It was a sunday like every other sunday, I got back from church, had a quick nap and was on my way to LasGidi. We were about 30 mins out of the rock city when we got to the part of Lagos/Ibadan expressway where the fire accident happened. The FRSC had cleared the road but then you could still see the burnt cars, buses, tankers and trucks, that place meant the end of someone's life, some people's investments and some other people's dreams...I was thinking about all these when I thought I heard my phone ring so I brought it out of my bag, my mind must have been playing a trick on me because there were no messages or missed calls. I checked my BBM to see who had updated their dp or pm only for me to see there had been a plane crash.
Oh my ROCK! It felt like my heart stopped beating for a quarter of a second, tears started flowing from my eyes of its own accord. Though the manifest had not been released and I wasn't sure I knew anyone on that plane. I couldn't stop the tears, the pictures I saw on people's dp were so graphical. All I could say was "God not again". Not after the accident scene I just passed, not after the Bauch bomb blast. I was hoping and praying that it was a rumour but then the pictures. I was sobbing and praying to God to spare some lives..
Later that evening, it was confirmed that there were 153 passengers on that plane and that there were no survivors. A whooping 100 plus, just like that in 24hours? I was numb and I could not sleep till the early hours of the morning. June 3,2012 was a black sunday indeed or more like the weekend was a black one.
My heart goes out to all that lost fathers, mothers, aunties, uncles, brothers, sisters, pastors, children, friends, fiancees...the list is endless. I pray God comforts you and gives you the fortitude to bear the loss, no words anyone says can bring anyone of them back. The memories of the times you shared is all you have left, cherish those memories, let the memories keep you strong and when you've grieved in your own way...move ahead.
To all of us still in the race, this is yet another call to live ready...and always remember to enjoy the scenery while you are at it. The lines from a tv series I love keeps coming to mind "Everyday we face the same truth, that life is fleeting, that our time here is short, and to HONOUR the FALLEN, we must LIVE our own lives WELL. We must take the high road and allow our common loss to bring us together. I think that’s the way they would have wanted it."
***Dedicated to the lives lost on the Lagos/Ibadan express way fire accident, the various bomb blasts, the dana plane crash and to the CU fallen eagles ***
more than 100 die every 24 hours on our Nigerian roads, so yeah -just like that. Its not only through plane crashes.
ReplyDeleteYea, I know we have lost a lot of people to road accidents but this figure you gave?? I lost a dear aunt few years back to a road accident but 100 every 24hours?? I do not want to believe that..if its reported somewhere pls I'll like to read it up, you could please forward me a link. Thanks
DeleteHmm..this is so painful!
ReplyDeletePainful is an understatement Myne..hmm
Deleteblessings.....
ReplyDeleteWhen things like this happen it makes you realized how imperative it is to be grateful, to live life to the fullest, to express love to those you love and not hold it in because you never know. In the blink of a eye, it all changes.
May the blessings of the Holy Spirit be with them and console their loved ones left behind to grieve their loss.
such a sad way to loose one's life, family and friend, May the good Lord continue to protect the families and friends left behind and give rest to the dead.
ReplyDeleteToo much tragedy and deaths in Nigeria. I pray this is just a phase and it'll fade out soon. So so sad!
ReplyDeleteHow Sundays are now Black Sundays...it is just pathetic the state of our Nation.
ReplyDeleteMay God have mercy on us all.
ReplyDeleteBlessings my friend. ducked in to wish you a splendid day, a fabulous tomorrow and a fun filled weekend.
ReplyDeletestay blessed
rhapsody