The love of my life has gone to join the Lord
Engraved in my heart is, and will forever be, that night I received the news of your sudden and solemn demise. It sounded like a joke, nay, like an expensive prank. It first stroke me like a thunderstorm and like a child I was so confused that I could not imagine what language I was hearing. It was only when my elder brother took over the phone to confirm the sad news that I knew the issue was too expensive to be a joke.
Paralysed on my sit, I was so bemused that I did not know if I was to smile or to wail. I was then eagerly wishing it to be a dream. But as time wore on, it dawns on me that The Love of My Life Has Forever Gone to the Land Where We Never Grow Old.
Maman, you would of course not want us to grieve over your early departure, but who in our situation will remain indifferent? Who can bear the loss of an icon like you and feel unperturbed? Who will henceforth be that exemplary mother, granny, sister, aunty etc. you were onwards? Surely, you are not leaving us alone, but you will forever remain not only irreplaceable but also unforgettable.
You know that the moment I cherish most in life has always been the time of holidays, and not just because it is holiday, but because you were always there with that your welcoming, hearty and lovely smile. You were never taken unaware as you were always ready to welcome each one of us with our favourite dishes. And with that your lovely and expressive look you would always ask if we were really satisfied?
Maman, we will forever miss your personal and impartial relationship with each one of us. This has been proven by your meticulous personal relationship with each one of us which made it impossible to say who your favourite was. You were a mother who would chastise the child with her right hand and console at the same time with the left hand.
Your grandchildren were always more at ease with you than their biological mothers. Discreetly they would snub their mums at a tender age to stay close to you.
You were a source of inspiration to all those who knew you and to those in moment of difficulty a comforting voice. Maman, if not for our faith in the resurrection, our world would have been said to have fallen apart.
And, even though I am convinced that all hope has not been lost, I know that one thing will never ever be the same. My name Nnaemeka (The father (God) has done well) that only you brought to life whenever you called it will forever loose that affection.
Ladode (Farewell) Maman Bene! You are now our ambassador!
Fr Nnaemeka, OMI
(7th child)
2 Comments
Thanks my dear. I am very grateful for your kind words.
NBA Manager, I can imagine the sorrow of loosing a beloved one nonetheless a mother; your mother, a woman I know very well always full of life and happiness. Sure, we all miss mama Bene. You will also miss that aura of natural love and feelings of homeliness everyone experiences when in company of mothers but wait we are all mortal and will eventually join the dead. Hence, Father Nna, please be consoled and hope that at last, we shall together rejoice in heaven. Remember the Alexander the great? Read up his last wishes.