I often think of you.
When you were very small
when you were growing up
They were such happy years
And when you became an adult
I often think about you
The good times we had together
And also, I think about you
The not so good times we had
The tense and difficult moments
I think about you how we made it together
By the Grace of God to come through the difficult days together
To put behind us all those difficulties
And to forge ahead in peace and love
That love and peace we both found in our Lord and Savior Jesus.
I often think about you, the day you left us for eternity
That fateful morning when you left us
I often think of you, the fingerprints you’ve left all over
On almost every wall
I remember all these through my tears.
But through my tears, I rejoice over you
For you found grace and rest
You’re resting in glory
In the bosom of your maker
Someday we will be together
In heaven up above.
But for now, my little girl, Akpene
I send you all my love.

— 26 May, 2022

Before we your siblings (Ken, Modestus, and Vincent) were born, God had sent you ahead of us, a bold and beautiful girl, to lead and go ahead of us the boys,

Our parents named you Annie Marie Akpene. You were a leader, you led us when we were young, You lead us to school, to the market, to church, and we followed.

You were brave, you were strong, you were courageous, and you were kind and tender. You were our only sister, but you were like many sisters put together.

Anizams was your fashion brand name, and we love the name “Anizams” so much so that we affectionately called you Anizams. You made shirts for us all and for our friends too.

You were a born to win and you were a fighter, you fought many battles, you wrestled many situations, you stood your ground and withstood many when you deemed it necessary.
But when you encountered Jesus, his Love conquered you, you surrender to him and accepted him as your Lord and Savior, You obtained the ultimate victory, and everything turned around

So, when you became tired from the race of life you called on your Lord and Maker.
God looked around his garden and found an empty place
He then looked down upon the Earth and saw your tired face
He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest
With the help of his angels they flew you to your heavenly place

God’s garden must be beautiful, he always takes the best
He knew it was time for you to come home to the place he had prepared for you
He knew all your pain, and battles had to end
He saw the road was getting rough and the hills too hard to climb
He closed your weary eyelids and whispered “Peace be Thine”
It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone
For part of us went with you the day God called you home.
Till we all meet again, fare thee well.

— 26 May, 2022