When a loved one passes on we find ways to honor them by speaking of their achievements and their legacy.
Most people would want us to talk about Dr. Obinna's birth as the second born and first son of Micheal and Grace Obinna on May 15, I935. I am not sure how important that date is now, being it was almost 85 years ago. I searched for important events in 1935 to determine what made him special. Some events were noteworthy like Persia was officially named Iran on March 21. Elvis was born sometime in January. Driving test and license plates were introduced in England in June. The biggest event was the Monopoly board game was introduced. No earth-shattering events that year. Nonetheless, he was special.
Those that knew him during his youth (not I) would want to talk about all those things that youths do. The youthful exuberance, the recklessness of youth and the big dreams that all youths have. Growing up during the British rule of Nigeria, I am sure those were interesting times. However, my father glazed over these periods during conversations. He always wanted to talk about the most important periods of his life.
But what were those important things?
Dr. Micheal Obinna would want us to talk about his Engineering and Innovation of the English Language. He spent most of his life innovating the Language and finding ways to instruct on the nuances of speaking and writing. In 1997, my Father, in a handwritten letter (pre-email) wrote to me "I hope God will give me the grace and opportunity to contribute to Nigeria's development especially in the area of revamping her education system." Dr. Obinna would want us to talk about how he was a great lecturer with thousands of students walking through his open doors. He would want us to talk about the books and papers he has written.
But his legacy is in his 5 Children and 11 Grandchildren. His legacy is in a wife, of 48 years, who loved and looked after him till the end. His legacy is in the friends and family who adore him. His legacy is the nickname "Daddy O" given to him by those who considered him their father.
Daddy O is missed and will always be missed. And though, a great soul has left the earth, he will always remain in our hearts and memories. When we talk about Daddy O, we will talk about the good, but also the human side that made him who he was. If there is one person who is loved completely for who he is, it is Daddy O.
Heaven will love him too.
Ps...My father always believed he should be considered for the Noble Prize for his innovation: Structure of the English Discipline Mode of Enquiry (SEDME). Since that is not happening at the moment, I want to honor him by making one of his books "Parents of the Future: Do not read to the Child," an early innovation in Early Child Learning" a best seller.
Purchase the book at https://payhip.com/b/6Knm