Tribute By Agozie Abiakam The daughter of chief Chiedu Iyizoba and a daughter/ niece in law to Justice Chinwe Iyizoba
My Tribute to Auntie Chinwe our Blessing
I always thought you would be there.
Every time I think of you, I hear your voice in my head and see your beautiful smile. You were my always-present auntie, intentional, kind, sophisticated, and wonderfully blunt.
Even in death, you are still impacting my life, Auntie.
As I reflect on the life you lived, I find myself wanting to do better and be better. Losing you has changed me. This entire experience has shifted something deep within my heart.
When I look through old pictures, I realize something I am so grateful for, you were always there. In every milestone, every celebration, every moment that mattered, Auntie Chinwe was present.
I often think about the many, intimate moments we shared. One memory that always makes me smile is from my university days. I used to sneak into your house at the oranges. It felt like my own place, so the staff would let me come and go as I pleased. Your house became my little escape, somewhere I could go when I needed a break from school but wasn’t quite ready to go home.
One day you caught me, but you completely pretended like you didn’t know I had been sneaking in. Instead, you made me stay the whole weekend with you like it had been a planned visit all along, you even took me to shop-rite to stock up. That was just who you were, gentle, understanding, and full of love.
And when adulthood hit me and life became heavy, your voice was always there, strong, encouraging, and with just a little bit of the judge in you, helping me navigate life.
In the last year, you told me how proud you were of how far I had come. Hearing that from a phenomenal woman like you meant more than words can ever capture. It filled my heart with so much joy.
Auntie Chinwe, I love you with my entire heart, and I will love you forever.
Thank you for teaching me what it means to show up for the people you love.
Thank you for your unconditional love.
Thank you for the friendship you shared with my dad.
Thank you for being my safe place.
Most of all, thank you for being my Auntie Chinwe.
Continue to rest in the perfect peace of our Lord Auntie. Amen.
Your daughter
Agozie Abiakam (Nee) Iyizoba