisi Aderemi, who I will fondly refer to as Uncle.

When I think of many happy childhood memories, I include Uncle and his family in the mix. When I say family, let me be clear, I mean my adopted sisters from another mother 😊, so when Uncle, aunty, Jay, and Kay visited us at our home or likewise it was always filled with laughter, joy and fun. My dad and Uncle met while at University and their friendship continued and extended to the children and this is evident to anyone who meets our families.

I will do my best to describe Uncle, but I am sure it will still come short and not fully do him justice. Anyone that meets Uncle for the first time will notice his calm and quiet countenance, when you get closer to knowing him on a deeper level, you will discover a humble, honest, caring, loving and patient soul. He was a highly intelligent and educated man, who treated everyone he met with grace and gentleness. He was kind to everyone, from his colleagues to the students he taught with no exception. Uncle had sickle cell anemia, but this did not define or limit him, he still shone like a bright star despite the many challenges he faced due to this red blood cell disorder.

I call him Uncle, but he was truly my mentor. When I decided to be an accountant, he was the one I looked up to, because he made the profession distinguished and honourable. I learnt a lot about integrity, equity, and dedication within the accounting profession, because I saw him exhibit all these characteristics while I was a student at the University where he was the Head of Department for Accountancy at the Faculty of Business Administration.

There are so many things I am thankful and grateful to my uncle for, but there won’t be enough time to mention them all, but some that comes to mind includes; when he went with me to the Admission Board to sort out my admission into the University, providing a sanctuary in his office where Jay and myself came to escape the craziness of the Business Administration faculty (I can still remember the special way we knocked so Uncle knew it is us, so he can let us in 😊), treating Jay and myself to delicious meals at the University staff club, the periods Uncle made time to explain accounting techniques as well as tutor me, the many times he introduced me to his esteemed colleagues and friends as his daughter, checking on Jay and myself when we shared a room etc., the list is endless.

Uncle was one of the reasons my time at the University was blessed and safe. I had nothing to worry about my welfare or academics, because he cared enough to be there, standing in as a protector not only to his daughters, but extending that love also to me and being proud of all my endeavours and achievements.

The last time I saw my sweet uncle was November 1999, when I came to pick up my deployment letter from the faculty and he advised and prayed over me as he always does. If only I knew that was the last time, I would see him on this earth, I would have hugged him a little bit longer. I can still remember exactly where I was when Jay called to tell me through her flood of tears that her dad had died, I have never felt so completely helpless like I did that day, knowing I was too far away to comfort my friend and sister, but most of all that I would not be around to say my final farewell to this special angel that God had called back home.

Uncle’s gentle soul sadly departed this earth on February 3rd, 2000, a date his daughters and all those who love him will never forget, but today February 19, which is the day of his amazing birth, I choose to remember the day God blessed our world by sending one of his precious angels to grace and shine his light brightly among us.

Though we feel your life with us was too brief, we are truly thankful and grateful for the happy memories we were able to make with you Uncle. Therefore, with Jay and Kay, as well as everyone that remembers you fondly, we wish you dearest Daddy, Uncle and Friend, a Happy Birthday celebration with all the saints and angels in heaven. Thank you again for blessing us with your smiles, gifts, love, and life Dr. Yemisi Aderemi (RIP).

PS: Happy Birthday to Uncle’s birthday mates, they know themselves 😊, Love you all.