Nollywood veteran actor, Francis Duru has penned an emotional note to his late son, Ifeanyi on his 16th birthday.
Francis shares a picture of his late son and reflected on how he had eagerly anticipated his 16th birthday, only for his life to be tragically cut short. He admitted that coping with the loss has been incredibly difficult, emphasizing that no one could ever fill the void his son left behind.
The actor noted that the pain of his son’s death still lingers, but he takes solace in believing that only God understands why it happened. He shared how life hasn’t been the same since, noting that the school bus no longer stops by their house, his mother cries daily, and he grieves silently in the dark.
Francis also revealed how his friends continue to stare into his eyes, silently questioning what went wrong.
He wrote
“Nna. Today, you were going to be 16 But the cold hands of death snatched you from us. You looked forward to this day, was so excited. We all looked forward to it, but life happened to you and you retired so early. Son, it has not been easy bc you left a very big hole in our hearts. Why you left and how you left, still bothers us. It’s not been easy, no one can ever or will ever replace you. It hurts but God knows why, your fond memories, they comfort us all. We miss you, your warm smiles and words of affirmation, and your arms on my shoulder. The last mayonnaise is still I see your friends remaining.
Since you left, the school bus doesn’t come again. Can’t remember when I last ate bread. Such a big vacuum. I see your friends and the look in their eyes, still asking what happened. Mummy weeps each day while I do mine in the dark. Frances and Soso, all of us, Grandma has your picture always. Thanks for parenting you. Nna we can’t cut your cake today. We still love you and still feel you are around. You were such a wonderful kid. All the same, happy posthumous birthday day my champ. Continuously rest in the bosom of the lord. Adieu son. We love you loads”.
Glamsquad recalls that in August, Francis Duru announced the demise of his son, Ifeanyi, whom he likened to a lion for his brave fight to stay alive. The actor expressed acceptance of God’s will, though he admitted to still grappling with the pain.
Following the tragedy, several friends and colleagues, including Empress Njamah and Ned Nwoko, visited him to offer their condolences. Sharing moments from the visit on Instagram, Empress acknowledged the immense grief of losing a grown son, describing it as an unimaginable loss. She prayed for Francis and his wife to find peace and strength in the love and life still surrounding them.
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