Shade Adeniyi 12th October 2010

This is dedicated to the loving memory of Grandpa Adeniyi (Prof Adeniyi), and to the wonderful attributes that he had displayed and imbibed in a lot of us. I had the privilege of acquiring Grandpa as my dad about 17 years ago. I can truly say that he was made my dad by our Heavenly father some few years back now. I have some fond memories of grandpa, some of which might have been mentioned already, but the ones I hold dear and close to my heart are the ones of seeing grandpa with his grandchild, sometimes on all fours and allowing his 'then young' grandchild to play with his glasses or tug playfully at his beard. Wonderful memories of watching him on video rocking Toluwa and Tibaba on his knees and singing to them. Or when we have a school "Speech day/Prize giving" or cheering them on at Sports day and enjoying a barbecue on a 'Not so hot' summer day, just for the sake of his grandchildren. Bimbo and I never cease to marvel at Grandpa's consistent thoughtfulness whenever we go home on holiday, he will anticpate and provide for what will ensure our comfortable stay. Over the last week and a bit, I find myself tearful and sometimes in denial about the reality of the situation, how I wish Grandpa saw this special occasion or witness one special event or the other. But I am also quick to catch myself and realise there will always be room for wishful thinking... Rightfully so, but not such as to take away from us the many important lessons we have gleaned from Grandpa. Vital lessons ranging from the importance of common etiquettes to business values and foresightness in planning for the current and future. And how not to let today's pleasure cloud tomorrow's success. No doubt Grandpa we are missing you and we will continue to miss you, but we can say with all confidence that the Lord has blessed us rcihly with the few years we have known you. And I am grateful that my children knew you and will always remember you, as you hold a special place in our hearts. Bimbo has always said to you that he would rather show his love to you while you are alive to enjoy and bask in the warmth of our love and care, than show it when you are no longer able to enjoy those things. God has indeed blessed you Grandpa and your legacies too. Your name 'OLORUNTOBI' typified "THE GREATNESS OF OUR GOD". Thank you Grandpa, for everything, we would not have missed a moment with you or changed anytime spent with you. You were the best for us as a family, and we can only hope we showed that enough to you, while you were with us.