” it’s been a year since I lost the three greatest pillars of my life -my father, Herbert Wigwe, my mother, Doreen Wigwe, and my brother Chizi Wigwe.
In that year, I’ve lived through a lifetime of emotions, laughter, tears, joy, anger and sadness. But most of all, I’ve grappled with the challenge of finding my way back to happiness, of rediscovering who I am and embracing the strength I need to become a solid foundation for my younger siblings – David, Hannah and Okachi.
I’ve had to become a father , mother , brother and above all , an ever present sister and friend. Everyday, I am reminded of the immeasurable value of this loss – the three biggest fountains of knowledge and love that I have ever known are gone. But amidst that, I’ve also gained incalculable strength , compassion and resilience. It is often in our most vulnerable moments that we discover the true beauty of the people around us – those with kind hearts who supports us when we are too broken to stand on our own.
One of the things that has helped me through this incredible difficult year has been revisiting the tributes written by the closest friends of my parents and brother. Their words, full of love and admiration, remind me of the precious memories we shared and keep their spirits alive in my heart. This coffee table tribute book was born out of the desire to hold onto those memories in a more personal, curated way – creating something tangible that honors them and the profound impact they had on us all.
This collection of tributes is also a way for me to say thank you to those who have stood by me during these difficult times. To those who check in ,even when I am too down to respond. To those who offer daily prayers, and to those who play with my siblings, or simply just show up to offer comforting hugs, despite it’s hardship is worth living.
As the days pass, I continue to walk this journey of self discovery, keeping my feet grounded whole honouring the memories of my father, mother, and brother. Their love and strength will forever guide me and I hope that these tributes serve as reminders of how deeply they are missed and how eternally, they live on in all of us.
I don’t know where I would be now without my relationship with God. Over the past year, one verse that had left and indelible mark on my heart is John 16;22 ” so also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice , and no one will take your joy from you ”
With all my love,
OTUTOCHI WIGWE
