About the Book
It was exactly 7.30 am, in the second week of August, in the 2007; I did not know what the day had in stock for me, and all I ever knew of was the joy that was ushered into my heart on reading through the few lines of the nomination letter for The National Book Fair and the letter sent by the ACS Committee Char, Mary Moore, which also nominated me into the American Chemical Society. I picked the two mails from my post office box simultaneously, and was reading it almost every second that passed by, for it was so exciting, refreshing and worth celebrating.
It was about 7.35 am, at the domestic arrival of Margaret Ekpo Int’l Airport, Calabar, while preparing to board the morning flight with Arik Airline to Abuja for my defense, when my phone rang. Initially, I wanted to abort the call, but for the fact I was entering the plane, where all electronics appliances are switched off, I was eager and therefore received the call that ushered me into a sober mood, a call that kept me silent for a couple of minutes.
Barr. Essien who introduced himself as an AkwaIbomite, very close to my seat on seat 14F must have quickly noticed my mood, when he requested to know if everything was alright!
It was at this point that tears rolled down my cheek, and I was able to summon all courage to inform him that I have a call informing me of my uncle’s death.
It was the Late Hon. Eno Udo Ekong’s death. A renowned academician, Former Hon. Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, a former banker and friend, behold, this was a lamented loss to the fatherland. His house was my house, he accommodated me pretty good and was always encouraging even when I thought all hopes were lost, he kept challenging me to break even more lofty grounds.
Had it been it was my last service, when he asked me to buckle his sandals before he traveled to India for further treatment, I am certain I would have done even more, then and then.
Uncle Eno deceived us, even for the first time, by promising to come back home through phone calls and text messages.
Few minutes after my stories coupled with all ill emotions did the hostess announce of our arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
It was at this point that I walked into the international arrival, thinking of young one’s he left behind, the good educational foundation, which he corrupted them with, His dear wife whom he loved, cherished and comforted on every side. It was at this point that I walked through each bookshop at the international arrival, looking for the material, a book for relief and comfort for her. I first realize that she has just been welcomed into widowhood. I then looked the nook and cranny for such material to no avail.
Even in the taxi I boarded, I was fast to ask the cabman to stop by any bookshop for such material, believe me, we could not still get one.
It was at this point that I first had the motivation to first put to writing “The Widows Compedium”.
This book, though prepared in the style of a reading guide, would I believe, be a great help to widow’s, speakers, preachers, writers and, of course Non-Governmental organizations.
As I conclude the introduction pages, I realized how nice it would be if a book was available, compiled with the thoughts of widow’s, if for nothing else, then just for casual reading.
It is consequential to read it over and over again, practicalise it and at most, get the copy for the widow at your door step. It’s that easy, don’t delay a second.
Mkposong S. Asuquo
Author