The remains of my late step brother and late wife have been laid to rest

With a heavy heart and with eyes filled with tears, we, the family of Late Chief Okoko Awo of Ndi Ebe Abam Community in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Abia State have finally buried our own Brother and Sister in-law on Saturday, May 10 2025. Their death occurred in succession and we became pained that we couldn't help it but to lay both of them to rest on the same day.

The burial was fixed and the arrangements were also made to include our sister in-law who died shortly after the burial date of the husband was fixed. It was so shocking to us but what can we do? Death snatched her away during the time we were also mourning our brother.

I personally was pained because when I was in my teens, I lived with this couple in the city of Lagos and they had their first child. We lived together in peace and we became close. My husband and I were also contacted when we were living in my former state of residence to assist with the admission of their Son into the polytechnic in my city of residence and we came to be familiar with the son.

I travelled home on Thursday for the burial and the program began on Friday when they did the night Virgil according to the church that buried them. The night Virgil included service of songs and praises and other things. But before then, we had to ensure that everything was set up. The canopies that were used, the chairs, the food, the decorations and many more. Since my own brother is the second son in the family, he became the main organiser of the event and some of the things to be done were delegated to me.

In all, the Friday event began by 11pm and ended by past 4 am. Then those going to the mortuary went by 9.30am that Saturday and returned by 12 noon. Yes, there were delays. But thankfully, they came back and the program for the day began with the lying in state where family members and those around were allowed to go and view their bodies for the last time. The coffins were opened for that. The outcry, the pains of seeing them lye lifelessly was something one can not tell. No one who saw them and didn't cry out aloud. It was a very sad moment.

Soon, the coffins were closed up again and taken to the service vanue which was the community field. The church program began following the list of things that were recorded in the booklet.

	the Program booklet
![1000562899.jpg] During the burial program
	the Children of the deceased couple in their canopy
Still during the program

After songs that took most of the time, it was time for preaching, then offering time, prayers for the family, and second offering was given. It was time for interment at the compound. Everyone headed there where the 2 graves were dug the evening before. They were both buried and guess the volume of tears that poured out? Mouth can't describe it. We have to choice but to accept the obvious. They are dead and are not hearing our outcries.

In all of these, my major worry and concern was for the surviving kids. All 6 kids are still under their parents roof. But one thing I love so much was that they didn't weep profusely. They already had their fills of it since the both parents were very sick and they saw them die. But I believe that deed down, they are seriously considering what the future holds for them.

I won't forget the fact that the Prestige Cosmetics company where my late brother worked for good 31 years were ably represented. They came from Lagos to testify to the dedication to duties of my late brother. It was heart touching.

Well, the kids were encouraged to know that the Almighty won't let them deal with the situation alone. He will surely be with them and assist them to bear this heavy burden.

The aged mother too needed much encouragement and comfort. Sje too was crying profusely, wishing that she dies. She was surrounded by those who gave her the needed comfort.

All the siblings were all in such agony that no one could even remember to take pictures. No one to console the other. We were greatly pained. We will really miss our brother and wife. As the first son in the house, he was such a peaceful person, always making sure that there was peace in the home.

The bottom line is that we have buried my late brother and wife yesterday. Even as I type this words, tears are rolling down..it is hard to bear but we have to. We can't help it at this point. Till the resurrection day.