Dedication

I asked, "Why did this happen to me?"
But, I'm not the one who died.

I'm so sorry, my beloved son, that I was far away when you died. I hope you know I would never have moved an inch from your side if I'd known what was going to happen.

You were a fine son, a wonderful one, in fact. Yes, every child who dies is miraculously an angel, but in your case, I don't know anyone who didn't think you were special. And you were. Different, special. You had grey hair at the age of 11! What on Earth was that? And you were wise, patient, and kind to everyone. Were you perfect? Of course not, no one is. And maybe God took you early for your own sake, because if there was one thing you needed to work on, it was your attraction to females and their attraction to you. You, my lad, were not destined to be a monogamist, methinks!

I was brought up to be a stiff-lipped ex-colonial Briton. "I love you" is hard for me to say. I don't know if we even say it in our Nigerian culture. But I wish I had said it more to you.

And if it isn't too late: I love you.

Rest in peace, Yemi, my beloved son.