Nollywood actor, Leo Mezie, and his wife, Maureen, must be among the happiest couples on earth. And the reason is not far-fetched: God, in ...
Nollywood actor, Leo Mezie, and his wife, Maureen, must be among the happiest couples on earth. And the reason is not far-fetched: God, in his infinite mercies, recently, spared the life of the actor, after he suffered from kidney disease.
The actor was down, for months and had to travel to the UK for a transplant. His wife of six years, who stood by him while his travails lasted, believes in the saying that marriage is for better for worse. In this interview, she recounts what she went through, while her husband sickness lasted, her fears as well as her belief that God will surely spare his life.
The husband also vows to love her ‘till death do us part.’
Fear of losing husband
I had mixed- feelings, and I told God I did not want to become a widow at this age. I asked God to give me an assurance that he will keep my husband. And sometimes fear, uncertain, so many feelings that I still can’t explain passed through my mind. The feeling was one of, “ God, you can’t take him now, please show mercy.”
Sometimes, I was unable to figure out what was really happening. I tried hard to understand the situation and looking for answers that I just couldn’t find or figure out. But the only place I had in mind to take him to was God.
Thought of remarrying
Like I said that I needed an assurance from God that Leo will make it; you know what I did? I created more time to pray for him and myself. I got the assurance that he will live.
I never thought of remarrying because, at that point, that was not what was on my mind. That would have distracted me and made me pay less attention to him.
Meanwhile, sometimes I doubted God when the illness became very serious. I started asking myself if really God assured me, you know. But each time I prayed, I felt renewed and stronger. I felt this kind of peace that Leonard will be just fine.
Demand to go back to parents
That was a time I can never forget. My husband said it with tears in his eyes, I can still picture the mood. You know when you are letting go of something you cherished because you feel you do not have a choice. I was just returning from office and I met him crying and he said we needed to talk. I sat down immediately and he told me. At first, I was speechless. I knew he said it out of frustration. There was pain, frustration in his eyes. I had to tell him immediately that we would go through this battle together and he shouldn’t help God to do his work. I wasn’t scared of facing the future without him. But that was not what I asked God for. No, that was not what God told me. I never gave up on Leo, even though due to frustration he became harsh and unfriendly to me most of the time.
But I knew that wasn’t him, that was frustration.
Strength to fight on
My husband’s illness brought me closer to God each day and bonded my relationship with Him. My family, my marriage counsellor, our mentors(in the UK), my pastors and some of my friend all stood by me and prayed with me, encouraging me day and night. My mum would always ask me not to cry in the presence of my husband. If I needed to cry I should come to her.
Temptation
I must confess to you, some people advised me to abandon him and go and start a new life since I still have a long way to go. His handsomeness, complexion at this time were all gone. He was a shadow of himself. So, to them, what was I still doing with him? But, to me, that was not an option neither was it the reason I married him. I never headed their advice. Instead I was ready to fight the battle. My dear, it was tough, very tough.
Weakness
We all have weaknesses. Two temperamental persons can’t live together. I knew that was his weakness. But as years pass by in marriage, both of you get mature. You start calming down. He’s getting mature, he’s more mature than when we got married. He’s improving. Marriage is a whole lot of work, so one has to learn to be calm and to understand each other. He has really improved.
Wish I wish him
God’s favour, mercy, long life and good health.
My wife taught me that marriage is for better for worse—Leo Mezie
Strong woman I have always seen her as a very strong woman, but I never knew she was as strong as this. Indeed my wife taught me that marriage is for better for worse. I love her so much because she is so beautiful to behold and, now, she have shown me how strong she is, and I feel so blessed. For standing by me during my darkest moment, I have promised to love her for the rest of my life. Her fears She thought I may not be serious with her.
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