17/07/2024
TRIBUTE TO MY LATE MOTHER
My mother, a loving and wonderful mother, an epitome of motherhood in its climax. The most reliable, responsible, and dependable in all situations. She was among the strongest, bravest, and kindest humans to grace this planet. Without her, I wouldn't be here today, I wouldn't be the person I am, and I wouldn't have the life I have. She is everything to me and more; there's no way I could ever quantify her importance in my life. My mother was the best mother a person could ask for. Permit me to list some qualities that separated her from the crowd:
1. Resilience and fighting Spirit
All the time I knew her, she never took “No for an answer”. She set a goal and ensured she delivered within record time. She fought for her children with her life to see them fulfill their destiny. Under the sun, in the rain, no weather condition nor distance could deter her from performing her motherhood responsibilities. She has my 100% thumbs up
2. Persistence and doggedness
She understands very well the proverb of Jesus in Luke 18: 3 - 5. “And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of my adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward, he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubled me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. She was the last to let go of what would be of benefit to her family.
3. Faithfulness to God
During her lifetime she was iconic in commitment to the work of God in and outside the church and ensuring everyone around her has a fair share of God's goodness. Her tithes, Offerings, and vows to God are none negotiable. You may be permitted to play with anything as much as you care but not with God or His things. They are sacred to her.
4. Commitment to her family
My Mother lost her eyes on her way to Kano in 1995 in her bead to sustaining the family. Her unwavering commitment made all her children join in her cause early in life to make her proud. I will not forget an incident that led to the loss of a pregnancy because of standing too long under the sun. There were situations time will not permit me to narrate in this writeup that could have led to divorce or abandoning her children but she refused to give up because she saw a bigger picture.
5. How she lost her sight
On that fateful day, she was traveling from Kafanchan to Kano, when rubbers accosted their vehicle. The driver in her attempt to save the lives and properties of his passengers, tried to maneuver but could not. Two of the escaping bullets fired at them entered her left eye and damaged it beyond correction. After spending about 2 weeks at the ECWA Eye Specialist Hospital in Kano, she was discharged so she could get closer to her family for further medication. I bless the good Samaritans who showed her mercy during the incident.
When she came back home, we were referred to Uzuakoli leprosy center. There was an Eye Specialist, a Whiteman though. We thought he could be our savior because of the hype we got from people about him, but unfortunately, he condemned the eyes and had to remove them. The removal was one of the biggest blows against her life. I was with her at the hospital for 1 week.
After some time, the remaining eye grew to deem and could not see causing her complete blindness.
Loss of sight is one of the greatest defeats anyone can suffer in life. She lived with this weakness until it was time to say goodbye to Mother Earth.
6. Prayer life
My mother was indeed a prayer warrior. I remember vividly in her active days how she would stand and pray for hours without stopping. Even in old age with sight and health challenges, she could still pray for as long as her strength could carry her. She believed that prayer was the only way to access whatever from the Almighty God.
7. Highly Meticulous
My late mother has a sound storage memory. She gives attention to details. She remembered virtually everything that happened by time and date. There was an incident in which I and my wife could not establish its actual date. She narrated all that happened before, during, and after the events with accuracy. She was a genius.
8. Selflessness and Generosity
My late mother would prefer to go hungry, necked, barefooted, and without a dim in her pocket just to give someone a sense of belonging. At some point, our home became a refugee camp where people come for their daily meals. She rather chooses her children to go hungry than let anyone who came for assistance go unattended to by her.
9. Courageousness and fighting spirit
She refused to give up even when it looked like all hope was lost. She fought for herself, her extended and nuclear family, and everyone that mattered to her. In her active years, she exemplified the characteristics of a mother hen. She would not allow any hurt to come near her chicks.
10. Beautiful and Amazing
She remained the most beautiful, charming, and elegant woman I have ever come in contact with. Even in old age, every part of her body remained electrified and radiant. It was a choice for her to apply ointment and makeup because creation had already taken care of that.
Conclusion
Thank you, Mom, for everything. your death has taken a toll on our lives. The entire family and everyone you have come in contact with will miss you. We will keep the good legacy you have kept. May your soul rest in peace in the bosom of the Lord. Amen
