Big Sis, I lost my voice the day you left. Thoughts of you make my heart heavy, my mind speechless, and my eyes filled with tears. Hmmm, I never thought I’d see this day so soon. Why should I ever need to write a tribute for someone so strong and relentless? Someone who has always been present since I was born.

Big Sis, you had no idea how much I admired you, how thankful I was to God for your life and your presence in my life. Since our parents left early, you were our beacon of hope that the Lord would grant the four of us the long life they did not have. Quietly, I celebrated your birthdays as though they were mine, because every year you got older, you gave us hope and set the benchmark farther.

Big Sis, you were a force to be reckoned with, never a pushover. You firmly defended your opinions and always stood your ground, especially when it came to family matters. You loved fiercely and loyally, even when you tried to mask it.

My Big sis, you were a presence oooo. You commanded every space you entered. You were always effortlessly and stylishly dressed, no matter what you wore. Makeup, wigs, gowns, traditional outfits….name it. You always looked like a model.

Now, Big Sis, let’s talk about your skin – always flawless and glowing. Even the days in the hospital bed, as I massaged your arms and legs, I could not reconcile how someone whose physical appearance looked so beautiful and felt so alive would be no more in a matter of days. This thing called death; You sting ooo, chai!!

Big Sis, you made sure we proudly maintained our family legacy, left by our late parents, always. You ensured that everyone understood our family’s history – especially the uniqueness of the heritage originating from Chief Eric and Mrs. Vic Atuanya.

Big Sis…will I ever be the same again? The only world I knew was with you in it. Chai, for 62 years, there were four. We will continue to be four because there will never be a day we will not remember you or speak of you.
Rest well and don’t worry. We are aware of the task you have left behind. We’ve got it and we’ve got YOU. I will do my best to step into the huge shoes you have left behind. It is going to be quite challenging because neither our brothers nor I have the same knowledge you had about our family, but it is well because I firmly believe that you, Mummy, and Daddy will continue to guide us.

My big sis, my only sis, may your ever-loving warrior soul rest in peace. Keep fighting for us. We will let you go because, as people of faith, we believe the place our Lord has prepared for you is better. We will keep your memory alive and always love and cherish the impact you left on us.
I will end with the last text we shared, “Big Sis, God’s got you.” You responded, “Yes”. I firmly believe our creator, who gifted you to us, has called you back to His Heavenly Home.

My One and Only Big Sis!! Adannem!! Ogbuachi!! Adaosodi!!! Je nke oma Nwannem!

Love you always, Your Lil Sis, Dr. Ify Ogwumike