If only you knew, how much I need you!

 Chike stood still, his eyes wide with the news. We have done all we can for your father,

said the doctors. Your father is strong, but we fear the worst. A tear rolled down Chike’s face. He walked back into his dad’s hospital room. He stood there with his chin up and

said Dad, If only you knew how much I need you! And was about to break, but he heard daddy, daddy. He looked to see his son and his child’s mother, Kyaire. Hey, she said

with a soft smile. I heard about your pops and had to check in. Thank you, he said. She gave him a hug. He takes a deep breath and picks up his son. Hey, little man, and he holds him close. God whispers to his heart, 'Peace be still,' as he fights the tears.

​

The nurse walks in and says, I am sorry, visiting hours are over, and your dad needs his rest. Chike stood up and thanked her for taking such good care of his pops. Alright, pops, I love you, and I’ll see you tomorrow then Chike whispered, promise me dad that I’ll see you tomorrow.  What does that mean? said Kyaire. It's a reminder to be a man of our word. The doctor said he can hear us. I am sure he can, she said.

​

Kijani lay unconscious in the hospital bed, I promise, he tries to whisper, I’ll do my best, he thinks.  My boy. God, he said. I am tired, I am ready to be heaven abound, but my son, my son, and a tear rolled down his face. God said, you have a decision to make: life or death. Are you ready for heaven, or will you remain on the earth?

​

Later, his ancestors visited him, and they sang  “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, then they

talked about their transition out of the body, to being a soul. Oh, his great aunt’s soul said,

I remember lying in my bed, I was at home back in those days. I had to poop so bad, but no one knew that I was blocked for days.

Finally, I went, and they cried. I smelled so bad. But it was my last poop. Yes, yes, said his great, great grandma’s soul, I remember, I was glad I did not have the ability to smell.

I remember my last days; they were so peaceful. I was in the nursing home, and I knew it was my time, but I was ready. It felt as if everyone had already left me, so I could not wait to get to heaven to see them again, but some of those old turkeys had the nerve to be reborn. They could have waited for me to get to heaven. Now, he is two years old, standing around with his thumb in his mouth. I went to visit him, and said I used to be married to you. He did not care; he stood there wanting candy. I said that's what got you last time, too much candy, then I left.

​

Well, let us finish our arounds. Who are we going to visit next? Don't know, let's ask God, who wants company. God sent them to the nursery  in the hospital to greet the new arrivals. They stand there and sing to the babies, pray over them, and wish them well.

​

The next morning, Chike walks back in the hospital. He was grateful for his friendship with Kyaire, she really is great. He sat down and talked with his dad, who was still unconscious. Dad your right. Kyaire is great. She made me dinner, and it was nice spending time with her and little Chike. I need that family time. Chike felt as if his dad smiled. Chike picked up the bible and read Proverbs 3:5“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And lean not on your own understanding;” Chike said, I trust you Lord, but God, this is really hard. Mama’s gone and now daddy is holding on by a thread. God, I need him. I am not ready to let my dad go. God sends a message to Chike: You will never be ready, but you will make it through.

​

A tear rolled down Chike’s cheek. I am going to lose my father, I know it! God said it's his time, and he is ready, and sends the message to Chike’s heart, which breaks.

He starts to cry, and then his friends walk in. What's up they said. I don't think Pops is going to make it. Come on, Chike, don't give up. Chike said, I am not, but he has not woken up, and the doctors’ fear the worst. But what does God say, that's it, and he showed them the bible verse.

My dude, they both said with their heads down, dang. We promise to be here for you, anything you need. Thanks, said Chike, and they all just sat quietly for a while. Chike’s friends left, and he was at a loss. Pop's it has been me and you for a long time. What am I supposed to do without your advice, without you.. I don't feel like there is a me without you.

​

Chike leans back in the chair and falls asleep. Kijani, with God’s help, sends his son a message. My father’s named me Kijani, as it means warrior spirit, as they wanted me to be a strong and righteous man. I named you Chike because it means God’s strength. I wanted and needed you to always lean on God for his strength. My son, I am tired. I have finished my race and kept the faith. And now I am going home to my heavenly father, and I will always be around Chike. You are my blessing, and I could not be prouder of you. You are the man I needed you to be. God bless, and he gave up the ghost.

​

Chike's heart received the message, but his soul cried for his father, as the machine screamed and buzzed. The nurses and doctors came running in, but God blocked their efforts because the warrior was done. Chike, crying and shaking, stood up in a state of loss that he had never felt before. Why? God, I still need him. And for the first time, Chike heard God clearly say, you will always need and want your father, your words. But he was ready, and now we have to focus on you.

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Chike dropped to the floor and grabbed his heart. The doctors quickly jumped into action and brought him back to life. God blessed him with healing to maintain the doctor’s work. God talked with Chike, it's not your time, it's not my will for you to die, and it's not your will to give up the ghost. Chike, tired, smiled and agreed. He realized he was not ready to leave his son, and he wanted one more child. God said how about two more, eat healthy, eat healthy, and eat healthy.

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Two years later, same hospital, same day, Chike stands next to his new wife Taj ( exalted crown), push, push, said the doctor who brought him back to life. It’s a girl, Kato ( wise twin), screams and cries put me back in, it's cold out here, and Kyaire ( strength from God) pops out, and screams. I am back.. I am back.. I made it. But all their parents heard were their beautiful, healthy cries.

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Hours later, Kyaire wobbles into the hospital room with  little Chike. She cried when she realized they named the baby after her.  We will always be family, Kyaire.. We love you. And I could not have made it through my father’s passing without you. She smiled. My husband was right, Chike is my best friend.  Kijani’s soul stands over his twin granddaughters, and he prays a blessing over them, and welcomes them back, then he prays for his son and his new wife. Finally, he prays over Kyaire and little Chike.. I will always be near my Sons he says (to big Chike and little Chike).      

                                                                  The End!