In my town in Akwa Ibom State, the death of an elderly person is not just a time of mourning, it’s a celebration of a well-lived life. There are usually several days of wake-keeping, traditional music, and feasting. The compound becomes a gathering ground for distant relatives, age grades, village heads, and friends, all there to honour the deceased. It is a mix of tears and drums, of tribute and tradition. But as beautiful as this farewell can be, my family chose a different path, for life.
The past Sunday was an awesome one, and unlike those usual farewells, it was a Celebration of Life for my grandparents while they are still alive. It was held in church, and a lot of people were invited.
My uncles and aunts, even those who had been away for years, returned home for this occasion. Some faces I hadn’t seen in so long, cousins I grew up with but drifted from, were all suddenly around again. It was like time folded in on itself to bring us back to where we all started.
One of the most beautiful moments was seeing my grandpa dance.
I had never seen him dance before. He looked so happy. My grandma, always known for her lively spirit, danced with him. In church, many stood up to speak of how my grandparents had touched their lives, through kindness, wisdom, or quiet support. Testimonies poured out like blessings.
Their children all wore matching attire, and both my grandparents wore the same elegant fabric that was like a symbol of unity.
We sang, we danced, we celebrated them with joy. And when the service ended, we returned home, where food flowed, drinks followed, and laughter filled every corner.
My family believed it was better to read an autobiography than a biography, to give them their flowers now, not at the graveside. To celebrate them while they still dance. And truly, that day, they danced.
My grandmother testified of the lord's goodness and how God saw her through in raising her kids. She said her true happiness is that none of her children are blind (illiterate) like she's. All the 7 children she bore are all graduates and are all doing well in life.
My grandfather joined in the testimony and used that medium to admonish parents to train their children well and never give up on them, nomatter what, that they'll rip in due time.
It was truly a joyful moment, after everything, people ate and merried.
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@ritaetim