"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11).
This chapter might seem to be the most interesting part of this book, but it is not. As a matter of fact, if you've not read the previous chapters, go back and do so.
his is an account of the incident that occurred on Wednesday the 26th day of November, 2014. It was a day a lot of things in my life took a new shape; it was a day a lot of scales fell off my eyes, it was a day I lost one of the most important people to me in this world, it was a black Wednesday, and it is a day I will never forget.
On that fateful Wednesday morning, I woke up very early, took my bath, and got ready to make the journey. The things I was to travel with, I had packed and arranged on the previous day, so I had fewer things to do. I inspected the house to make sure that things were where they were supposed to be. I was satisfied with the look of things. So I fastened my belt and went to check on my friend who along with our neighbor was supposed to travel with me for the burial of my paternal grandmother, a burial we prepared very well for.
My parents and siblings in the company of few other relatives had travelled home two days earlier, being on Monday of that week. I opted out because of my exams which were supposed to end on that day. My travelling was supposed to be on Tuesday but because of the people coming with me, being the first time they would have came to my village I decided to stay until Wednesday so that I'll bring them home myself. Moreover, I wanted to land there at the village with my friend walking beside me, and I knew the things he sacrificed just to make that travel.
When I got to his house, he was fetching water from the well. I got annoyed with him, because when we discussed the previous night on how to make the journey I told him we would leave very early in the morning and he didn't object. The reason for us to leave early was because our neighbor had some deliveries to make on the way; besides I needed to be home early so that I could help in doing some works that needed to be done. Well, he said he was almost done so I should exercise a little patience. Their house is just a stone throw from mine, so going back to my house to exercise the patience was not such a big deal.
When I got to my house, I thought about it and I said to myself, “enyia, onwere ihe na eme gi n'isi? (My friend, is something wrong with your head?) Why are you annoyed? If you were in his shoes wouldn't you do some house chores before leaving the house to stay away for some days? Your annoyance is not justified biko. (please)”. After the counsel I decided to go back, apologize to him and help him fetch the water so that we can actually leave earlier. “After all,” I said to myself again and continued, “he is performing his duty to his family, of which you would do the same if you were in his shoes.” But never did it occur to me that it was his last.
Just as I stepped out of my house I met him coming to inform me that he was set to move. I was so happy that I forgot I had an apology to render. I quickly rushed back inside, picked my stuff and we made our way towards his house for him to get his own luggage, then we zoomed off.
We arrived at Peace Park via Liberty bus stop, Abakpa, just about the time they were to close manifest which had just three names on it. Reason being that the bus was to go over to their other park to pick up more passengers. We got the tickets and they decided to fix us in that vehicle that was about moving out. I quickly called Mama Nneka (our neighbour) who was supposed to travel with us and she showed up in no distant time. We boarded the bus and zoomed off to Old park bidding farewell to Mama Ikechukwu (our neighbor) and Sis. Tochukwu Uche (my church member) whom I usually call Bro. Tochukwu.
Normally I stay in the front seat of vehicles, but on that particular day I decided to stay at the back seat so that I'll be able to sleep on transit since I hadn't had much of it for days because of my exams, and from the look of things I may not have much sleep when we get to the village.
My friend wanted me to come to the front so that we would stay together but I opted out because of my reason being to sleep.
In no distant time we (the six of us and of course the driver) arrived at the peace park in Old Park, Enugu. While some other passengers were boarding the bus, I alighted and stood beside the front door chatting with my friend as he was downloading (eating) the “okpa” he had sent me to buy for him; and the bottle Lacasera drink I also got him as atonement for my unjustified annoyance earlier, which he reluctantly accepted saying it was not necessary. “Guy, forget that thing” were his exact words. That was “us” for you. We would always 'forget that thing' that would bring up elongated issues between us and move on. That was the way it had been for the past twenty five years we've been more of brothers than friends.
Shortly the driver came and asked him if any passenger had occupied the front seat beside him and he said none so far. The driver said ok, but that he wished someone not too big will occupy that position so that he wouldn't have any problem driving, especially with the gears. My friend turned and said I should come to the front so that we can sit together. This time I didn't object. But I told him I wouldn't want to sit near the driver, since though I'm not too big, I would definitely doze off; and I may disturb the driver in the process. He said that one was not a problem as long as I was the one sitting beside him. With that settled, I went to the back seat, got my bag, jumped onto the front seat, fastened the seat belt, and snuggled into a cozy position to launch me to sleep as the driver swung on to the high way. That was how I came over to safety and he moved over to danger.
I can't remember if and what we discussed before I fell asleep, but I do know that it was sooner than later after the bus drove off that sleep caught up with me. However, I knew when we got to Okigwe, and then when we got to Abia tower, Umuahia. Our vehicle stopped at Umuahia for Eld. Anucha, a member of our church (Seventh-day Adventist Church), who also lives in our street to alight. I knew I bade him farewell before we zoomed off again, but it was later he made me understand that I was making a phone call and he tapped on the glass to get my attention. I think he was the only person that got down from the bus at that time and we diverted to the other side of the road as our lane was under construction. I must have said one or two things to my friend before falling asleep again, hoping to wake up again at Peace Park, Aba, or whenever the vehicle stopped for one reason or another. But unfortunately, I woke up in Abia Specialist Hospital at Amachara, Umuahia.
I don't know if it was a dream, a trance, a vision or an imagination but I had heard our driver shout, and on opening my eyes I saw another vehicle hit us face to face and we fell by the road side, at that time I didn't know it was a big truck that hit us. I don't know if they explained to me when I regained consciousness that we had an accident or probably I was a bit conscious of the development because of what I had seen earlier. But I can remember seeing someone ask me if I had any number of my relatives by heart, someone that can be called to give the latest information to. I have my dad and my mum's GLO and MTN numbers respectively by heart but I knew they would not be reachable as the most effective network in my village was ZAIN.
They probably also told me that the two phones I had with me got lost at the accident scene, or I just knew about it by myself; but at that particular time, I cared less. I recalled I had gone to Mrs. Ukonu's house the previous night and given her direction to my village and the phone numbers with which they could reach us if they had problem locating my village, for they were supposed to come that day too, but at a later period. I didn't have her phone number by heart, so I gave them Emeka Nzeadibe's number and told them to call him so that he would send them Mrs. Ukonu's number in order for them to call her so that she would send to them the numbers I gave her the previous day. Well, how they made the connection, I didn't know, I guess I must have fallen unconscious again. It was later that I realized that the person I gave Emeka's number knew me, though I didn't know him too well. I later got to know his name - Prince Chikezie Ihesiulo, and the nurses, Precious and Chidimma and the other woman, a nurse too, that gave me a pillow for my leg when I was being carried back to Enugu. To them I would remain ever indebted, because they really sacrificed a great deal for me.
I can't remember a lot of things that happened there at the hospital. Even though I was in serious pains, the only thing that I was worried about was the state of the people that travelled with me. I told anybody that cared to listen that I was travelling with two people, a woman and a young man like me. I knew when the wounds on my face were stitched, I even told them to stitch my finger too, but I don't know if I was not audible enough or that they didn't find my finger worthy of being stitched.
I didn't know how she got to know, but she came to assist me, and I can't remember asking her, maybe she explained; but I was thankful that Silver was there to care for me. I was later told that it was Emeka that called and told her, and she came immediately. I would be ever indebted to her too for being courageous at that moment. Even though we are friends and members of the same church, I know it really took some courage and endurance to be with me at that time, because I wasn't myself, and I had a lot of troubles to dish out. Well seeing her at that time made me relax a bit, at least I'd seen someone I knew, and one from whom I could get the information I needed as regards the people who travelled with me, at least I knew she had Uche's number, so I would ask her to call him and find out how he was doing.
I knew when we went for X-ray, and I could remember seeing Pastor Iroka and Bro. Prince Uzoaru. I'm thankful to these two also for they facilitated my transit to the place where the x-ray was done, and of course the financial involvement too.
I do not remember this but Silver said that a lot of people called at that period and spoke with me, people like Treasure, Ozioma, Amarachi, and a host of others; even my very own Rosemary. Silver also said that I responded so well and answered those calls like a normal human being. I can't remember speaking with you; but thanks for calling anyway.
I know I recognized Mama Nneka and told the people around that she was the woman I was travelling with, and I also told them that one person remaineth, my friend. I told Silver severally to call him on phone and she told me that she couldn't get him on phone. Then after some time and pressure from me, she told me that he too lost his phone like I did mine, so there was no way to get in touch with him. It was when she later told me that he had been taken to another hospital where he was receiving treatment that I relaxed a bit and the whole pain that was hanging came down on me. Later my dad came around and Chibuike too.
The only thing I can remember that happened the next day was that when I was asked what to eat I requested for Akamu (pap), not really because I was hungry, but because I knew that was the only thing that could at that time go down easily through my throat. And then I saw a group of people, their faces were familiar at first, and then I realized I actually knew them. They were going for the burial too. Later in the evening the same group I saw in the morning came back to carry me home. I thought I was going to National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu, but I ended up at Ozohaji Bone Setting Clinic, Obiagu. Well, both are in Enugu, so it's no big deal.
The experience I had when I was being carried into and out from Eld. Chigozie Oriaku's vehicle is better heard than experienced. However, I'll spare you the details, because I even don't want to think about it. I am thankful to the woman who gave me a pillow for my fractured leg, Bro. Ugochukwu Nzeadibe, for lending me his laps for my head while we were heading home in Bro. Chigozie Oriaku's car. The two bros along with bros Iyk Alum and Blessing Ogbonna are now elders, to the glory of God. There were a lot more of the things that happened back there at the hospital that I don't remember, and no matter how hard I try I still cannot. Well, I guess they are not important.
Staying at Obiagu was not easy at all, but one had no choice. I met Hon. Tony Okeke in the room where I was laid, and Emeka Nzeadibe stayed with me that Thursday night and Friday too. That night I did not notice anybody as my spirit, body and soul were not together. But later I became acquainted with the environment, accepted the fate that befell me and surrendered to the Everlasting's will.
“Honourable” as he was popularly called, thrilled us with political calls and updates. At first it was disturbing, but later it became enjoyable. Then you would always here funny but interesting title names like 'qkx daa ebube', 'xta ana agba igwe', 'nwa amadi chqkichq', and a host of others; and each time he called his wife he would request to speak with his daughters Akuabata and Kaosisochukwu. Our room was lively at all times as he had a lot of people, both family and friends (political and non-political) coming to visit him. His case was also serious as he broke his right femur, and just like me, he had problems with his hand too. His head also showed marks of several stitches. He had spent about two months at Ituku Ozalla before coming for bone setting at Obiagu. Having spent quite some time before I was brought to that place he was instrumental to us as he guided and directed us on a lot of things.
Going into the 'theatre' as we called it was not something one wished to do often. I have not encountered so much pain-causing injuries in my life, but I think none is as painful as, or more than that of a broken bone. The pain surges through the whole body like fire in the veins rather than blood. Most times you just feel like shouting or screaming could help relieve you of the pain. You feel like yelling out all of those pains that coarse through your veins; and you actually wail and yell, you scream and shout, but to no avail. All you have to do is to be patient and wait out the nerve racking pain. Patiently yielding your life unto God and praying that the ravaging pain does not burst you.
I remember vividly the day I first heard of the demise of my friend Uche. Prior to that, I had always been told that he was still critical and still at Umuahia. “Critical” became the only word they used to describe his state of being. But on that fateful day someone I knew, in the company of another person, came to visit Honourable. When they came in I recognized him and called him by his name. He was shocked to see me; I guess he didn't know I was there. When we greeted he said he had heard of the incident, and he also heard that Uche died that day.
I was shocked to the marrows. I felt cold shivers run down my spine, and serious pain on my broken leg. But I quickly said no, that he did not die, just that he was critical and receiving treatment at Umuahia. Inwardly I reasoned that what he said may not be a rumor, because no one would joke with such news. But I prayed and hoped it was just a rumor. I knew he didn't know I was not aware of it then. He said ok to my reply and we closed the chapter. Reluctantly I answered all the questions he asked me, and I guess he must have realized that he had inadvertently revealed a grave secret for he observed my sudden restlessness, and so he let me be. All the while I was looking at my brother's face to either confirm or disprove that statement but he evaded looking in my direction. It was as if he didn't hear what we were discussing, but I knew it was just an act so I kept to myself, hoping and praying that someone or something would wake me up so that I'd attribute the whole drama to something that happened in the dream. But nobody woke me up, and up till now it's still like a dream.
I was so disturbed from that day. A lot of things went on in my mind. I just couldn't bring myself to believe that what I had heard was real. But then, I knew I had not received any news about him other than that he was still critical and still at Umuahia, unlike Mama Nneka whom they always gave me details about her state of being. Even at a point I had to ask who was there taking care of him, and they told me the elder brother was doing that. I decided I was going to place a call to him so that I could hear from his mouth the state of my friend’s health. But I didn't have my phone with me, and I didn't want to bother anybody with that because I sensed they were hiding something from me, though I wasn't expecting the worst.
It was on the 5th of December, 2014 that they officially broke the news to me. By then it wasn't so shocking, it was then a confirmation of my suspicion. However, I went down memory lane to re-live our companionship and friendship. I remembered a lot of things we used to do together, our jokes and codes, our strolling, our arguments which most times were done on purpose, our plans and arrangements which have been unachieved. I tried to bear it like a man, at least for the sake of mum. I didn't want her to see me cry for I knew it would break her heart, because she hurts more when we get hurt; my siblings and I. But my greatest challenge was how I was going to face my friend's mum, for I knew she would ask me where my brother was. Apparently I didn't have the answer to that question, and I did not think I could ever have a befitting answer to that question, because I did not know. We did not even chat much that day, because I knew we would have spent at least two days together, and he would have been virtually everywhere I would have been, and we would have had more than enough chats. I just wanted to sleep so that I would not lazy about when we got to the village; and then you just never think such things would ever happen so you don't make out time.
That time I was in so much pain, both physical and emotional. I was traumatized terribly. I cared less about the things I had to lose, the time that would be lost, school and other things; all I wanted was my friend. I just wanted him back, and I would give anything, even my very self, just to have him back. I felt like giving up, I saw no need to continue living this life. I had just lost the closest person to me, and my life seemed to be on hold. At that time I wished I could just fall asleep never to wake up again. But then, I remembered that there is someone who may not be able to bear it if I died, my mum. I also thought about it that my friend's mum would have to take consolation in me as a son, and giving up would just worsen things. For these two women I decided to be a man, bear the pain as long as it lasted, be up on my feet again and make them proud.
I heard a lot of comments about the incident that happened, some people said my grandmother was a wicked woman, that she was the one that caused the accident, and some of my close relatives who knew I didn't sow my own uniform the way others did, attributed the event to be a result of that; and so many other funny and thoughtless comments. Even if those theories about the living-dead are true, my grandmother was not wicked in life, so there was no way she could have become so in death, and even if she decided to become wicked, why harm her favorite grandson. And if truly she had eyes to see that I did not make my uniform like others did, she should have also seen that I had a special uniform I made from the material, which was done to suit the presentation I wanted to make at the occasion; and she could have also seen the joint efforts which we all made, and of course my own personal efforts to give her a befitting burial. And if she was wicked as some said, why cause such a terrible accident knowing that it would greatly disorganize her own burial, or did she want to remain an unburied corpse forever? Why take the life of so many other passengers in that bus when she could just single me out and do with me whatever she wished to? Well, those are unnecessary arguments but done in order to make it clear that the whole thing was just an act of the evil one, nothing more. To all those comments and theories I join the wise man to say: “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten” (Ecclesiastes 9:5).
My right index finger proved so difficult to heal. It was almost torn into pieces and the phalange twisted upside down. Well, thank God for the relentless effort of Aunty Nurse Udo, one of the nurses there at Ozohaji bone setting clinic, the wound later closed up and the Doc started setting the bone.
The bone doctor in charge of the clinic is a kind man, Ozohaji Godwin by name. If it wasn't a health related issue I would say he possesses a rat-like attitude of 'o na ata gi o na afu gi onu’. I hope the Igbo speaking person understands that adage. Well, what I mean by that is that even his facial expression did not give you the slightest idea that what he was about to do next would send an almost unbearable pain to your nerves. And at the end of the show he'd be like, 'take it easy, just relax and you won't feel the pain ok?', and such moments I'd be like, 'it's easy to say, because you are not the one bearing the pain'. Whenever he was done with you he'd tell you: 'your leg is good', at least I never heard otherwise about my leg. Well, having been in the system for a long time (I heard the clinic has been in operation since the 70s), so I guess he has gotten used to the painful expressions, the wailings and yelling. But then at the end of the day I would conclude that he knew his job well. He was a real professional. He managed the place with his brother Joe, and few other staff like Aunty Nurse Udo, Aunty Nurse Evelyn, Aunty Ifeoma (the cashier), and the newest Aunty Nurse Emmanuella. They made quite a pretty good team. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning between eight and nine when they had devotions, he would always say to everybody present that they did not come because of their broken or dislocated bones, but rather because of the words they were to hear from him. He was a member of the Community of Yahweh Worldwide, and during those morning devotions he would always teach a lot of things that most people found contradictory to their own beliefs. Each time there was commotion you would always hear: 'Udo n'afa Jesus' (peace in the name of Jesus) and everybody would say 'Amen', then he would either continue with his teachings, or say the benediction; and work for the day would start.
Uncle Joe, well I didn't have many encounters with him so I can't really say much about him; but I know he knew his stuff and did a good job, just like his elder brother. He was not the one that handled my case, but he helped out on some periods when the main doc would be very busy.
Aunty Nurse Udo, I would say, combined her nursing job with motherly care. I don't know if she was that way with the other patients, I can only speak of my personal experience with her. She would always call me ' Ife' and ask how I was doing. Of course whether ground dey level or not (whether all was well or not), the answer would always be positive. Well, just greet her for me whenever and wherever you see her, she did extremely, wonderfully and marvelously well, and she nursed my finger back to wholeness and life .
Towards month’s end you'd see much of Aunty Nurse Evelyn coming to remind you that the next 'bed levy or fee' was supposed to be paid before the following month. And such periods you'd notice more of her well arranged set of white teeth. Having watched her for long, I noticed those smiles were not faked, it was just her nature. She would always smile even when there was nothing to smile about. Whenever she talked, you'd wonder what was doing the talking, the hand or the mouth. What I mean is that each word had different gesticulation, and whenever she was explaining something to you she'd always ask rhetorically, 'you get?'. Well, the cow and chicken she promised me the first time I made use of the clutches she is yet to give me, and as at the time of publishing this book those were still promissory. I hold it not against her anyway if she did not deliver them physically to me, for the services she gave me were worth more than the cow or chicken she promised.
I can't speak much about Aunty Ify because our paths didn't cross much. Though she used to live near the clinic and would always come to greet us and ask how we were fairing; and whenever we had issues with light, she would be the one to take care of it. But those early moments of my stay I was always in pains so I didn't talk much, except of course when people visited me, and I had no option but to interact. Before I started coming out she had relocated to another place. So seeing her would always be on their workdays when she would be busy inside.
Aunty Nurse Emmanuella, the newest staff, was another wonderful person to be with. I always liked talking with her whenever she showed her face because each time you said something, whether funny or not, you would see those set of white teeth of hers. She laughed more while Aunty Nurse Evelyn smiled more. I didn't have problem knowing she is from Nsukka because of her accent, and I would always try to speak the little I know of her language, which of course triggered laughter when I spoke the wrong one. I guess she'll never forget when I told her my surname was aero plane. Well, the summary of it all is that she was fun to be with. I didn't want to mention this but she nearly cried the day she misplaced their office key. At that time I wished I was a magician or some kind of seer, so that I would just point to her where the key was lying. Well, thank God those tears lingered until she found the key and they had no other option but to cease as soon as the laughter surfaced.
One of the patients I met at the clinic, Aunty Onyinye was already using clutches when I was brought in, and she would always come to the door of our room and greet us,– Honourable and I. It was at a later period that I was made to understand that Favour, the young girl that used to visit her was her daughter; apparently she was one of her children. Prior to that I thought she was her kid sister or something of that nature. She would always warn us to keep our legs well and stay cool so that we would not go for second missionary journey like she did, to the theatre.
Mr. Augustine Nnamani was brought in on 15th December, 2014. We usually called him Papa Onyii, because it was Onyii, one of his daughters that stayed with him most of the times, and we all really got acquainted. Papa Onyii was fun to be with, but when you have an important place to go, make sure you do not start a conversation with him. He is a great story teller; not fables anyway, but stories of his wide travels and wealth of experiences.
The story he told often was one of his experiences in Ngwa land where he went to do some trading, and almost lost his life to some cannibals. But thanks to divine providence, a lady whom he called ‘God-sent’, advised him to flee the place. Whatever business he had to do there was never accomplished for he never ever went back to the place.
I do not know if the story was real or not, but he always told it with all seriousness. And maybe that was why each time we brought up the issue of my getting married to Onyii his daughter, he would always say that his daughter will not get married to Ngwa man, as they are notorious for their cannibalism. He said this because I am Nwga by birth. Even though he had a story to back up his opinion, we were just having fun with the whole drama.
He was a loving father from my own point of view. He would always wake up very early in the morning and start praying, blessing his children and committing them into the hands of God. Just like Honourable, he liked guiding and directing, or suggesting better ways of doing things. I bet that was why, according to him, he left all he was doing and went on that fateful day to accompany one of his relatives to Anambra state to get a wife, and on their way back, against his wish, they travelled at night, coupled with the hot-headedness of the driver and his refusal to slow down on a sharp bend, they had an accident in which he was the most injured. Just like me, his left femur was broken, though his own was nearer to the knee, while mine was nearer to the hip.
Mama Ogo was brought in later in December too. Unlike Honourable, Papa Onyii and I, whose encounters were on the highway, her own accident happened in the town, New Haven, Enugu to be precise. Honourable had his accident along Enugu-Onitsha expressway, near Proda Bridge, while mine happened along Enugu-Portharcourt express way, before Ubakala Junction in Umuahia, and Papa Onyii's own was at Ugwu Nvene, around four-corner, Enugu. Just like the three of us, she had a broken femur too, but hers and Honourable's were on the right leg, and she had some bruises on the face and hands. I learnt that about two people including a pregnant woman died as a result of the accident. She had her own fun to contribute to our stay over there and she really did. The husband Mr. Nwaigwe would always come around to ask us: ' A na e kick kwa? ' (Hope you are kicking?). Or sometimes he would say ' A na emekwa ya? ' (Hope you are doing it?) Other times he'll change the (ihe a na eme), and whether (a na eme) or not we would always say yes, so that (aga na eme ya nu). (The answer was always positive irrespective of the situation of things).
I was not comfortable during those moments when I was confined to the bed, those moments when the only movement I made was to lie and sit down. Neither was anybody taking care of me at any particular time. The worst moments were during the nights; those nights when your visitors were certain to have gone home, and the person taking care of you might have fallen asleep, then you suddenly to a night watchman, especially when there was no light. Those were the times you have two main things to worry about, heat and mosquitoes, and
