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Lessons from the life and death of my cousin, Kimo

When death comes, to someone close, it reminds us of our own mortality; that on this earth, we are but sojourners. And when it came to my cousin, Kimo, it taught me many things.


  1. Always bargain for what you want: Kimo loved to bargain on everything. He did not believe in accepting what he did not approve of; he would do everything to strike bargains in all matters, from getting people to do his dishes for him, to wearing their clothes, to getting airtime from them.
  2. If you are true to yourself, you cannot be false to anyone else. Kimo was himself, through and through. He knew his strengths and played to them; his "good looks" for instance. He also knew what he did not like, and he got others to do it for him. And thus I accepted him.
  3. Do what you love, with your whole heart; Kimo loved football, and the entire world knew. He loved Arsenal FC, and everyone was aware. He loved journalism and we all knew. He loved children, and the children knew it.
  4. Life is short; today I am here, tomorrow I am not. Carpe Diem, seize the day was etched on Kimo's arm, a testament to how he intended to live his life, We have opportunities all around, and I have vowed myself to pursue those that concern me, catch them, pester them until they bear fruit. 
  5. Touch people's lives, and you will forever remain in their hearts. Kimo touched my life, and the memory of times spent with him remain. As with the siblings, parents, cousins, football teammates, classmates and the numerous girlfriends he wooed.

As I journey through life on earth, the lessons from Kimo, Paul Koros Kimutai, will keep teaching me.


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