"Iya ni wura biye biye, ti a ko le fo wo ra..."
Yes Mama, you were priceless, the truest, dearest, more than a mother to me. You were everything, my friend, brother, sister, uncle, aunt and also dad when dad passed away. You waited 23 years with us after dad passed on, and only God knows the inner strength you had to come through with all of us.
When I remember how you stood by me when I had high fever at around 8 or 9 years old in just my shorts after taking a cold shower without drying up and sat on the bed in LUTH with the full A/C on to cool my temperature down and I was shivering and helpless but you sat there with me encouraging and praying for me, I cannot help but shed a tear.
How about the countless birthday celebrations every year till I left for Bolton. (You always made sure all my friends had a good time and was comfortable around the house. You made our house a second home to all). I was only able to return a favour by celebrating your 60th birthday. You did not want to celebrate it because you just lost the love of your life but I surprised you and did it anyway. It was mixed feelings as you were happy and at the same time you missed your hubby. But your friends, brothers, sisters, cousins and children were all there to console you.
You were a precious gift from God, so much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched my heart in so many ways, your strength and smile even on dark days made me realise I have an Angel beside me at all times.
Mum, you heard Gods whisper, calling you home, you did not want to leave us, I saw your fight. You loved us so much that you held on tight until Sister Yemi was around you, prayed for you and told you how much we all love you and then your strength was gone and you could no longer hold on. Finally, you gave your hand to God, your maker, and slipped away quietly without telling us goodbye.
I will forever miss you because you have been all I ever needed in my life to become the man that I am today. God gave me the best mum in the world. You taught me to never give up on my dreams but persevere no matter how hard the storms may be and always told me I could tell you anything bothering me. Thank you for the support you gave freely, the prayers, the love and care you showed towards us all. There is no way I can ever pay you back but the plan is to show you that I understand. You are appreciated because whenever I was down, you were always there for me and never left me alone because you cared for me. There are no words that can express how I feel and I appreciate how you raised me and all the extra love that you gave me.
Its so hard to say goodbye to yesterday but yesterday is gone. So today I am thankful for your life well lived. Say hello to Dad, tell him we are in Gods hands and we will be fine.
Continue to rest in peace till we meet again to part no more...