To my Incredible Friend Remi: Happy Birthday! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
Dear Remi,
Until you, I didn’t know it was possible to love a friend this much- purely, platonically, and purposefully. I guess it’s almost the same way a Mother meets her new born in the flesh and immediately feels an inexplicable depth of love she hadn’t previously thought possible.
You came into my life, and with the softness of a gentle breeze, influenced my mindset, challenged my beliefs for the better, and wrapped me in something of a human blanket so full of love and warmth and colour. I had prayed for a friend like you. Yet, when God answered by bringing you my way, I had no idea how much I actually needed you.
Recovery days with my Rem Rem💚
To be entirely honest, though, the boon of your friendship shouldn’t have been such a shocker. It’s exactly in line with what I’d always known about you. Even when nothing but a “hi” passed between us as colleagues, it was easy to tell that you are one-of-a-kind and possess that once-in-a-generation “je ne sais quoi.”
Remi, there are many, many things I love about you (like the way you scrunch up your face when I’m being annoying) but there are a few that stand out the most. Here’s one: your gift for calming people you’ve just met and making them feel seen is something truly special. I’ll never forget the day I overheard you speak so kindly and warmly to Mr. X, your app-based driver who couldn’t stop sneezing (or was it coughing?) as he drove. “Would it help to turn down the AC?” “Are you okay?” “Very sorry.” It wasn’t in an offhand or casual manner. Anyone who listened in would have known it came from a place of genuine empathy and compassion. I imagine that if he was having a bad day, your kindness helped turn it around.
It’s how I know that I’m so blessed to experience your warm energy everyday. You have a miraculous ability to draw people in and help them feel safe— whether they’re polished and put-together or lost and searching. I know that if “O” believes in angels in human form, it’s because she’s met you. It’s clear to everyone who crosses your path that the Spirit of God is within you, radiating outwardly.
I think back to when our friendship started to form and how you spoke about intentionally living a life filled with purpose and impact. Those words stayed with me, and I’m so glad to let you know that I strive to live with the same sense of purpose and intention everyday. You’re inspiring and impacting at the same time, Remilekun. You continue to open my mind to endless possibilities, reminding me constantly of the goodness that still exists. And I’m sure I’m not alone.
It brings to mind how people flocked to Jesus, sensing His warmth and love. I see a similar light in you— the desire to give of yourself, to show up for people even when you owe them nothing, and on the flip side, have no promise/possibility of reward or gain. You are kind just because. If only this world had more of your kind, huh? Sadly, I can’t create replicas, but the one thing I can guarantee is that watching your kindness in action has inspired me to be more intentional about mine. Sometimes, change comes because someone else pays an act of kindness forward. Know that I’m paying your several acts of kindness to me forward, Remi.
I often talk about your quiet confidence—that undeniable presence you have when you walk into a room.
Silently (well, except for the click-clack of your heels 😂) or otherwise, there’s no mistaking that an extraordinary human being has arrived. Everyone, whether they realize it or not, straightens up, if just a little bit. And when you do open your mouth to speak? My goodness. The brilliance that emanates fully shuts everyone else up. I’ll never forget THAT training where you held the room in awe for nearly thirty minutes, emphasizing your point until the brilliant facilitator yielded to your position. Yes, yes, I know I’ve told this story over and over again. Bear with me, alright? I’m still stunned.😂
You maintained a deep sense of respect and composure- very demure, very mindful- while carefully explaining the ways you thought the Agreement could be better structured. I’ll always remember the impact listening to you be stellar had on me.
I really meant to type “badass” but our Mums might be reading, so let’s stick with stellar!
When you became a Commonwealth Scholar this year, it felt so right— like everything had fallen into place perfectly. It was no surprise at all because you literally embody the qualities of a true achiever, a scholar. You are probably the most organized, disciplined, and focused person I know. Your dedication to your goals is unmatched, and to see all of your hard work and commitment pay off in the grandest of ways, very honestly, made my entire year! I’ll never tire of telling you how proud you make me. My shoulders grow an inch taller every time I speak of you. I’ll always enjoy watching your life be an artwork of God’s unending love and grace. The Commonwealth Scholarship body is so lucky to have you carry its torch and represent its values. You were made for this.
And when it comes to showing up for me, you’re always there. Without fail. I know, without a sliver of doubt, that I can count on you. I’ve seen this in so many moments (creating time for me in the middle of an insane work schedule, for example) but it hit me hardest when I had to undergo surgery recently. I was an emotional wreck, filled with anxiety and fear, yet there you were pre-surgery, surgery day and post-surgery—showing up without being asked. You waited the entire stretch and wouldn’t leave until you were sure I had come out of surgery and was in recovery. You stayed by my side, prayed for and with me, and cared for me in ways I’ll never be able to repay. That day is unforgettable, not only for the surgery itself, but because it was the day the full meaning of true friendship became crystal clear to me. A complete full circle. And that’s all thanks to you.
It’s no secret that you remind me of God’s love with everything you do. I’ve seen you face different situations with joy, grace, and maturity, always leaning on God no matter the circumstance. You go head-on for what you believe in regardless of the potential outcome. I’ve watched you move mountains and break down walls. Your unshakable faith is inspiring, and the way you live out your beliefs has left a lasting imprint on my soul. I still remember when you said to me, “I’d rather stand with God and lose everything else than not have Him.” Those words have stayed with me till this day and influence how I view my own relationship with Him.
I also love experiencing how God walks with you, showing you that He’s just as much by your side. You are His baby and He uses your life as a beautiful canvas, painting it with His grace and glory. I love experiencing how He holds your hand, carefully guiding you through your decisions, making His presence known in the small details and greater aspects of your life. Through our friendship, I’m continuously reminded to live right and to keep my relationship with Him at the center of everything. Thank you for that.
Remilekun, thank you for every chorus of laughter, every tear, and every moment we’ve shared—you should know that I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. You mean so much to me, and perhaps more than anything else, are my answered prayer. God truly showed up and showed out when He brought you into my life. You are my most unexpected gift, and I’m wise enough to recognize that I’ve been given an extraordinary blessing in you. Because of that, I’m committed to honoring God by watering this friendship and being the best friend I can possibly be to you. I hope our bond lasts a lifetime, and that I can continue filling your life with as much light, love, and laughter as you do mine. Your happiness matters to me, and I will do everything I can to protect it.
Remi, I’ll always be grateful for that reconnection after a year. For that WhatsApp message and all the tiny other details that have led us here. I’ll always revel in celebrating your impact and accomplishments and will always maintain that everyone who has you as a friend is BLESSED! I hope we always recognize this and never, ever trivialize your love.
Here’s to many, many more years of “Stop telling me your pin!” 😂 To many more years of watching you achieve the extraordinary, break new ground and reach new heights! Here’s to being by your side every step of the way.
I’m so glad that the University of Sussex community is finally experiencing your light, warmth and fierce brilliance. That the people around you are being left spellbound by all that you are, just as I continue to be.
Thank you so much for the honour of sharing in your life and successes, my Commonwealth Scholar! My Salt x Light!
Happy Birthday Anniversary to you, my sweet girl!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
I miss you. More than you know.
I love you. More than I can possibly ever show.
Pour toujours, Sans cesse (for always, without cease),
Green Jollof
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