Garlands To A Rare Gem: Engr. Uche Kene Okoye

A tribute to my Wife; Engr. Uche Kene Okoye on her Birthday…

One of the most enchanting melodies that captured my heart right from my childhood was the Classic by Franz Schubert; “An Sylvia.” The text of the song, is a German translation of “Who is Silvia?” from act 4, scene 2, of William Shakespeare’s play; “The Two Gentlemen of Verona.”

The parallel between Shakespeare’s Silvia and the subject of this piece, makes the masterpiece a fitting introduction of my lovely Wife; Engr. Uche Kene Okoye:

“Who is Silvia? What is she,
That all our swains commend her?
Holy, fair, and wise is she;
The heaven such grace did lend her,
That she might admired be…”

A vivid depiction of this boundless jewel from God… Holy, fair and wise is she and indeed the heaven did lend her such grace to be admired by all.

It’s not mere coincidence that I had to draw from the works of two greats; Shakespeare and Schubert, to capture her essence. As sprightly and adorable as the first day I set my eyes on her… like fine wine or an exquisite work of art, her value appreciates as the years roll by.

Today, I celebrate my lovely Wife and extol her virtues, her love, her faith, her deep compassion, her steadfastness and her unwavering commitment, especially to Christ, His flock and family.

A highflyer and a pearl, adept at getting things done, Uche sparkles effortlessly and brilliantly in any role, despite her characteristic discreet demeanor. Whether as the Wife, the Mother, the Haven Governor, The Leader, The Pastor, The Trainer, or The Resource Person, she excels in her various capacities.

Babe, one of the best decisions I made in my life was to marry you. Like a good investment, I’ve taken pride and delight in watching you bloom as a flower in season. Unraveling and dispensing the beauty and fragrance God has lavished on you.

That uncommon grace inherent in you, is evident in our lives and our home has become a cynosure of all eyes and a testimony of God’s goodness. Our children are blessed to have you as their mother and we thrive in the transcending love that we share.

Happy Birthday my Sweetheart… Ugo Di ya, Ogoli ma obi Di ya, Onye m ji eme onu, Anyanwu ututu, Ife nkili, Asampete nwanyi oma!

I pray that God will magnify you and magnify Himself in you, you will live the rest of your life in vitality and prosper and flourish in all you do.

I love you 💞

Kene

That man that hath a tongue, I say is no man, if with his tongue he cannot win a woman. To die, is to be banish’d from myself; And Uche is myself: banish’d from her, Is self from self: a deadly banishment!

Culled from The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare