Aramide - My Personal Person

I had to come here where it all began.

I called her friend, sister, Mother-hen but in truth she was much more. Much more that I do not have the word or words that describe our relationship. In a period where I decided to extend myself beyond my comfort zone I met you here on World Pulse. We had a shared passion for educating and empowering teenage and young adult girls even though you did much more. We trusted our passion and it led us to the most amazing collaborative relationship I have ever experienced. You made me believe in the Nigeria of my dreams again.

You poured your heart and soul into everything you did and embraced my thoughts, suggestions and action without question expecting nothing for yourself. With every step we took together, I knew this was no ordinary interaction and it was very clear providence brought us together. We plunged in without hesitation, hearts synced, soul joined to the things we could control and relied on the One with the divine assignment for the things that we couldn't control. 

Iron sharpens iron, that was what we were about. Whenever I felt like I may be intruding you'd say \"Bimbo no o!, we are in this together\". I never wanted to cross any boundaries, I wanted to maintain the most reasonable and respectable space to protect you and your work but you will always say over and over \"we are in this together\". We were always on the same page for the most part. I doubt we ever disagreed on anything. We just strove for robust conversations to give clarity to our opinions.

It was always \"Aramide, ki la ma se bayi\" or \"Bimbo ki la ma se. We'd talk through things bouncing off each other to make sure our decisions were in favor of the girls all the time. You will let me vent my frustrations and assure me we would get through whatever. All you ever cared about were the things that deeply mattered. You laid your treasures in heaven where moths or rust could not destroy. You walked the Matthew 25 walk and inspired me everyday. Your quiet strength, kindness, gentle voice and calmness I still feel. You didn't have the need to raise your voice to command a room. Your presence was true, vulnerable and authentic, the very thing that made everything worth it all.

We challenged each other as students of life.  We were always learning, always growing and always encouraging each other. Aramide! I could write all day about you. Aramide this is not what we planned...I reflect on our last conversation and it was quite different in hindsight. Like you were trying to catch up on so many things with urgency in one conversation. Our series of chats is legendary. I don't delete them & wouldn't because they are reminder of the person of you.

I am so glad I never hid how much you meant to me and at any given opportunity I shared how I felt about you with gratitude. My thoughts mattered to you, my perspective always welcome, never discounted. \"Bimbo ki lo ro? Ok let's do that. I'd make sure we do that\". 

When Ope called me very hysterical I was thinking if I can just calm her for a moment I'd call you, Aramide to check on her.  When I finally figured out what she said I was in denial.  .\"Ko possible\".  I called Omotola and my wail filled my home. We just spoke a few days before. We had so much ahead of us Aramide.  A so bayi o, This is certainly not what we talked about....the news totally devastated me.

As I search for words and have yet to find the ones that describe how your death has shaken me to the core, I am picking up the pieces knowing you'd be like, \"Bimbo it's ok, it's beautiful on the other side, just keep on keeping on as long as you have life\". I hear your voice, tears follow. I see your picture and I'm broken all over again. I know I have to go on. I know I have to ensure your legacy lives on. I don't know how or what shape that will take but you always knew I was committed to you, the girls, Bestsprings Foundation & Goshen Orphanage. That will not change.

I think of the things we've done behind the scenes together, our attempts and our victories. I was an answer to prayer, you had said and the enormity of that was not lost on me.  You were an answer to my prayer too. Thank you for allowing me into your world. Thank you for giving me the grace to be me. Thank you for giving me the space where I could fully express my gifts and talents. Thank you for being a friend, sister and my personal person. 

Aramide!!! Odi gbe re, Odi arino ko, otun doju ala. 

You have ran you race. You have fought the good fight now it's time to take a bow, now it's time to rest selfless soul.

Our Mentors miss you, you've caused many tears. The girls miss you they feel so lost.  Omotola misses you heartbroken, but you always knew she was strong. I truly miss you and still can't make sense of it all. 

We pray for Dr. & Tosin that God will comfort and hold them in ways only He can. I can't imagine how they feel but I know the Maestro in him, he will open up his hands and let music flow through his soul to a place of surrender, a place of peace...your \"sopranic\" voice echoing and lifting him to touch the face of God.

Good night Sis! Sleep well. If only someone could wake me from this awful dream. 

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