Tributes

Dear mummy,

Thank you. Thank you for loving me as I am, for loving me through every chapter of my life. I look at everything good in me and I see you. I see you mummy. You have been the most consistent part of my life, my rock, my inspiration, my best friend. I want you to know that you were the best mother anyone could ever have, Angel on earth, pure light. I hope you know. I hope you saw your own beauty, I hope you saw the impact you made on this earth. You lifted the world around you, spreading your light steadfastly with wisdom and grace. It hurts so much to lose you, yet, with every step forward, with every triumph, I still see you. You live on in the hearts and minds of the people you’ve touched. You live on in the light they pass …

My dearest aunty with a most beautiful heart like no other, I have really struggled to comprehend or accept your demise. And it is with a very heavy heart that I resign myself to writing this.

I hadn’t seen you since 2009 and then this last November, you came to the house and spent such quality time with us as if you knew you would be gone so soon. It was such a bright and sunny day which was very unusual in November but of course you are just that! Bright and sunny inside and outside.

I still remember the hours of ‘gisting’, the jokes and the endless laughter. You had not changed one bit! Even after you left, we all couldn’t still stop laughing! The boys kept telling me ‘mum, your aunty is so much fun’. And of course you had goodies for everyone, in your usual manner. You…

Death can be very unfair, taking away someone so dear to me.

Losing you is one of the most painful experiences I've ever had in my life.

Spending December and new year with you and hearing of your sudden demise in January are two scenarios I couldn't wrap my head around.

You've been a mother to me, you saw me through my university education and made sure I never lacked anything as a student.

Rest in peace is hard to say, because I'm still hoping I could see you someday.

I love you so much mum, you left an indelible imprint in my life and your memories, I will never forget.

Big Mummy, all these things are not meant to be. I put off writing a tribute because it's really unbelievable and writing one would be accepting that you really are gone. The whole thing is more shocking because I saw you on Thursday, the day before it happened. We laughed and you joked about how you couldn't jog because everywhere was covered in snow even when the Sun was up and now that you are back you can continue your morning exercises. You were in a very good mood and rightfully so, the family was still celebrating. I personally felt 2022 was going to be a delightful year for everyone in the family, I didn't know that would be the last day I would see you.

A strong woman, so full of energy, I was mostly shy when you were around because I could feel I was in the presence…