My Dear Sister - Nwugo. How can one begin to write a tribute to the dearest sister in the world? If only I was as good with words as you were. If only I had a creative a turn of phrase as you had. Still, out of the depths of my heart, I must express what you represented for us in our family. You were our little sister, but also a great friend, a great listener and always wise in counsel. You had the sweetest of smiles, the gentlest of voices and the kindest of touches. I could call you you a rare gem. I could say you were special. I could say you were highly favoured. But these are all inadequate to describe who you really were. Only to say that you were God-given makes the point even though this will be too much for many to understand. You and I had much in common, born in the same month, had the same initials and went to study the same subject at University. But your name gave a clue as to what height you will soar to. You had begun...so what happened? Each one of our siblings also shared something special with you - pet names, private jokes and so on. You had a special bond with our children. My daughter, Olive, your fellow devourer of books, cherished that bond and my son, Jesse, smiles each time I mention your name. You poured generously into our lives. This is is a huge loss. This is gut-wrenching. Only God can heal this pain. You were gifted in so many ways; a great organiser, great writer, great home maker, great cook and what about that voice! I have been making so many plans with you at the back of my mind. It was such a privilege to have you as my sister. I have lost a precious sister, a dera friend, a wise counsellor and a generous helper. My children have lost a sweet aunty. I am still asking why. But I know that our God is righteous. I know that He is excellent. I know that He is just. But I don't know why you had to go so soon. I don't know why you had to leave us. There is a great void in my heart, there is great pain and there is great emptiness but also a bounty of sweet memories to last us till we meet again. I can imagine you as a part of the great eternal choir, doing what you loved best, worshipping our dear Lord. I can imagine you free and full of joy at the feet of our Master. I can imagine you beautifully robed and revelling in the splendour that is our eternal home. We are those who believe the report that 'He hath borne our griefs and carried our sorrows', and we are comforting one another in the knowledge that we have hope and we will all be with the Lord, home free, eventually. You are not sleeping. You are not lost. You are alive in glory. You go girl until we meet to part no more! Oh, I miss you. I really miss you. Home Free - By Wayne Watson I'm trying hard not to think you unkind But Heavenly Father If you know my heart Surely you can read my mind Good people underneath the sea of grief Some get up and walk away Some will find ultimate relief Home Free, eventually At the ultimate healing we will be Home Free Home Free, oh I've got a feeling At the ultimate healing We will be Home Free Out in the corridors we pray for life A mother for her baby, A husband for his wife Sometimes the good die young It's sad but true And while we pray for one more heartbeat The real comfort is with you You know pain has little mercy And suffering's no respecter of age, of race or position I know every prayer gets answered But the hardest one to pray is slow to come Oh Lord, not mine, but Thy will be done Let it be... Home Free, eventually At the ultimate healing gonna be Home Free Home Free, oh its more than a feeling At the ultimate healing Gonna be Home Free