I let out a scream as the news flashed on CNN. Dikembe Mutombo, 7 ft 2ins, 8-time all star, all time shot blocker at 3,289 blocked shots second only to Hakeem Olajuwon at over 3,800 took his last breath on September 30th aged 58.
He had a signature finger wagging every time he rejected a shot at the rim.
He was not only a giant in frame, he also had a giant heart. He built a hospital in his native country of the Democratic Republic of Congo to help with adult mortality. Unfortunately, the scourge he tried to help stem did not spare him at a mere 58.
Cancer of the brain took him out.
As the saying goes, it’s not how long you live, but how well you live.
He lived well, not just for himself, but also for his country. For as long as he could, he brought smiles and excitement to many hearts, including mine.
May heaven count his works worthy and receive him with many fingers wagging a welcome to the gentle giant.
Michael Ovienmhada.
