And papa Iroha died

He was a happy go lucky security man at the estate where I have lived for nearly eighteen years in Abuja. I knew he was old but did not know just how old. He would break into a dance, offer a salute and demand your ID card if someone he did not know was driving your car out of the premises. He certainly did not act his age and was always doing something interesting to draw attention. A month ago my husband who was very fond of him – and it was mutual – stopped at the gate to hail Papa as he was fondly called. He responded by standing smack in front of our car making for us to hit him. My husband surged forward and with my heart in my mouth, I gasped. I was mad with my husband but Papa ran off falling into a heap of laughter as did my husband. It was a very man thing to do. We women do not understand it. “We were just playing” my husband said between giggles. I was not amused and I told him so. Suppose he fell or suffered a cardiac arrest, he is an old man. Don’t take these things too seriously my husband said and we both made our peace.
I had seen Papa when the world cup started and his usual bubbly self will salute me shouting Mama with a wave and a salute. I waved back and he ran after me outside the gate and brought me to a stop. I had been away and my husband told me that Papa had asked after me every so often and wanted to know when I would return. So, I was back ad he was now quite keen on seeing me. I pulled up by the kerb and he stuck his head in the car’s now open window with a mischievous grin. “Wetin you bring for me from your journey?” he asked still grinning. I smiled my best smile and since I was running late for a function assured him I would get it for him during the week. Papa never got the gift. The week after, he passed from a cardiac arrest.
Papa, whom I now know had no children, loved children and was very child-like in all his dealings, passed peacefully in his living room chair while watching one of the world cup matches. He had spent time playing with children in his neighborhood which was a habit he had before retiring early evening to watch the match. His wife had called out with no response and found him unresponsive in his favorite chair in their home. Who would have known that the man who kept busy at our security gate, who interrogated most visitors, laughed heartily and had a childlike quirky presence to him, who looked really strong and enjoyed his work was seventy-two years old. I was heartbroken. I had known him personally and his banters, occasionally off colour, were welcome in such a complicated unfriendly world. He was also a man of great intelligence information, knowing what was happening around the area, an important attribute for security work. He also seemed to act the father to the other younger security men who worked with him and a reference point for information around the zone.
I am saddened that the gift I promised was not delivered and I mourn with his wife and the rest of his family. The many lessons from Papa’s death are profound. Life is transient and is fleeting and can suddenly all go up in smoke. Give when you can and never delay. Be friendly and be a peacemaker. Causing trouble should never be a profession, Life is too short. Keep your mind alert and be at whatever form of work you enjoy. Smile like Papa, laugh heartily. Laughter is easily the best medicine. Be open, be honest with things and be aware of your surroundings.
Papa may not have had children of his own but he made it a duty to make children in his neighborhood very happy. Who have you made happy today?
Papa will be remembered by all of us in our estate as that security man who did not allow age to define him. He looked like he was only sixty years old and I truly could not have guessed his age because of how agile he was and how dedicated he was to his work.
I will miss you Papa and I am sorry you did not get your gift as I promised soon enough. I have learnt that I could have turned right back to the house and given it to you, no matter how much in a hurry I was. I know you understand. Lessons have been learnt. You, sir have left a big gap at our gate; the bright quirky smiles are gone, the banters and the salute and your essential wave.
May the gentle soul of Mr Iroha popularly known as Papa rest in peace and may the good Lord grant you eternal repose, Amen.
POSTSCRIPT: Also passed as we mourned Papa is the wife of our ebullient Construction Engineer, Engineer Nduka Obi and she was so young. Our hearts go out to the family. Just an overnight illness. Beautiful mother of twins, so young. May God grant Nduka the fortitude to bear this loss and May her soul rest in Peace, Amen.

Eugenia Abu