Story by Oliver Kimka Ndimbie, M.D.
May 23, 2021
by Linda Nduo
In my early years, Auntie Mary was but one of my many maternal and paternal aunts and uncles but unlike several others, I knew that she was my mother’s older sisterand when challenged I did not need a long and convoluted conversation toexplainthe relationship. Auntie Mary was also Mammie Dorothy and at times Mammy Judith. I had the good fortune of growing up with my cousins who were often my best friends.We walked to primary school together and spent non-school hours in the same age-group cohort that made us relate to one another more closely than we did with our biological siblings.
Later in life, Dada and Pa Wango’s home became my base in Wum. During my brief visits to Cameroon, I would as a matter of practice visit my maternal village. My trips were in retrospect, quite scripted.With my immediate family in tow,I would drive straight to the Wango’s and get settled in. In the course of the day,I woulddiscuss what I wished to accomplish during my visit and get Dada’s and Pa Wango’s feedback.More often than not, the proposals that they made were adopted. Word would already have been sent to Magha stating that I would be there the next day. After spending time in Magha, I would return to Dada’s,visit with other family around townand depart the same or the following day.
Before one such visit, it was impressed on me that I was expected to honor the many relatives who had passed away. I was willing to oblige and had a budget in mind when I got to Wum.Dada quickly trimmed my bloated budget and had the whole of Magha quarter happily feasting the very next day. To this I can attest; I provided the meagre sum that she insisted was enough and I agreed to the broad outline of the shopping list and I went to bed. Out of that came the best gathering that I have ever “hosted” were one to judge by appreciation and satisfaction. I know my ancestors were pleased with their portion. And for all of that I have Dada to thank.
Later in life, Dada and Pa Wango’s home became my base in Wum. During my brief visits to Cameroon, I would as a matter of practice visit my maternal village. My trips were in retrospect, quite scripted.With my immediate family in tow,I would drive straight to the Wango’s and get settled in. In the course of the day,I woulddiscuss what I wished to accomplish during my visit and get Dada’s and Pa Wango’s feedback.More often than not, the proposals that they made were adopted. Word would already have been sent to Magha stating that I would be there the next day. After spending time in Magha, I would return to Dada’s,visit with other family around townand depart the same or the following day.
Before one such visit, it was impressed on me that I was expected to honor the many relatives who had passed away. I was willing to oblige and had a budget in mind when I got to Wum.Dada quickly trimmed my bloated budget and had the whole of Magha quarter happily feasting the very next day. To this I can attest; I provided the meagre sum that she insisted was enough and I agreed to the broad outline of the shopping list and I went to bed. Out of that came the best gathering that I have ever “hosted” were one to judge by appreciation and satisfaction. I know my ancestors were pleased with their portion. And for all of that I have Dada to thank.