FAITH ON HEELS

February 24th 2016 will forever be a memorable day for Timothy Omatunwe and his only son, Felix Omatunwe. Timothy has just returned to his home in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. He had been battling for his life for about a year at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. It was at this point in his life that he had concluded that there was no meaning to the person called ‘God’.

Timothy was involved in a ghastly fire accident at Delite Foods, where he worked. He had burnt even more than the bags of soybeans, machines and the whole building. The doctors had rated his case at 91% burns. It was a hopeless situation and would prefer dying than spending so much money and still not making it, leaving nothing but debt and pain to his wife, Thelma and children, Anita and Felix.

On one of Thelma’s usual visits to the hospital, Timothy got so angry and determined in his heart that he would ask her for a divorce before she leaves the hospital, as he couldn’t bear to see her in so much pain. She deserves better, so he thought.

He stared at her for a while and then looked away.

“Babe, what is going on?” Thelma said.

She leaned closer so she could understand his gestures as Timothy’s were slightly parted and he could barely speak. She held his hands in hers, smiling and her eyes filled with so much love and hope. Timothy stared at her again, searching her eyes, he smiled and cleared his throat. Thelma’s face brightens up in anticipation of hearing him speak again.

“Darling”? Timothy said amidst so much pain.

“Oh babe, that’s beautiful!” It is more than enough for me. Thelma said with so much excitement.

Timothy tried to speak again. He really wanted Thelma to know that he is giving her the go ahead to find happiness elsewhere. He was now a huge mess that will eventually cause more pain and loss. Thelma stroked his hair, still holding his hands and smiling, she said;

“ Babe, you have done so well. I know it will get better. I know you want to say you love me. I love you too. Our children miss you so much. We are praying, the church is praying. Hang in there love.”

Tears streamed down Timothy’s face. He didn’t like that she was still holding on to him.

“How can she love me even more? I am no longer the man she married. I have lost my faith, I have lost everything. I am like a damaged baby doll beyond repair that ought to be thrown away, not sewn up.” He wondered in his heart.

Timothy turned away, weeping profusely. He couldn’t hide his emotions from her again.

“No…No…”. He kept mumbling.

“Babe, don’t be like that. This will pass. We will be fine. Thelma said.

He took a look at her. To his amazement, Thelma was smiling so joyfully. He frowned, looking so frustrated.

“I will never be a complete man again, so what exactly is she trusting God for, a half husband or a peeled, shapeless, dry being?” Timothy thought to himself.

The doctor walked in wearing a sober look. He forced a smile and waved at Timothy. He turned to Thelma.

“Mrs Omatunwe, can I have a word with you in my office?” He said.

“Yes please”. Thelma said.

She kisses Timothy on his bandaged head and goes with the doctor, still wearing a joyful smile with no iota of nervousness.