What other worst event can cross your path than watch both your parents snatched away by death. 18 days ago (25th/03/2012), death robbed me, my family, friends and relatives of a true hero, the most beautiful and most important person to us; my father. This visit is exactly 11 years after my mother passed on, a reality I still find it hard to come to terms with.
I remember Thursday; the 15th/03/2012, as I walk around Newtown and Dad called; it was 12 noon (Sydney Time) and 4am (Uganda Time). The first thing I said when I answered the phone was; Dad, what time is it? My Dad answered; “It is around 4am, I thought of you and waited to call at this time so I don’t wake you up from your sleep. I want you to know that I am thinking of you and very proud of you for completing your studies”. My father who could not travel to Sydney to attend my graduation for reasons beyond control was praying and thinking of me instead of sleeping. He knew I was graduating soon but I forgot to mention the exact date to him which was 20th March 2012. I remembered two days before my graduation that I have to call Dad and let him know my graduation was on Tuesday, but his calls could not go through. I tried the next day and still no success. I tried on the day of my graduation again and again but nothing, I just needed that one last shower of love and those great words of a proud Dad before I can walk up that stage to receive my Masters degree but Dad was not reachable. Two days after my graduation, I called Dad again and my brother picked up my Dad’s phone and said, “Mercy, we have been trying to call you, Dad is rushed to the hospital and his condition is critical” I spoke to Dad 20 minutes later at the hospital and his first words were; “Hey mummy (he referred to me as mummy because I am named after his mother), how are you? When is your graduation? I told him it was two days ago, and he was like, “that is great my baby, I am so proud of you. I am praying for you to excel and get a job of your dream; for I know you will make a great difference in the world” Here is my father on the hospital bed, thinking and praying for my future instead of thinking of his own health. Dad’s nature never changed to his last breathe, he always put others first. I remember as a kid and my father was blessed with wealth. I can recall our home was always filled with people of all background, and levels with different needs. My father had the heart for the people, he served others, fed those who were hungry, paid orphans in school, looked after the widows, and defended those who were weak. As a child I witnessed my father defend himself against over 100 military army (UPDF) who rounded our home to arrest him for being a strong supporter of the previous government (Milton Obote`s government). As a little kid, I witnessed my father stabbed at our home by the army for resisting arrest in 1986; my Dad was a brave man and was not ready to give up.
My Dad, who was given a final farewell, last Thursday (05/04/2012) in a ceremony in my hometown; has left a large hole which nothing will ever fill. I have never been afraid in life knowing my Dad was there as my motivator, defender, a mentor and as a sweet loving father who continuously was available to empower me. Right now I feel so afraid of the future, the future alone without my father’s guidance, counsel, love and support. My Dad, a man who sacrificed so much for his community and country is a man who I grew up watching closely, a man who inspired me in every way; creating who I am today. His love for the ordinary people, the friendship and constant thirst for justice is a beauty that I keenly watched and imitated as a child, who happened to be so close to her father and saw him as a mighty hero. His dedication to his country through his political party; The Uganda Peoples` Congress (UPC) was admirable and steady. Dad fought a good fight and served his Country to his last breath under UPC, a party so closed to his heart as the party Representative in the Karamoja region.
To the people who prayed while Dad was fighting for his life in the hospital, thank you so much for your prayers, it was comforting to him and to us knowing that you were praying. To those that continued to pray and supported us even after Dad passed on, knowing you were walking with us in a way comforted us, may you be blessed. And to the Almighty God, I thank Him for giving us such a father who meant a world not just to us as a family but to all whose lives he touched. It is comforting to know that death has lost its victory in Christ who took it at the cross and overcame it through the resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:42-43 reads; “42 It is the same way with the resurrection of the dead. Our earthly bodies are planted in the ground when we die, but they will be raised to live forever. 43 Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength”.
Words to my Dad: Dad, I am sorry that I was far away to look after you while you were on that hospital bed. I am sorry for not being here today to witness you being laid to rest. I want you to know that, you taught me to love and I love you very much. I have learnt many things from you and I have been a very proud daughter knowing you were my father, I am very proud of you despite how they wretched you to your grave; God is just and will surely pay at the right time. I am going to miss your counsel, love, friendship, joy, strength and courage. There is one thing I want you to know; that you may be gone but you will never die because I will make sure you live on through me, you know why? Because I am still your very own daughter and will always be your daughter. I will carry your legend of dedication to love, a heart of forgiveness, service to others, unity, and friendship. You are my father, my friend, my hero and who you are will always be my guiding light. You have left a big hole which will never be filled until we meet again; and I am looking forward to a day when I will see you again in glory.
Grieving daughter
Mercy Akongo
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