Have you ever noticed how people seem to care the most when you’re no longer here to witness it? It’s easier for them to say “Rest in Peace” than “I’m proud of you” or “I see you.” You often get more love in death than when you’re quietly fighting to stay alive.
While you’re living, your pain goes unseen. Your progress gets ignored. You could be showing up every single day, giving your best and still, silence. But the moment you’re gone, you become something else entirely; a legend, a hero, a symbol of greatness.
Look at former President Muhammadu Buhari . While he was quietly battling illness after living office, he still carried the weight of leadership. He showed up when necessary. He served. He gave his best. Yet, during his years in office, he was ridiculed, mocked, and misunderstood. There were jokes, harsh critiques, and endless speculation but very little compassion. And now that he’s passed, the world suddenly pauses. Old interviews are resurfacing. Kind words are pouring in. Tributes are everywhere. But he’s not here to feel any of it. He’s not here to know that, in the end, they recognized him; too late.
Maybe that’s just the way people are.
They don’t always clap while you’re climbing. They don’t always lend a hand when you’re struggling. But when you’re gone, they’ll cry, mourn, and wish they had done more. They wait to give you flowers when you can no longer smell them.
So what can we do with that truth?
Live anyway. Speak anyway. Shine anyway. Don’t wait for applause. Don’t wait for validation. Celebrate yourself now. Give yourself the grace you keep giving to others. Laugh out loud. Chase your dreams. Be proud of every step you take because love after death may be powerful but love while you’re alive is what you truly deserve.
May the soul of Baba rest in peace. Allahumma Amin. Indeed, a sad day for Nigeria.
– Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
Kogi State!
