Tribute to Dr. Fakinlede
“Everyone God places in your life is for a reason”
That was your statement to me in 2007 when I told you I had not met my ‘Ms. Right.’ You inquired whether I had not met her or I was just running away. You said I needed to search myself and all around me because God was perfect and would have placed good ladies around me. Then you said, if I still didn’t find anyone after searching from childhood to adulthood, then I must have been a wicked man and God would not give a wicked man a good lady. After all the soul searching, I realized that you were right, God had actually placed my ‘Ms. Right’ right by me all the while, and today she’s been my ‘Mrs. Right’ for almost 8 years.
That was essentially the kind of person you were. You had a gift of de-cluttering life questions such that the courses of action to take would ‘suddenly’ become obvious. You came into my life as a boss. Then you became my counselor and a mentor. You taught me not to run away from life’s battles but to face them with faith and preparation.
You were a woman of faith, quietly living out your life according to your belief in God. I recall our many discussions about the Christian faith and what our obligations and expectations should be. Even on your last day, your faith was unwavering and you were still thankful to God for your life. As we prayed together, I was full of hope that the worst was over. When I wondered how one coped with a loved one’s illness, you had a smile and an encouraging word for me. I didn’t know it would be the last smile I would receive from your earthly face.
Since your passing, I find myself listening to more of Handel’s. It is hard to believe you are no more, Dr. Fak. It is so hard to take in. It is hard to believe that I will no longer run into you as you walked around the block. It is hard to believe that there will no longer be stop-bys to check up on us at the office. You lived out your name. You were charitable. You were always so considerate and so ready to share your books, knowledge and wisdom.
You may be no more but you live on. You are alive in the hearts of those who knew you, and in whom you had planted good seeds. Many years to come, your seeds would still be bringing forth fruits. Adieu, dear Dr. Charity Fakinlede.