My mother, Mommmmie! I love you so, so, sooo much.
I have always prayed that you will not suffer one day extra, but be taken to God's bosom by God's special angels, at the time in your old age, when you are happiest, with joy in your heart and a smile on your face.
I DID NOT process your posthumous at all. I did not think of the hours, the days, the months, the years after your passing. Passing at 97, I was and I am still in shock!
Feeling like a child, I always needed to go home to 'my village' to see my mom! Whether landing from Abuja, Port Harcourt, or from abroad, within hours, I was always off, home to mom. I thank my brothers, particularly Koe, with whom you lived out your evening years, for tolerating my so frequent show-ups.
Even now, I am refusing to think of the days after! Whao! My village seemed to have just disappeared from the map.
A strong woman of virtue, strict disciplinarian and selflessly loving all her children equally, I learned hard work from you. In those days, in the middle of the nights, you would write your teacher's notes of lessons, bake cakes and even do some sewing. I now also do most of my technical, computer-based work in the middle of the nights when there is hardly any distraction.
I learned to pray from you, especially as you showed me many instances of the efficacy of prayers.
I learned from you, to find excuses for people who might say or do hurtful things. You always gave all to keep the peace in all circumstances and situations.
You took direct care of each and every one of us and even as we advanced in age, you always had good counsel for us. You took direct care of many of our own children (mine was Sade) as you made it convenient for us to drop them off in your care when we needed to. Even as early as when my first born, Folake, was born, you used to leave your Lagos Airport home at 4:00 am, to come to Ijora, only to help me give the child a bath before going to your teaching job in Yaba. Papa Folake used to wonder how you managed it. Mommie, you touched many lives that love you for it. Eulogizing your qualities as a mother, will fill many volumes of a book
Mommie, 97 years on earth, you have gone to rest from your labors which were indeed daunting, but which you pursued gallantly.
Your prayers over us, your children, both biological and non-biological (you had many) have been efficacious. They will continue to be. I miss you, Mommie. I guess I will for a vęęęrrry long time. Adieu dear mother. Rest in Perfect Peace, Mommie.
Your daughter
Patricia Kokovi Solarin.