A TRIBUTE TO MAMA FROM ALL OF US
The moment we received the news of your ascendance, Mmachinyere, our world caved in. Our hearts were torn into two, one filled with heartache and pain, the other died with you. Sleep eluded us. We lie awake in turns at nights; when the world is fast asleep, through the stillness of the dark hoping you'll resurrect just as we commemorated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ a day before that very day.
If it is possible to write a story about you dear 'Mother Generale', it would be the greatest ever told of a kind, warm hearted, loving and caring mother who had a generous heart of gold. Diction fails in providing the right words that would correctly describe your sterling qualities. The images fill our head but our collective education could not arm us with the words to describe how great you are. We could write a million pages yet unable to say just how much you gave yourself, your love, your resources, your everything; how dedicated you were to caring for your children and others around you; the hope and succour God gave to the childless through you: the free drugs and provisions you gave out generously to the needy and the home you gave to the homeless. You paid for education for those who could not afford it; mediated between warring couples; your generous smile, sincere advice and kind words, soothe all troubled souls around you.
You lived the life of a devout Christian. We can still hear the echoes of your daily morning songs and also recall the early morning prayers with rosaries and psalms; your consistent morning mass attendance; starting a block rosary station, cleaning the basilica, etc. You were governed by your profound belief that God in heaven sees all our actions and inaction.
When "Aji-Egebelu-Dike" our father passed on 42 years ago, you went through countless storms and battles to raise all your 9 children. Like mother hen, you shielded us from harm, navigating through legions of landmines laid for you and your children even in our home. If we could compile a story about your life struggles; the needless troubles and battles you went through in defence of your children and the huge heart full of sunshine with which you tolerated and forgave, a million pages would not be enough to tell the story of how simple at heart you were.
Your first granddaughter Nene, called you 'Mama Bigg' because you were like no other mother. You were the most precious, most adorable and most beautiful. You gave us life, you nurtured us and you loved us unconditionally. You taught us how to navigate the shark infested life, forthrightness and our strength of character. You taught us how to fight, be ourselves and stand on our own. You shouted at us but still cuddled us intermittently. Above all you taught us what love ❤ truly is and the beauty of forgiveness.
Circumstances may not have allowed you to go far in school, but the wisdom that exudes from your person far surpassed that of Harvard trained professor. You were a bundle of inspiration to all around you. Your kind soul, wise counsel and outstretched hands can't be quantified. Your home- our home was open to everyone especially the motherless; your hospitality made them feel special. You are the most humble, compassionate, understanding, family oriented woman we have ever seen. You are so dear and so true. You had an indescribable innate strength. You owed no man and paid everyone their dues. You were very energetic, highly organised and disciplined.
We all watched helplessly on face time as you were harassed and threatened by ill health, but death eventually won over you. Our pain not in the fact that you are gone, but the endless vacuum your absence will create.
Who will people go to for free Medicare when they are sick?
Who will they run to when they need bread?
Who will they go to for advice?
Who will they call for help when they run into all manner of trouble?
Who will mend their looking roof or give them water to bathe and wash their dirty clothes?
Who will provide them shelter when it rains?
When babies cry, when women are in labour, who will give them free Medicare and mediation?
After a good fight one has to retire. Indeed you have fought a good fight. God opened your eyes so that you can see how beautiful you are. He equally took you away so that you will have the peace you so much desired as you continue to dance in glory with him in heaven. You dedicated your life caring for couples, pregnant women and children irrespective of bias. Even at 85 we can't recall the last time you had four hours of sleep. Money was never a consideration. You gave out drugs food free and when we complained, your smile and orchestrated response douses all manner criticism. You usually say that you'll continue to pray for us to have enough money to buy the drugs and food so that you would be able to continue giving them out free.
We're definitely saddened by your death Ezinne Nwere ugwu, Mmachinyere, Mama Bigg, Odoziaku. You went home at the time we were beginning to reward you for your labour over us. But we feel profoundly honoured, blessed and proud that you are our mother. Missing you is a heartache no doubt that will never go away but your life will remain a constant reminder that there is no greater way to honour you than to be a better 'us' and forever uphold the bond, love and peace which you lived and died for. Nevertheless your parting has left a deep crater but we will fill it with memories of joy, laughter, friendship, kisses that we shared. Yes! These things we shall miss very much.
Enjoy your deserved peace with the Lord Ezinne nnem oma, till we meet to part no more.
Fare thee well Mmachinyere!
All of Us
Written by Engineer Uche Egeonu for the family
8th child and 3rd son of Madam Dora Okoro