Re:Remembering those that we left behind

God's plan has always been that families should stay together. In this way,they will support one another as we journey home.

However, due to un-avoidable circumstances,some of us in diaspora have been separated from loved ones for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are ever with such ones.

When we left home,we left parents,siblings,spouses,children,relatives & neighbors. Some of these individuals contributed in one way or the other towards our coming here with hopes that in one way or another once here,we will contribute to their well being.

America being what it is,we must commend those who have not only been in touch but have sacrificed and gone an extra mile in helping.

But today, I wish to focus on the plight of those we left behind.Whether they understand life in this country or not,they expect us to at least call,write,help them financially,and at the fullness of time,return home to be with them.

While some of us have and continue to do that,some stories that one hears are very painful indeed.Reflect on the following:

Not long ago,a male in his 40s returned home and sadly passed after one month.Nothing unusual except for the fact that there is more to it.He returned home after 18 years in the States.During those 18 years no one back home knew of his where about; No not even the wife and two children or even his parents/siblings. By the time they found out of his where about,he was on his way to the grave. So as you have already figured out, he returned home quite different from the way they saw him when he first left.

I know of three cases of women who having waited for their husbands to return after several years but all in vain, ended up in having nervous break down. I don't know what became of them.

Although life as we found it is far from what we were told, there is a tendency (whether by choice or what have you) by some of us forgetting those who at one time meant so much to us.

I wish to appeal to all of us to remember those we left behind. Prolonged Silence simply kills them. If you happen to know one that has forgotten his/her people please try to challenge them to at least call or write? Will you?

Just a thought.

Pr Absalom Birai-612-386-4608.