Goodybest Diary: A Visit Wrapped in Love, Loss, and Comfort. 28/12/2025

Dear Diary,

A wise man once said, "There's time for everything under the sun, a time to be born and a time to die." These words have never felt more real to me than they do now. Recently, my family and I were confronted with the painful reality of the latter. We lost my beloved mother-in-law, a woman who was warm, kind and loving her presence used to radiate with quiet strength. She was sick from time to time, and every possible effort was made to save her, but man's worst enemy, death, still came, and she succumbed in its cold hands just a week ago.

The pain was heavy on all of us, but it's more painful to watch my Father-in-law, who lost his companion of over fifty years, his confidant, friend and better half. The silence she left behind is louder than words.

Morning Preparation Filled With Purpose:

Last Sunday, we decided to visit my Father-in-law to offer him comfort, love, and presence because sometimes being there is the loudest prayer and comfort. I woke up that morning with a sense of compassion and responsibility, prepared a pot of stew to take along, while I asked my brother in-law who stayed in the village to prepare white rice ahead of our arrival.

My husband went to mini market for shopping, he bought several items, including goat meat, drinks, yam, cashew nuts and assorted chops, ensuring nothing was lacking. After parking our bags and getting the children ready, we set out on our journey by past 9 am.

A Smooth Journey Down Memory Lane:

The journey to Esit Eket was smooth and calm. We chatted and I'm laugh softly along the way, yes just trying to keep our spirits up. My husband seize the opportunity to show our kids important landmarks from his childhood, his former secondary school, Eket Modern High School, and his primary school, Holy Cross Primary School. It was heartwarming seeing him relieved those memories and sharing them with our kids who were curious.

We arrived almost 11 Am. Two of my brothers in-law were there, we exchange greetings and brief conversations and later went to see the chickens and rabbits my brother-in-law is raising. It was a simple but an exciting moment for my kids, as the were amazed by the bunnies, touching and playing with them. To us it was comforting, ha life continues quietly amid loss.

Words That Came From A Broken Heart:

My Father-in-law was not home when we arrived, as he had gone for a Christian meeting. By 12 noon, my husband drove to the kingdom Hall to pick him up while I was busied in the kitchen preparing pepper soup, and poured into a small cooler in anticipation of the visitors who would arrive soon. I also started to prepare afia efere, because I wanted to ensure that there was enough variety for everyone.

When hubby returned with his father. The look on his face when he saw me is simply unforgettable, he was happy and grateful, he hugged me and told me that he expected me since, that was deeply emotional. We hold hands to the backyard where I gave him seat, he then shared how everything happened with me. With a low voice he said, it was his first time witnessing someone take their last breath, and not just anyone but the woman he loved all his life. Listening to him reminded me how fragile and short life truly is.

Sharing Food and Comfort:

In no time, visitors began to arrive in large numbers. We warmly welcomed them, served them drinks first, followed by food, rice and stew, pepper soup and afia efere. The house was filled with people, quiet words of encouragement, conversations. The reason for gathering was sorrowful but then love flowed so freely among us.

A Quiet Farewell and a Prayerful Heart:

As evening was fast approaching, visitors were still coming, but I bathed the kids, got ready and exchanged farewells with everyone, especially my father in-law, I spoke heart to heart with him, he promised me to be strong and he also said I should be calling him daily. By 6Pm we began our journey back home. The road felt quieter, and my heart was heavy yet hopeful because of the resurrection hope in the Bible book of Acts 24:15.

Reflecting on that day I was reminded that grief never truly disappears, but love makes it lighter. I earnestly pray that the Almighty God comfort and strengthen my father-in-law, to grant him peace beyond human understanding in this lonely moment and to surround him with the assurance that he's not alone. Though death has taken a precious soul the memories she left behind will live longer in our hearts. ❤️

See you next time 🕊️