“GOD is in charge.” These were the last words my brother said to my mom. He was the fourth sibling in the family and a good brother, dad, father, very dedicated worker and genuine friend.

Abraham Lincoln said, “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count; it’s the life in your years.” What really is important along this beautiful journey called life?
Every day should be a reminder of the significance of our souls which have eternal life. Unfortunately, many of us pay more attention to the body which means nothing when we stop breathing. Sherwin Anthony Noel stopped breathing and we will miss him beyond words but I have a feeling his soul will be eternal with God. While we are still here on earth let us intentionally live our best lives with love and fulfill our purpose.

In my last column, I mentioned my gratitude list and one of the things on that list were the last seven weeks with my brother Sherwin Noel. We created precious bonding moments that will last a lifetime. We often say ” I love you” to people we care about but I experienced a next level love recently. Every day we were together for the better part of 24 hours. We held hands, prayed, laughed, cried, ate, listened to gospel and even sang (my voice is horrible lol). I constantly joked with him while singing telling him, “You must be laughing at my voice,” and he replied, “No Sonoms.” That was his name for me.
I displayed patience I never knew I had because of him and every day reminded me what a privilege it is to be alive and well. We reminisced on our childhood where we had to sleep on the floor sometimes but mom did the best should could with the resources she had then. One of the things I admired about him is that he kept acknowledging God no matter how he felt and I have a feeling he made it right with God. I am sure he did a lot of reflection on his life because one day I overheard him telling a friend on the phone that it was God that has him alive and they all should reconsider the life they lead and the consequences.

Our actions are a product of our thoughts and environment so we have to be intentional about our mindset and the people we surround ourselves with. It encouraged me to reflect even deeper on certain decisions I have made. The experience reignited my passion to be the best version of me. He had family by his side every step of the way and it was love and faith that extended his life. I think perhaps God considered that he had this soul at that moment and did not want to risk having him back in the world for the fear of losing him.
My dad also died at 42 years old and I was thinking how sad it is that if the two should cross paths in that world beyond death they will not recognise each other. He was just around three when mom and dad separated and dad was never part of our lives. So many young men are falling through the cracks because fathers are not stepping up to the plate and the children lack male role models.

We all should aspire to make every day meaningful and assist others to do the same because tomorrow is promised to no one. Let’s live full and die empty and rob the burial ground of more riches. When I prayed on my brother’s behalf I told God I will never stop praising him no matter the outcome. He left the family with three beautiful children that have striking resemblances to him. We will miss him but he will never leave our hearts.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY FOR THE GREAT THINGS HE HATH DONE
Thanking God for grace and favour for my family and giving us strength in a time as this.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6