Felix Chukwuneke, the father of late 17-year old Chisom, who made straights A’s in the 2019 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) before her death, has penned down touching tribute in her memory.
According to the heartbroken father, the illness which took his daughter’s life started off as just a leg pain that “snowballed to a devastating episode”.
Felix who is a Professor and Consultant Surgeon at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Nsukka, in his tribute stated that Chisom died a day to his birthday and 10 days after she had promised him a special gift.
His touching tribute which he shared on his Facebook page reads,
“Just like a dream. But the realities are crystal now; just a pain in the leg that snowballed to a devastating episode. The battle started earnestly. I hear you call daddy my leg is paining me. I watch as you lie abed with pain. As restless and worried as I can be, I promised to do everything humanly possible.
“With glaring poor health care in Nigeria, off we went to South Africa. We were happy at your initial recovery not knowing the war was just to begin. We fought it together for more than a year in SA. You were an embodiment of intelligence of inestimable value.
“We were happy at your initial recovery, not knowing the war was just to begin we fought it together for more than a year in SA,
You were an embodiment of intelligence of inestimable value, above all an indefatigable personality, courageous in the face of glaring uncertainty.“You were strong and philosophical, my strength and motivation even in sickness you wanted your dad freed while you go on to rest in the bosom of our Lord.
“Where there is no more pain you spoke in parables about a special gift 10 days earlier, and left a day to my birthday.
Never did I know your special birthday gift you promised was your Glorious exit. You exhibited your virtuoso and dazzling intellects, to the bewilderment of the doctors at Wits Donald Gordon Hospital Parktown Johannesburg South Africa“Today your name is written in Gold over there. Like a shining light in the tunnel, having a dream for an African Child,
with less privilege and opportunity like you, to access good health care. This your dream I must ensure forever the strong one’s been you.“Physically no more but everywhere with us We are with you, you are with us farewell to His glory Enyinnia Daddy’s Girl
always in our hearts, you will remain. Prof. Felix Chukwuneke”.
