TRIBUTE TO DOCTOR B. OLABISI TAYLOR-LEWIS
Saturday, January 26, 2008
My Sister, My Soul Mate. Sometimes our Spirit just connects with another kindred Spirit on life’s journey. This is our story, which began about 58 years ago. Our life experiences were similar in many ways. Sometimes, there was no need for much conversation, we could almost think each other’s thoughts. We had similar likes and dislikes. Spending time with her was comfortable and peaceful; we made each other laugh; she had a great sense of humor. One of her favorite phrases was, “but, you know?…….”
I remember her athleticism – running track at the Annie Walsh Memorial School inter-house sports, and because she was so fast, she was selected to represent her school in inter-school sports at the Freetown stadium. She was the first woman I saw riding a bicycle in Freetown. Her father, Dada was a man ahead of his time and encouraged her sporting pursuits. These athletic traits have already been demonstrated by some of her progeny. Dada and his wife, MaTunde provided their children with good genes which makes them so strong – hence Olabisi was able to fight the disease for such a long time. Mere mortals would have succumbed to this disease a long time ago.
What is her legacy?
1. As a wife and mother -- Her 2 beautiful daughters, Tanya and Serah (deceased) and 2 handsome sons, Steven and Harold have grown up to be responsible adults who have carved out their own niches in their respective communities. She is very proud of each of them and their spouses, Polycarp (Tanya) and Musu (Steven). She adores her 7 grandchildren and made sure they got to know her by spending time with them.
2. As an Academic – Her superb intellect ensured her success in school. Being a medical doctor trained in the United Kingdom, was not enough; so she went to Canada to specialize in Anesthesia. She was praised by her patients for her sound knowledge, attention to detail and her kindness. She was well respected by her professional colleagues. She derived a lot of pleasure from reading. Her critical and analytical thinking was evident until the end.
3. As a humanitarian – She loved people and cared for them deeply. She helped whenever she saw a need without waiting to be asked. Her generosity was boundless. So it surprised me that during her illness, she said to me, “I didn’t know so many people cared about me – people are phoning me from all over the world.” My response was, “Ow you tan to person, nar so den go tan to you.” – in English, “If you are kind to people, they will also be kind to you.”
4. As a gifted Crafts person – She enjoyed working with her hands, skillfully producing lovely needlepoint birth announcements for her grandchildren and others. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, crocheting and rug making.
5. As a lover of Nature – She enjoyed gardening and proudly displayed her tomatoes. She loved being outdoors. In Burnaby, she watched humming birds feeding on her balcony; she walked in the woods with friends 3 times a week; and spent the other two days at the Senior Center, exercising with another group of friends. She led a very active life and hated being confined by the illness.
II Corinthians Chapter 1 verses 3-4 (New Living Translation) reads: “All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
God has comforted me. Olabisi herself prepared me for this day. So, I send these words of comfort to her family, immediate and extended, and friends everywhere.
No more pain, no more coughing, no more suffering. Sleep on Olabisi and take your well deserved rest.
Felicia Taylor-Lewis [sister-in-law, Maryland, USA]
