We were already a family. He would come to the house, gist with us, celebrate small wins, bring cake for the children.

He even got married, before my husband got transferred to Abuja.

Ah, when we were leaving, Okon wept like a baby.

He hugged us over and over, came visiting again before we finally left.

He still calls us often.

Just last week, he told me he had been promoted to Executive Director.