To my family, relatives and friends who knew Mr.Wilson Bukachi Eshikuta, my dear beloved grandfather, may the grace and peace of Almighty God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be with you all. I would like to share a few words about my grandfather, whom I loved very dearly and respected highly.
I think grandchildren have a special vantage point. By the time we meet our grandparents, they’ve probably made most of their mistakes and learned most of their lessons. Their secret journey, unobserved by others, has imperceptibly carved itself into their faces.
I also think that there are lives that are so whole that when they end, you realize they’ve told the story of all of our lives. Wlson Bukachi Eshikuta, my grandfather, had that kind of life.
My grandfather was a man of hard work, honesty and integrity. He never did a shoddy work, never cut corners to get quick money even when he would have nor did he swindle anybody of their money. He trained me to be a hard worker and commit myself to highest levels of excellence and integrity. Whatever Grandpa was involved in, he made sure that it was done the right way. He never cut corners, and always made sure others were happy.
His highest level of education was class 1 yet he could read, speak and understand English very well. He was a quick learner having learnt the skills of masonry without ever attending any formal classroom training. He worked hard to provide for our needs and for all the years I stayed with my grandfather, I never went to bed on an empty stomach even when there was great scarcity.
Were it not for my grandfather, I personally would not be alive today. Neither would my siters and brother be what they are today. I’ve stayed with my grandfather since my childhood and he willingly took in my younger siblings when we lost our parents. He accepted me as his own son and loved me unconditionally.
I have managed to get where I am today because my grandfather worked hard to ensure that I was in school. He paid my fees and provided for my daily needs. He denied himself so much that I may achieve my goals in life. I am what I am today because my grandfather believed in me even when everyone else didn’t. I dropped out of school due to lack of school fees but he encouraged me to be patient and when opportunity came, he took me back to school.
The greatest treasure he gave to me was leading me to my faith in Christ. I am Christian today because I saw a Christian in my grandfather. Were it not for this great faith, I don’t think I would have mastered the strength to handle this loss. He taught me how to put my trust and confidence in the ever present and faithful God.
If you’d let me, I could write several pages of stories and details of what my grandfather meant to me.
He was a father, a mentor, a friend and a role model. His commitment to excellence, honesty, responsibility and accountability and hard work are the qualities I’d wish to be remembered for. He motivated me to fulfil God’s purposes in my generation.
In conclusion, Grandpa will be missed dearly. I hope to someday become half the man he was. People like my Grandfather are one in a million. Anyone who was around Grandpa knew of his generosity, work ethic, humility, integrity and selflessness.
Albert Einstein once said, “Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life.” So let us celebrate Grandpa’s life and continue his legacy.
Thank you Grandpa. I love you, and will miss you.
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