The Chijioke Life

My heart is full, the ache is present, but, God's love and presence is strong...words come slowly tonight... I have been keeping busy - busy with all the things that must be done or attended to, and as long as nothing goes wrong, I'm okay and able to deal with life. But, when I start getting stressed, I internalize for as long as possible and then I just become a mess!! Yesterday, after a long day of doing "things", at the end of the day I was a trembling shambles of nerves and stress - I decided then that Cj has been gone long enough and I'm ready for him to come home and help me with all of this stuff that must be done...I don't want to do this alone!! I realize I am using these things, that must be done, as distractions from my grief and loneliness...some distraction is necessary and I'm glad for it. But, after a while I can't pretend or ignore it anymore... My poor family and close friends have had a front row seat to my pity party and venting... U

Hiding in Jesus Today was a hard day, I start thinking I am doing okay and then unexpectedly the pain comes... Had a regular check-up for the baby today, and I felt that I was going to be okay, but when I walked into the office, the reality of how much my life is changing hit me and I broke down when the pediatrician walked into the exam room. Also today, I began the process of cleaning out my bedroom, removing a lot of the things that speak so loudly of Cj's presence - as we began pulling stuff out and I saw again how my life is changing, I found myself withdrawing and that now familiar ache spreading... I asked my sister to turn on my ipod and just shuffle my songs. Two songs came on, the first one which I haven't heard for probably 5 years at least! But these two songs were exactly what I needed to hear from my Savior and I was so blessed as His love spread into my hurting heart and again became that "balm of gilead" for me at that moment... I'm going to post a

My dear friends, I have been held in a sort of cocoon over the past weeks. The love, prayers and care of our friends and family have surrounded and upheld us each day. Last Wednesday, as I was praying, a story of Moses came to mind, from Exodus 17. The Israelites were fighting and when Moses held the rod of God up, they would win, but as his arms got tired and drooped, they would start to lose. So, his brother Aaron and Hur sat him down and held up his arms for the rest of the battle and they won. This is how I feel - like I am going through the biggest battle of my life and as I am weary, you all are holding me up through your prayers and support. Ten minutes after the Lord showed me this story, I got an email from my good friend, Paige, and she said the same story had come to her while she was praying for me. God's timing is amazing! (: As I begin to get a grasp on this "new normal", I find that I am going through cycles of being okay and not being okay... Kind of like

Hello Friends and Family, I just wanted to say a quick thank you to all of you who came out for the visitation and the memorial to show your love and support to the Chijioke family. It was deeply felt. I feel like now is not the time for a care calendar. It is best to give Hannah some time of quiet and peace and reflection. If you would like to find ways to assist Hannah please feel free to contact me personally at this time. Most of Hannah's family members have returned safely home. Please keep Hannah and her children in prayer as they return to their new "normal". Also, pray for God's clear guidance and strength as they have many decisions to make and things to do in the next few weeks. Lastly, please keep CJ's sister, Esther, in prayer as she is having her new baby here in the US very soon, may God grant her a quick delivery and healthy baby. Pray for traveling mercies as she returns back to Nigeria shortly after with her 2 children.

Here is a link to the Obituary on the AFFO website: http://www.affoplano.com/?q=obituary/dick-cj-chijioke It is posted in it's entirety below: C.J. was born on February 2, 1977 in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria to parents Emmanuel Dick Esokawu and Miriam Dick Esokawu Nee Ekenna. He passed away suddenly on July 11, 2011. As a child, he spent time playing football (soccer), working with his mom in her shop, and spending time with his 8 siblings and many friends. He was a mischievous boy who was known for playing pranks and telling stories with a great deal of flourish. His family divided their time between the village and the town but it was the village that held a special place in his heart. He was a smart and dedicated student and was always at the top of his class. Even as a young boy, he had many plans and hopes for himself. He dreamed of coming to America and his parents worked hard to help him achieve that goal. He began his undergrad career in Nigeria and then came to Lynchburg,

A Note from Hannah I'm sitting here... staring at this screen and wondering how I can write anything adequate that will be able to express my heart and what I am going through... How do I write about something for which I have no words?? I never thought that being widowed at 32, with 5 young children, a baby who will never know his daddy... I never thought this would be in my life story... my heart is broken, although I KNOW where my husband is and I know I WILL see him again - - a part of me is missing from this world and the pain is physical at times... So many thoughts and questions want to run through my head - - so many decisions are coming up... and I have very few answers... and yet, along with my sorrow, I have peace... As I sit here, praying God will give me the words to say, Psalm 34 comes to mind, you can read the whole thing... but some excerpts which seem to have been written for/from me: "1.) I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praise

Hello Friends and Family, The visitation/wake for CJ will take place on: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 6PM - 8PM Allen Family Funeral Options 2120 West Spring Creek Parkway Plano, Texas 75023 972-596-8200 The Memorial Service will take place on: Thursday, July 21, 2011 3PM Prestonwood Baptist Church 6801 West Park Boulevard Plano, Texas 75093 972-820-5000 In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the Dick Chijioke Memorial Fund (see previous post). This will help Hannah to cover funeral expenses and provide a trust for their 5 children. For today Hannah (and the rest of the family) is doing well considering the circumstances. Hannah has said she has an "overwhelming gratitude" for the support shown to her from so many people. Please pray for God's continued guidance, strength and wisdom and for understanding and unity between families. "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God" - Corrie Ten Boom

Hannah and Family have made it home safe and sound. Understandably, the trip was difficult but they are well. Thank you to those of you who helped in many ways big and small to get their home ready for them. Thank you to those who supported with prayers and listening ears. The Chijioke Memorial Fund has been set up to help with memorial expenses and assist Hannah and her family in the coming weeks ahead. To donate go to any Plains Capital Bank Branch or mail a check to Plains Capital Bank, Dick Chijioke Memorial Fund, 2323 Victory Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75219. Or use the donate button to the right to donate with a credit/debit card via paypal. I will update with memorial times and a care calendar as soon as I have that information available. This blog will become the primary method for updates from now on in order to streamline communication so please spread the word. Thanks!

Dear Friends and Family, The Chijioke/Robertson Family will be headed back from Tennessee tomorrow (7/14). Please pray for quick and safe travels as they make their way back to Dallas. Although we all want to be a comfort to Hannah please refrain from visits or phone calls for a time as the return home without CJ will be very difficult. We are in the process of setting up a memorial fund to assist Hannah. Donation information will be available tomorrow. Additionally, I will post an update as soon as the memorial service times are available. Again, the outpouring of love and kindness has been amazing. Thank you all for your patience and prayers as plans are made, it is much appreciated. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me at 214-986-6059 or kristenfiles@hotmail.com. I will be coordinating updates, meals and assistance as needed in order to provide some privacy for the family. Additional Prayer Requests: - Day by Day Guidance from God - Trust in God and His way

Hello Friends and Family, this is Kristen Files a friend of the Chijioke family. As most of you may already know, CJ, Hannah's husband, went to be with the Lord yesterday (7/11/2011). Please keep Hannah, the kids, and extended family in prayer. Please refrain from phone calls to Hannah at this time. However, short messages (FB posts) and prayers are welcome. As Hannah and CJ have quite the circle of friends and family I will keep everyone updated and coordinate any meals, assistance and logistics that will be needed when they do return home to take some of the burden from Hannah and her family. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 214-986-6059 or kristenfiles@hotmail.com. Thank you all so much for your outpouring of love and well wishes during this very difficult time, it is most appreciated!

On 7/11/2011 Dick "CJ" Chijioke passed from this life to the next. Please keep Hannah and their children in prayer.