A deafening silence fell over Glad Tidings Church Saturday, as a crowd of supporters made their way through the freshly falling snow to celebrate the young lives lost New Years Day.
Eighteen days ago, a single-vehicle collision on Highway 17 claimed the lives of siblings Destiny Ifeanyichukwu (11), Flourish Chiejine (10) and Britney Ifeyinwa Osagie (6). In addition to sending another 10-year-old boy to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, but it was healing, not tragedy, that was the focus of the afternoon.
More than 200 members of various ages and ethnic communities came to share their condolences, including a significant number of mothers, either partnered or alone. Several of whom appeared to have no personal connection to the family before this day.
Amidst the crowd was Uche Osagie, the children's mother, painted with the grief of the afternoon. She was joined by a group of solemn supporters and her parents, who flew from Nigeria for the service.
"De-de (Destiny)," "Flo-Flo (Flourish)," and "Mama-B (Britney)" as referred to by their mother, were remembered by Pastor Queen Mgbokwere, described as a close friend of the family. In a eulogy that brought many, including herself, to tears.
Destiny is remembered for his love of music said Mgbokwere and the many songs he recorded on his iPhone that are now gifts to his mother. It was his goal to one day become a professional rapper.
Flourish was more into the sportier side of life, with dreams of becoming a great basketball player like Lebron James, she said, but there was much more to him than that. Mgbokwere said he was respectful, polite and always the first to offer when help was needed.
"His smile was contagious ... he was such a sweet little boy."
Lastly, she described Britney as a "sweet little angel," who loved to dance, help her mom in the kitchen and anything in her favourite colour -- pink. She loved to look good said Mgbokwere, but what was important to her, was the connection she had with her mother.
"She was always beside her mom and that was why she was the last to succumb to death," said Mgbokwere. "She fought and she tried to stay alive for Uche, but heaven needed her."
Pain such as this is not easily processed or communicated said Rev. Todd Manuel, lead pastor at Glad Tidings Church, but it is critical to do so should one ever hope to heal.
It is not uncommon to form resentment towards God in this process, he said, but it is important to remember that this was not his doing.
"There was an unfortunate accident, and that's why we call them accidents, it wasn't supposed to happen," said Manuel. "Jesus did not take them, but I can tell you, he did receive them into his arms."
He said he hopes having the image of these three young children with Jesus brings people peace, as it did their mother.
"Christians enjoy the hope of seeing our loved ones again," said Manuel. "For us, this is not the end."
Moving on to say that it is not death, grief, sorrow or darkness that has the final word, but resurrection, comfort, hope and the dawning of a new day.
"Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning."
