TRIBUTE TO AUNTY HELEN FROM NGALI ILONGO FRITZ:
Sadness For A Life Ended,
Relieved By A Life Well Spent
And Hopes For Resurrection Into God’s Glory
I looked at my watch and it was fifteen minutes past midnight, this was the beginning of the new day on Wednesday, the first of June 2016. I was very exhausted and tired but felt certain that Aunty Helen was in good hands at the St. Veronica Hospital Molyko where we left her and had been administered adequate treatment; hence I left the hospital with my house hold back to Wonyalikombo. I couldn’t really sleep, but I think I dosed off for a few minutes during which time all sorts of strange feelings came across my mind. I was taking a bath at about 6 am in the morning to rush back to the hospital, when we had a call that Aunty was no more. Immediately strange darkness loomed around me under the shower. I was dejected and went back on my bed. Deep sadness crept into my mind and took total grip of my mind for about five minutes. This uniquely strange sadness dwelled in me for about a forth night. I believe and trust in the Lord that with time the intensity of this “Aunty Helen’s demise sadness syndrome as I can term it will gradually reduce.
Aunty Helen loved friends and kept her friends for life. Her love for family was extra ordinary. She always felt bad if anyone in the family was in trouble or was suffering in any way. I cannot remember visiting her, without she offering me food or a drink. On the other hand whenever I gave her a present she would give me a peculiar admirable smile and say “ Nga, papa thank you” which simple expression of thanks always made me very happy. Aunty Helen, the attributes I have for you are many and enumerating them will be very lengthy and cumbersome .
Aunty Helen was a great woman and a woman of the people. She made friends and readily mixed with people of all types around her especially as she had worked at the Tiko Market; which was the most regular and popular market at that point in time around FAKO. Her friendly, outspoken and frank nature made her lovable, likeable and admirable amongst those who stood for the truth; this being a strong Christian virtue.
The hymn writer Horatius Bonar; wrote that we will “ only be remembered by what we have done” after we exit from this restless world. True , indeed aunty I will forever remember you for whom you were to me and what influence your life had on me. Death no doubt brings one’s suffering and problems to a halt, while at the same time leaving indelible memories of great loss and pain in the minds of close relatives, friends and loved ones. We all have different religious beliefs and inclinations this notwithstanding, I am indeed very happy that Aunty Helen died as a practicing Christian. We should therefore like Aunty Helen learn to live from our true center in Christ,
In this life there will always be something enticing us to worry. This is no doubt the nature of the falling and fractured planet earth. Things are not as they should be; all sorts of strange, and unanticipated things happen daily; especially the sudden disappearance of a loved one to be seen no more on planet earth.
Our daily life is punctuated with happiness, sadness and fear which culminate to constant worry; hence the temptation to be anxious is constantly with us, trying to warm its way into our minds. In this circumstance the best defense we are left with is continual communication with God richly seasoned or spiced with thanks giving. The awareness of God’s presence fills our minds with light and peace living no room for fear and worries. This awareness, lifts us up above all disturbing circumstances, enabling us to see problems from God’s perspective. Christ resides in the deepest depth of our being, in eternal union with our spirit. It is at this deep level that the peace of God reigns continually. We will not find lasting peace in this world around us, in circumstances or in human relationships. Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world; hence the external world is always in flux – under the curse of death and decay. But there is a gold mine of peace deep within us, waiting to be tapped. We should all take time to delve into the riches of God’s residing presence; by living increasingly from our real center, where the love of God has an eternal grip on us.
This exceptionally unique love of God permanently fills all of space, time and eternity. At the very best of our human state, we see God through an obscure glass, but some day those who live Christ- like lives will see him face to face. I believe strongly that our Dear Aunty Helen falls under this classification and she is resting in peace in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Yes, indeed Aunty; it deeply saddened me when it was time up for your life here on earth to end, but at the end of it all I am glad when I reflect on the happy life you lived characterized by your friendly, motherly, and Christian life style. I know for sure that someday we will enjoy GODS everlasting glory in heaven together when death too would have died.