I miss you everyday my Angel.

Dearest Aunty Edith,
No matter how much time elapses, I remain devastated by your departure. You left us too soon and you will forever be missed! The only consolation I have is that you had been a model of how God wants us to live here on earth. You embodied all that society lacks today - empathy, humility, integrity and kindness. Although it has been one year since your passing, your inimitable legacy continues to prevail upon us.

Oh Aunty Edith, may the Almighty God continue to rest your gentle soul.

Love
Tosah Fombad

Mama Edith, one year is a long time, but it seems as if you left us just yesterday. We remain in prayers for the repose of your soul.
We miss you for ever. On behalf of the family of the Directorate of financial and material resources in the ministry of secondary education, we say thank you once more for your selfless services.

By FORTABOH Theophilus, Sub-director of budget.

Dear grandma
              I have not still recovered from the fact that you are gone ,your death and berial was like a twinkle of an eye although all this has happen am stil very grateful for all the things you have done for me you will foreve remain in my heart.

Oh Aunty Edith! One year has flown by but the memories of that Sunday 15th September 2019 when we heard the news of your passing still feels like a bad dream! I know you are watching over us . We continue to miss you but you stay forever in our hearts. The void left by your passing can never be filled.
We love you aunty!
Continue to rest in peace!

Dear Grandma,
A year has gone by since I missed your presence in this life. Life has been different without all your empowerments and encouragements to go ahead. I want to thank God for the strength to go through. I want to thank you for all the advices and encourages you gave me and I continue to pray that the good God that took you away will see me through. I miss you very much.

By Titagwan Bradley

15th September 2019 is like yesterday's gone, that faithful morning ; Hubby's BD and Bryan's departure...my phone rang "Sister EDITH is no more." Which Edith? I replied ."How many Edith you sabi?" Its still a dream. Chai! my heart still bleeds. Sis you will always be remembered. Forever missed, RIP!!!!!

My dear Auntie Edith ,I cannot believe it is one year now since you left us.God alone knows why.with God we only say yes for whatever he does is good. Life without you has not been easy.However, God will see us through. Everyone must die some day so all we can say
Is that, that was your time to go ahead .You left so soon at the peak of your career
.we miss you. Your kindness, your smile,infact everything; the happy and sad moments .  But We know you are with the Angels.May you continue to rest in perfect peace with pa and mamie Fombad, my parents pa and mamie Chongwain,my late husband and all our dead relatives. I know you were my late father's special daughter.we thank God for everything.
Your sis inlaw  mrs ful tosam Rose

Mama Edith, I can not believe it is already a year when i got word of your sudden passing away into internity. The suck and pain is like it just happen. On that faithful 15th Sept a day that has always been so special to me because it is my birthday has become one that i will always find very difficult to celebrate.
Well the Lord Almighty knows why you had to go so soon. Ma Edith someone as special as you will never be forgotten. Your warmth, kindness and gentle spirit will be remembered forever. Ma we loved you but the Lord loved you more. Continue to REST IN PEACE.

One year ago, I lost my rock, my best friend, the person who gave me the strength to wake up every day and face life challenges. Mum raised me to be hardworking, caring and kind just to name a few. I am a better man today thanks to Mum. A year after Mum’s passing, my promise to her has not change. Which is to live a happy and successful life such that anyone who watches my success, sees my mother through me.

I want to believe now more than ever that I have an Angel watching over me in Heaven. There is so much I would have loved to tell her, so much I wished she were around to see and advise me on. Our family came together in solidarity to help us get through the worst period of our lives. We are forever grateful for all those who have been there for us. Your support meant the world to us. Wherever Mummy is, I believe she has a smile on her face and says thank you to all those who showed up to pay their last respect.

As we come together to remember Mummy, I want us to reflect on what she meant to us. The sacrifices she made during her life that gave results to some of the success we have in our lives today, the caring person and motherly figure she represented to so many of us. Mum continues to be with us both physically and spiritually. Each time a stranger enters our home, they will always be reminded in pictures of how important and great Mum was.

Mum, Effie and Ake are just like you. You will be proud to see the young women they have become. They cook, clean, and have the same guiding principles of hard-working women just like you taught them. We are forever grateful to God for giving us the opportunity to spend most of our adolescent years with you. For during this period, you made molded us into the hardworking men and women we are today. I wish with all my heart you were still here with us to continue guiding us, but God had a different plan.

As for me your son, I repeat your words of wisdom every day I wake up in my head. Sometimes I behave in ways I know would have made you mad but then I correct myself immediately when I think of you. I always ask myself what would have been your advice to me before I make any major decision.

One year to this date, we come together collectively to remember the amazing, wonderful, and full of love character you had. I want you to know we think about you every day of our lives. A lot has happened within the last year. Tata Nina gave birth to her beautiful daughter; Thierry also had his daughter I know all this would have made you very happy, I believe you are watching and smiling from heaven. 

Mum the love we shared transcends time and space and not even death will stop me from loving you the way I do. I believe you are up in heaven watching over us and keeping us safe. We miss you Mum; I miss you so much. Continue to watch over your children. Give Papa, the strength he needs to continue to watch over us and continue the task you left for him. for it is not easy for him alone. Continue to watch over me my beautiful Mother. I love you

Your son Eddy. 

    Mum, The passage of time is like temporary band-aid, underneath is a wound that never heals. September 15 2019, ripped through our hearts like a tornadoes, inflicted an everlasting pain.Your tenets of compassion, and love endures forever.
  Mum, you will always reside in my heart.It hurts to say goodbye, but I am comforted by our Lord in Isaiah 41:10, So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.May your soul Rest In Peace.I love you.

William Fombad.
   

Dear Sister Edith,
It's with a very heavy heart that I have to write these words now. Just like Lakunle "extemporized ..." to Sidi in "The Lion and the Jewel" I hit this keyboard in memory you, Afor. So special you are to me than these words can fully capture.
Your passing to Glory remains fresh as I am still having nightmares and day mares of your being here with us.
When I think of the quality time we spent together from Mbengwi to Ngoa Ekele I recall this line from Macbeth "Life is but a walking shadow ". Oh!.. how we repeatedly recited these lines over and over on the hills of Mbe as we prepared for the O/Ls. Surely, it's only at moments like these that the full weight of this line falls on those of us still breathing.
What a sweet memory of those years as we struggled to pronounce the French title to one of the poems "Morte d'Arthur". So too were the afternoons and nights as we spent time on what you told me was "Wisdom Literature" as we sort for and you transcribed Meta Proverbs for your term papers.

Even when you became aware that your village was actually Nyen and not Njinibi, your affect for me did not change. For not until your uncle "Pa Headmaster" who had spent 22 years working in PS Njinibi and then also started GS Njinibi went rest with the Lord, and was to be buried in Nyen, home to you was Njinibi.
A part of you will always remain with me, the name you chose which everyone now calls me "Ni Gwan".
Edith, we all love good people like you,
God does too and has better use for you than we do,
I wish someone could "TEACH US HOW SHORT LIFE IS"
So we could make time and praise God for even in our pain and sorrow He is good.
Adieu Sister Edith

Afor it's still like a dream my Booh.Yet it's a year gone.If only we could choose ......unfortunately no way.You will forever be in my heart.
Fare thee well my dear Sister friend.Do enjoy everlasting bliss till we meet to part no more.May your soul and those of the faithful departed rest in perfect peace.

Dear Grand Ma
  I can’t believe I am writing a tribute to you now. Neither have I fully grasp the fact that you are gone, but I know you are in a better place and I will hold the good moments you shared with me because that’s all I have now and try to uphold the lessons you have taught me because you will want me to become a better person with or without you around me.

Dear Grand Ma,
This is almost a year now that we lost you but the space you left in our lives is still irreplaceable till date. It’s been a tough year and a with your space in my life which is empty has made the year worse, but in everything we give thanks to God.

God’s call is the best though it comes with a lot of grief which i know can’t bring you back back i keep praying that he keeps your soul safe in heaven
Thanks for the soo many life lessons you taught me all through my life when i was by you, i miss you soo much


By Loïc Fombad

Edith, I got the impression of whom you were through Loveline when she was an undergraduate in Nigeria. My conclusion of your personality was that you were a strong character. Your exit,, left us in doubts. and pains enveloped our souls Rest in peace!

Dear sister Edith u remain as an everlasting memory In our minds,,,,, I don’t want to see or hear that dis day came in my  Memory, tears continuously running down my eyes............continue to RIP big Sis

Dear Afor ,
It is one year since you surprised us and you suddenly took leave of us; It appears  like yesterday for the memory is still very fresh in us !
There will never be an answer to the “why” question but God knows it better. The pain stays on with the family, as your role in the family can never be replaced. The void is filled with the thoughts that we are on a journey home and sooner or later we shall all be reunited around our King, Jesus, never to be separated again. 

Sister, sister in- law, your smile, soft spoken voice, will serve remind us of the short but memorable time God gave us to share on Earth and this is a wake-up call to make the best while time is still in our hands. We know our parents would not have loved for you to return home so soon but that decision does not depend on us or them but to the Creator who gave us life in the first place.

If you were to read this message, know your candle will burn in our midst forever. The good God who brought us together as a family will continue to watch over us until we meet to part no more.
You will always be fondly remembered and loved, Sister Afor .
Drs Rudolf and Grace Fombad.

TRIBUTE TO MY LOVELY  SISTER.

My dear sister, it has been one hell of a year since your sudden departure; but in all I still say thank you Lord.The devil decided to dine at our table, totally unwelcome. You’ve taken a rest from the wickedness and treachery of this world.

It is a full one year since I heard your voice: it really means you are gone not to return. I still have nightmares about the way you went. Going home in your sleep; no illness no complain; no tiredness yet you slept never to wake up. There are still too many unanswered questions. We were never ready for you to leave us like this; alas, no one is.

As I write these few words, my heart and mind remains as troubled and sad as on that fateful unbelievable 15 September day of 2019. I thank God for the many years we shared and appreciate all the moments we had together; the good, the bad and the ugly. My mind still talks to you and my heart still looks for you but my soul knows you are enjoying eternal peace.

You were so motherly; hardworking; loving; joyful; humble and often brutally frank. Sometimes I just wish you were here so that I could tell you how much I need you and how hard every day has been. However, we place our trust in His promise of the Resurrection which gives us hope of future meeting, and being together forever as a family.

I wish you sweet sleep in God’s gentle elbow, my sister dear.
Although there's so much that you've left bare,
I hate that you had to endure such pain.
On my mind, your saddened eyes have left a permanent stain.

God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:4).

Rest in perfect peace until that day when we will reunite to part no more.

Loveline Fombad Tongo
Douala, Cameroon

Remembering you a year after
My dear sister in love, little did I know that Sunday 15 September 2019 was the day that God was going to call your name!!! Within a twinkle of an eye, you left without a good bye. On that dark Sunday, no one but yourself heard the footsteps of the Angel. A painful goodbye. Yes the most painful goodbyes are those that are never said and never explained, Yes the most painful goodbyes are those that the story is not finished but the book is closed.

Journeying through to the first anniversary of your death has not been easy. It  was and remains  a very painful day and season that has cut into our core. As the days have gone by I have not stopped thinking about you. I  have not stopped thinking of the things you used to do ,I have not stopped thinking of the things we did together. I have not stopped thinking of the  things you used to say. I have not stopped thinking of the times we cried together, the times we fought. Yes the time we fought that made us human, the times we laughed, the times we were there for each other. I have not stopped talking about you. Yes, the good the bad and the ugly moment’s is what made our relationship a cherished one. I have not stopped asking myself questions that only God alone knows the answer

As is often said, there is a reason for everything and that time will heal. Yes, but neither time or reason can explain the heartache and deep grief resulting from your sudden departure. Sad words no matter how kind cannot mend the heartache. Rather as we approach the first anniversary of your death, these  memories have resulted in silent tears being shed.

Although, I feel very sad that you left so suddenly and will never return, and angry the way you left., my consolidation is in 2 Corinthians 5:1 the reassurance  that the earthly tent, the earthly container  of  your body has moved to a better place
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. (2 Corinthians 5 v1)

May you continue to rest in love and power with the Lord as your memory continues to live in our hearts

Prof Madeleine Fombad
Pretoria

Dear Aunty,

Its been a year since our hearts were broken by your untimely passing and I still find it difficult to come to terms with the fact that this tribute I am writing is for you. The pain is still fresh. The denial that you are truly gone is still real. The constant memories of your laughter, your happy outlook on life regardless of all the struggles brings both tears and laughter.
So much has changed over the year since you left us. There is a lot of agony and chaos in the world but thankfully your guardian angel is watching over us. I am learning to keep up a smile amidst tough times just like you taught us.

Thank you for all the lessons. Thank you for always being the life of the party. Thank you for being a mother to all that came through your doors making sure no one left without a full stomach and wondering what spices you put in your food that makes it taste so good. haha Yes you were the best chef and the proof was in the pudding.

You might not be here with us today but you will forever be in our hearts until we meet again.

Love and miss you.


Musaga Fombad
Houston

In Memory of Afor, on the first anniversary of her death

Dearest Afor, one year has passed since you left us. Some people say that the anniversary of a loved one’s death is really “just another day.” Afor, 15 September 2020 is not just another day; it is another sad 15 September. Many things have happened and have been forgotten since you left us, but you will never be one of the forgotten.

We celebrate this momentous day when God invited you to eternal glory. It was sudden, unexpected and inexplicable; we are still struggling to recover from the shock. It’s been very hard for most of us to accept that you are no longer with us. In our sorrow, it has been difficult not to be angry. Alas, that will not bring you back. Who are we to question God’s will or the way it was fulfilled.

Although we are still very sad, we are forever grateful to the Almighty that gave you to us and will continue to cherish and reminisce over those wonderful times we shared. On this first anniversary of your departure, we want to assure you that although you are gone, those wonderful happy memories will endure until the end of time. We are sending this special message to heaven to thank God for holding you in His mighty and loving arms. This anniversary comes but once every year but your sweet memory lives in our hearts each day.

As Isaiah 51:11 puts it; “Those who have been ransomed by the Lord [like you] will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.”

As we think about you now, we pray that the gentle winds of heaven may blow softly and whisper in your ear how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here with us.
The words of this poem aptly capture our feelings:
No one knows how much we miss you,
No one knows the bitter pain
We have suffered since we lost you
Life has never been the same.
In our hearts your memory lingers,
Sweetly tender, fond and true.
There is not a day, dear sister,
That we do not think of you.

My dearest sister, we will certainly meet again and this time it will be for eternal joy and gladness; no more tears, no more separation.
Rest peacefully until we meet again.

Professor Charles Manga Fombad
Pretoria

MA TRÈS CHÈRE BELLE-SŒUR,
MON AMIE BIEN AIMÉE,
MAMA EDITH,

QUELLE ÉPREUVE O COMBIEN DIFFICILE QUE DE TE FAIRE UN MESSAGE D’ADIEU !
Depuis ce maudit 15 septembre 2019 que tu es partie, j’ai toujours du mal à me faire à cette triste réalité.
Oh que la vie peut parfois être cruelle !

L’existence est faite de pages que l’on tourne. ô
Chacune de ces pages est un chapitre du livre de l’histoire de notre vie.

Parfois le destin, ou le hasard de la vie, fait que l’on doit quitter des personnes chères.
Des personnelles essentielles, des personnes qui nous ont beaucoup donné.

Et ce jour si particulier semble être là …
CE MESSAGE D’AU REVOIR EST L’EXPRESSION DE MON ÉMOTION PROFONDE.
Dire Adieu à une personne comme toi, c’est quitter une partie de moi-même.

Je pleure sur le temps qui passe.
Mais pleurer ne pourra effacer la beauté d’une relation.
Mes larmes sont des mots d’amour envoyés au ciel qui disent À BIENTÔT JE T’AIME D’ETERNITE.
Alors sache, ma très chère belle-sœur, que malgré la distance et ton absence,
TU SERAS TOUJOURS PRÉSENTE EN MON CŒUR.

ADIEU MA TRÈS CHÈRE BELLE-SŒUR…
ADIEU MON AMIE BIEN-AIMÉE …
À DIEU MAMA EDITH …
Nous nous retrouverons
Nos routes se recroiseront un jour …
car nous marchons dans la même direction…

PRENDS BIEN SOIN DE TOI ET PRÉPARE NOTRE ACCUEIL DANS LA CÉLESTE PRAIRIE DE MANITOU…
JE NE T’OUBLIERA PAS …

TON AMI QUI T’AIME D’AMITIE POUR L’ETERNITE

Ton pa’a TONGO

Dear Aunty Edith,
I am sincerely at a loss for words. It has been years since we last spoke, but you were a monumental part of my childhood. Due to your hospitality, and commitment to being a great mother to all, Nadia and I made irreplaceable memories with our sisters Bijou and Effie at Damas. We had sleepovers, celebrated birthdays, played board games, attended lessons from the home teacher, enjoyed snacks from the store, and even learned cooking skills from you. One memory of you that I always think about till this day was when you encouraged me to go to the center of the dance floor during a birthday; I am usually shy, but you encouraged me and cheered so much so that I didn’t want to leave the dance floor! Yes, there was Hardly ever a dull moment around you! Thank you for playing a part in making me who I am today.  Even though there is not much I can do to console my sisters and brother during this difficult period, I will continue to pray for them, and seize any opportunities to make them smile. REST IN POWER, REST IN PERFECT PEACE. Lots of love, Leila

My gentle, soft spoken big sister Edith, the breaking news about your death brought shock to me and my siblings just as it did to everyone connected to you in one way. Ma Adellys your friend brought us together very far back my PC Aziri Sunday school age and today we’re more than friends with you and your siblings. I can openly testify that I benefited the most from this “grandsoeur” relationship, I have amazing memories about my personal connections with you. We celebrated a lot together, I can only say thank you for special like, experiences and culinary expertise shared with me. You nurtured this relationship right through my secondary school , University and in Marriage ( Your in laws will never stop gisting me about how my sister knows how to handle the family , always cooking sweet meals to entertain them). What would I be talking about with Mr Nguetsop Michel and others this time ? . Sis you’re gone but I owe you lots of respect and appreciations for the wonderful “grandseour” role in counseling, mentoring me on how to be focus , setting high standards and ambitious personal goals to become successful and happy. Thank you sis for being there to serve my family, Being my husbands God Mother is nothing to regret , though he is now a Christian Orphan ( Ni Mbatcham left us with same kind of shock) I will continue to be the respectful and understanding wife as per your coaching. Grandseour this shocking disappearance is a blow, our hearts bleed, however, your Christian life on earth gives me reason to belief that you’re resting in the Lord, We so very much love you, regret to miss you, but for sure the Almighty giver of life loves you most. Needless to ponder with endless and unanswerable questions like why Edith? Why soon ? Why this way ? We give God the glory for your impactful life here on earth and will continue to pray for more blessings to your kids and siblings to thrive in your absence. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Shalom

My tribute to a lovely family sister Edith.

Sweetheart, you are a big lost to everybody who knows you.
Our ways are not God's ways, because he knows it all from the beginning to the end.
"Why "had never change God's "Yes". We will forever miss you, but
"He Knows it all".

Dear aunty Edith,
It's still difficult to accept that truly you are gone. Life is full of pain and sorrow, you're here today, gone tomorrow. If only we knew when we're going to die,we would all be prepared to say goodbye. Unfortunately we didn't have that time. Your passing away has taught us a real life lesson:' there's really nothing to worry about in life, we always need to live happily with one another no matter what'.
What a brave, caring and loving person you were, you always said what you had in mind with no reserve and made everyone around you happy. That's why I cannot say and will not say that you are dead, you are just away in an unknown land.

Dear Aunty,

This remains an absolute shocker my loving and ever kind aunty....even to people out of the family realms and....beyond.

Our good kind God knows best and we entrust our complete submission and acceptance to his very high Throne.

Enie had actually packed this Gucci stuff (you'r kinda tingy) which my mum had to bring to you!.....then the big bang just came so very unexpectedly crushing us all...so very badly.

We however remain so thankful for your loving kindness.

We trust you are looking down on us with a broad smile with loving Heaven Angels around you.

Adieu Aunty,

Jones & Enie Fombad.

Biggie. If tears were to build a staircase l will be in heaven and on my knees asking God to reverse his decision. Sis, l remember how we used to fight to wash your plates and mop your floor in mbengwi in those days in order to be called your smalls. Oh how generously you rewarded us with goodies. Your cupboard was always full and we were the envy of many . You were such a loving ,soft spoken and tender person. Your memories will never leave us. Since Gods'ways are not ours. I bow in humble submission. To you the roses and to us the tears . For ever in my thoughts. Be strong friends and family. To your lovely kids,they are in our thoughts and prayers. Shalom

Dear Aunty Edith,
Tried several times to write a tribute but I presume my disbelief in that you are truly gone prevented me. I still hope once I dial your number, you will pick up and I will hear your delightful voice say " Oh Mah eh! when are you bringing the baby to see me?'' You sadly didn't give me that opportunity for her to meet you.
You always brightened every occasion and made sure we were spoiled rotten with your beautiful meals every time we visited. The support we got from you was incredible and we are forever grateful.
Your untimely departure not only drove a shock wave up my spine but has created a vacuum which can never be filled. We are saddened and hurt to the core but who are we to question God?
He alone knows better and we will continue to be comforted in his word, knowing that you are in a better place.
May you continue to look down on us as you continue to rest in his bosom.
Rest in Peace aunty!
We love you forever and will never forget you!

The motherly heart soon disappear like mist!

Sister Edith, You groomed me from a child to a young girl and then an adult that fits well in the society.

Why the quick departure is the million question in my mind.
The good soon are no more says Isaiah. To be taken from the corrupt world.
You have worked, imparted many, changed the family you went into as a wife. Not there to harvest the fruits. Your legacy will not vanish.

The minds and hearts that you have planted every where will tell the story of your glorious end.

Rest in the bosoom of the Lord where we meet to part no more.

Fongwa Gladys Tah

Gone so soon ,
Really it was so soon.

I still recall your acts of generosity to us in Yaounde.
We didn't see it coming.

Rest in peace sister.

Yes ,We will be remembered for what we did.
That is why we mourn today because you touched the lives of many.
Journey with the angels until we shall meet to part no more.

Rest in perfect peace .
Adieu Edith!

Your friend Kwa Beatrice

Good night my friend!
After 11am years, we spoke on a Sunday and on the 3rd Sunday you departed!
I don't understand, but of course we are never to understand.
You will be forever missed!

We apologize that we have run short of the right words to convey our deep sorrow for this great loss. Hence we have borrowed, translated and adapted the following poem sent to Mr. Du Périer on the death of his daughter about 4 centuries ago by his friend (the French poet Francois de Malherbe (1555-1628)).

CONSOLATION TO THE FOMBADS
(Translated and adapted by Professor Stephen Lukusa
University of Botswana)

Will your pain, Fombad, be eternal?
And will the sad speeches
Which fraternal friendship puts in your mind
Be always increasing?

The misfortune of your sister in the tomb descended
By a common death,
Is it some maze where your lost reason
Cannot find a way out?

I know what attraction her youth was full of,
And how, aggrieved friend, my unpleasant
Attempts to relieve your pain
Might seem to be.

But she was of the world, where the most beautiful things
Have the worst fate;
And rose she lived what roses live,
The space of a morning…

From the many testimonies I have read about our sister, I remain convinced that she feared God and believed firmly in Him. The final steps of her life on earth indicate that she felt God’s appeal deep within her heart that is why she prepared herself and was ready to depart and enjoy life in eternal peace. As Proverbs 8:34-36 says,
34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the Lord. 36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death
May our sister’s soul rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ till we meet again.

A tribute to my beloved Sister

Sister it's been a while that i have not heard from you, what is happening? i can't keep consoling myself that you are somewhere living a boundiful life though a voice keeps telling me;

"YOU ARE RIGHT BUT KNOW THAT YOU WILL NOT SEE HER ON EARTH AGAIN BUT SHALL MEET HER IN HEAVEN IF YOU WILL BE PRAYERFULL LIKE SHE WAS."
i begin to Wonder how some of us will move on without someone caring like you? Sister, go and prepare a place for us. i will never forget that wonderful voice of yours which will always asked me to come to Yaounde and spent sometime with you. i would have come, had i known.

Sister, i love you so much but God love you more. May your soul rest in perfect peace.

A TRIBUTE TO MY CHILD HOOD FRIEND,PLAY MATE AND SCHOOL MATE
It"s kind of strange writing this to you; after so many years that we didn't meet ;i remember i last saw you some three months ago. I just look back to more than four decades ago when we were children,going to YP togther to study the word of God,the naughty things we did and how we grew up to be young ladies staying in the same hostel at the university! but marriage took you far away yet we talked now and then. i still see that little girl that you were and the dreams we all had, some fulfilled ,others to be fulfiled but death struck! my dear friend, childhood play mate, we came a long way and now you're gone! Adieu edith, bye till we meet again!

It was shocking to hear that you have gone on a journey of no return. I began to wonder what might have happened,so suddenly to you, whom I knew to be very active especially in Nyen meeting. Your courtesy and your welcoming to everyone who came in your present cannot be left out. Your altitudes and actions was worth mentioning.You will ever remain green in our hearts. You have left a vacuum which will never be filled.May your gentil soul rest in peace.
God be with you till we meet again.

A TRIBUTE TO MY BIG SISTER EDITH

My Big sister Edith, before i commence pouring my tears...a quote from

2 Timothy 4:5-8,,,,You must keep control of yourself in all circumstances,endure suffering,do the work of a preacher of good news and perform your whole duty as a servant of God.
As for you,the hour has come for you to be sacrificed,the time is here for you to leave this life,you have done your best in the race,you have run the full distance and you have kept the faith,And now there is waiting for you the victory prize of being put right. with God the lord ,the righteous judge,will give you that day and not only to you but to all those who wait with love for him to appear

Sister Edith am lack of tears,words to describe your sudden disappearance in our midst. How i wish i heard your complaint from sister Loveline when i lastly visited Cameroon ? i should have been talking of our last seating now, i can't forget my childhood life in front of your eyes and the lessons i learnt from you as a teenager, to retrospect a bit of how i use to be consciously rushing to do my school home work when i knew you shall be coming home for weekends,i wish you see how i am a man today,thanks for your moral and accademics memories that will always remind and stuck in my brain.
Dear sis rest in peace till we meet again

  From your junior (Nji) that you usually called, FETE
Rest in peace

Pain was never something I could personally relate to till September 15th, I still vividly remember how my whole world came crashing down when my sister said to me “Bij mum died in her sleep”. Obviously still in denial I picked up my phone and called my mum over and over again and I promise you what I felt listening to every unanswered call was indescribable , but you know what I still didn’t give up because everything , absolutely everything was better than accepting the news was true so I left a vocal message in the shakiest voice I’ve ever had and I said “Mum where are you ? I don’t know why Effie’s lying to me please call me so I can prove her wrong, please mum “. So yeah, I still haven’t received anything, but I haven’t given up either. Don’t get me wrong I have accepted she isn’t physically here anymore, but I know she’s with me, so I know she listens, and she’ll obviously answer me in her own way. Truthfully, I don’t even know what I’m supposed to say in a eulogy, but I know who my mum was, how she made those around her feel and especially what she meant to me so that is exactly what I’ll share. 19 years ago, I came into this world and I was welcomed by the most amazing mother a child could ever crave. Strong, brave, funny, determined, loyal, beautiful, god-fearing, kind, charismatic with a heart as big as the Pacific Ocean are just few words that don’t even have the potential to describe how amazing my mum was. If you know my mum, you know how special she was. I cannot count the number of arguments I have had with my mum regarding her forever mania of always forgiving those who hurt her , always ready to lend a hand , always willing to make a difference and obviously my young , lazy and stubborn self couldn’t comprehend and as years went by I started understanding what I couldn’t as a child . I finally reached the conclusion my mum was a woman. A real one who forgave truly, loved dearly and cared deeply for everyone around her and you know what? As soon as I grew up to realize this, our relationship became even deeper. We left from the everyday arguments to form such a strong bond. My mum was my literal rock, best friend, partner she meant everything to me. I can tell you how deeply anchored my mum is in my everyday life , like how the music I listen to are people like Tracy Chapman , Dolly Parton , Phil Collins etc. just cause we used to sing their songs to the top of our voices in her car or how I have some of her clothes cause we used to steal each other’s clothes or even how we spent our time ranting to each other about people that annoyed us. There’re just too many memories with this special being and of course that’s no surprise, I only spent my whole life since I came into this world with her. One of the most memorable moments I had with my mum was when I got dismissed in form four and she had to travel from Yaoundé to Bamenda and at that time I was scared of what she was going to say or do to me and guess what , she called me into the room and said to me in such a gentle but firm tone “ I won’t shout , just promise me when you go to your new school you will make me proud and put everyone to shame “ . Frankly, my mum was unmatched. She thought us everything, how to be strong, patient, caring, loving, polite and honestly, she did such a great job and I’m happy I made sure to remind her everyday of how thankful I am for everything. She was such a superhuman, she was great mum, wife, sister, aunty and excelled too at her office, and obviously got promoted. She was the actual whole package. I video called my mum on Saturday the day before she passed away and behold Ma’a Tsobgny like I used to call her was at the market and I’m sure this doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone , when she picked up I said to her “ Ma’a Tsobgny toujours au marché” and she laughed back( My mum’s laugh was so contagious and genuine )and said to me “I’ll call you when I get home baby “ and I said to her I love you mum and she said to me “I love you too sweetheart” . To tell you the truth, till this day I still can’t believe my pillar and sunshine isn’t here anymore. Sometimes I get sad thinking of how she won’t be present to see me grow up as a woman or even as mother, but soon after I hear her voice saying “It’s okay baby” and I want to scream “No mum it’s not cause you’re not here anymore” but that won’t ever bring her back so the only way I can ever hope to repay my mum for everything she did is to be strong, to keep on smiling, to keep making her proud , to be a good girl as she always reminded me and grow up to be at least half of the woman she was. I know my mum is watching each and every one of us from heaven and I promise you she will be by us through every step cause that’s just the type of person she was. Rest in peace mum, I miss and love you forever.

My beloved big sis and sister in-law.   So it is true,I thought it was a dream. The news of your demise was a bomb shell to me. Death what a mystery that God did not want us to know.Big sis,where have you kept your family? Soft spoken and caring Sister Edith.I will never forget the love you showered on the chongwain's family especially on my late father. It is immeasurable.Not to talk of the way you received Prof Madeleine into the Fombad's family.Heeeey where have you kept your bestie Prof Charles not to talk of Lovelyn and Olivia.Sis you are in a better place now with your parents and our parents to intercede for us to accept this shock.It's only God's grace that will be sufficient for us to accept this lost. May God almighty grant you eternal rest.Greet our parents for us and other members of the family who have gone ahead.

15th of September the day the clouds turned dark , the clock stopped ticking heaven seamed to break lose.mummy did you think of me before embarking on such a journey.where do i start from ? mummy we had plans, deals and hidden agendas.mummy u have dealt with me.I am confused, stranded and left with so many unanswered questions"will my life ever be same again".oh God hold my hand for i am in the middle of no where.I don't even have the courage to tell bebe Mujem grandma is no more.Goddddddddddddddddddddddd if it's a dream please someone wake me up.so painful to be true.
  Mummy thank you for the love you showed me, the advices ,the support ,the lessons and the decisions you helped me make.you have taken a part of me which will never be replaced.you have taught me lesson while you were alive and as well in your death.
   God teach us to know our days are numbered here on earth, to know we are passing and that we are here today and within the twinkle of an eye we are gone.
  mummy you left me in the middle of the road but your memories still live within me.this is a great loss but we shall overcome.mummy Rest in peace till we meet to part no more.love you mummy even unto death.Go well my heroine
Heaven just gained an angel.

Sister Edith, my reflection to you is on the biblical lesson of
‘NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY OR HOUR’ 
In Mathew 24:36 it is written:
“But of the day and hour no one knows, no, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only”

Despite this biblical verse, I strongly believe you knew the day and the hour. I have this conviction for the following reason:
Sometimes before your demise, you called Ni Henry your brother with whom you share the same birth day (8th November), requesting him to come over from Bamenda (ground zero) with his family and spend some time with you. Ni Henry did come over with his family and they spent a record one week with you. They left on Sunday September 08, 2019 and one week later (same Sunday), you passed on. You knew you had just a few weeks left, that is why you insisted and got the visit.

A few days before school resumption, you scolded at me for not sending SALEM and KASHA to visit you throughout the third term vacation and insisted that I bring them to your house before taking them to the dormitory for school resumption. With my charged program and upon your insistence, I agreed to bring them over to your place on Sunday September 02, 2019, the day they had to leave for school. You prepared their favorite meal (chicken) which they ate to their satisfaction. You beat them farewell as they left for school. You passed into eternity two weeks after. You knew you had just two weeks left on earth.

On Friday September 13, 2019 at our Dynamic njangi that was hosted by our good friend Mr and Mrs ENOW KENNETH, we had so much fun. You normally do not drink Champaign but on this day you drank Champaign throughout the meeting. When you and your husband were departing at about midnight, Ella and I were not ready to leave. You greeted all those who were still staying behind. When you got to Ella, you held her and pressed her close to your chest for about 10 seconds and the said ‘ wona stay fine’. This was about midnight and 24 hours later you breathe your last breath. You undoubtedly knew that you had just 24 hours left in this world.

On Saturday September 14, 2019 at about 4pm, you called me and we commented about the dynamic meeting of the previous night and you complemented Ella’s make up and my hair cut. In your usual generosity, you requested that I come over to your place for us to eat a typical traditional meal that you prepared. I told you I had the Anglophone lawyers meeting but that, if I finish early, I would stop by. You insisted that you were waiting for me. Unfortunately, my time did not permit me to come, so I missed the unforgivable opportunity of sharing the last meal with you. By inviting me at that hour and insisting, it was unquestionably because you knew you had just about eight hours to stay alive.

These and several other examples.
Sister Edith, with all this analyses, there is no iota of doubt that you knew the day and the hour. The question that lingers now is ‘’did you know that you knew the day and the hour?’’

This is where God remains supreme for he makes us to know, but makes sure we don’t know that we know the day and the hour. The justification for this is obvious; God’s judgement has no appeal and so no one can change it.
For your own particular case sister Edith, if you knew that you know the day and the hour, you would have done the lifesaving gest that could have kept you alive. In that way you would have defied god’s judgment.

Sister Edith, Rest in perfect peace and meditate for us until we shall meet again and to part no more.

Mujem & Ella FOMBAD

Edith, though you are gone forever, you remain alive in my memories as our good times in the family and the joyful moments spent together continue to vividly replay in my mind till when I will be able to accept the fact that you are forever missed. Rest in peace.

Dear mummy,

It is with so much pain in my heart that I type this message. I just realised I have to learn to say goodbye to you. I want you to know that it has been a very hard decision to make. I have baby Daniel in my arms as I type this message, with uncontrollable tears flowing down my cheeks. Mummy why so soon? Why at the moment when I should be rejoicing, better still we all should be rejoicing for the gift of life, our new baby Daniel? Oh mummy! So your call on that Saturday was to find out if aunty So (as you call me) would be strong enough to take the news of you leaving? My aunty So is back are the words I keep hearing because those were your last words to me, in joyfulness. I called you back when I arrived home from the hospital on that Saturday but I didn’t get through to you. Knowing fully well you will call back when you see my missed call. Only to wake up the next day to hear you are gone. What happened? Gone to where? How? All these questions I asked wailing and confused. God knows best.
Truly you are gone to rest. Please watch over us like you told Heidi in her dream. We miss you already. Heidi and Maija miss you very much. They mourn for their grandma in Yaoundé. Heidi says she will keep your number in her phone because she has a lot of voice messages from you that she will love to listen to whenever she thinks about you. Maija is so sad that she won’t get the chance to have lots of fun with you again and be grandma’s baby when next we visit Cameroon. Baby Daniel didn’t get the chance to see you but we will tell him all about you when he grows up. Uncle Rogers will be at your funeral to say goodbye.
You were a strong force to reckon with in this world. Your presence in any place was remarkable. You changed my life in ways I can not begin to explain. You taught me how to take care of one’s family. I will forever be grateful mum. Your place in my family is irreplaceable. We love you, we miss you. Go well mum and rest in the Lord. I will try my best to follow in your footsteps. RIP
Adieu
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Dear Aunty Edith,
It was with great shock and pain that we heard the sad news of your sudden death. As a family, we continue to ask ourselves why such a sudden death? We find solace in the fact that there is an Almighty God who  knows our end from the beginning.

Dear aunty, I still remember as if it was yesterday, how you welcomed us in your home when we visited Cameron. You spared nothing to make us feel at home. I remember the wonderful moments we spent with my cousins Eddy, Effie and Bijoux. You will be dearly missed. The thought that we will not see your face or hear your voice or eat your delicious meals is painful indeed. 

Our hearts bleeds and the pain is very deep. May your soul rest in perfect peace. May the Almighty God who is the God of all comfort give us the strength to cope? I continue to pray for divine healing particularly for Eddy, Effie and Bijoux and my dad, your brother. We are comforted by the following scripture in Psalm 73:26 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” For sure, we know although your heart failed on September 15, the Lord remains your strength forever.

Tichanung  Fombad (nephew)
University of Pretoria, South Africa

Dear Edith,
    Even though dead is inevitable, you have left a huge vacuum in my live.
     You were not only a sister-in-law, but more than that. You were a sister, a friend, a confident.
     “ Ma’a” as we affectionately called ourselves, WHERE ARE YOU RUSHING LIKE THAT WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING ???
     I remember, when I will come to Yaoundé , we will spend the hole night talking, while talking , you will to shake me,asking me, «  Ma’a, tu dors déjà ?
      When I was angry at you , to make me smile you use to call me
«  Mâhbâh «  which means grand mother.
      You where whole hearted, very caring , and so loving.
      My friend, I will miss you.
      I’m running out of words, but all I have to say is REST IN PERFECT PEACE.
       ADIEU.
       Your friend sister-in-law Nicole Pene.

Afor,

Writing a tribute to you is one of the things I had never thought will happen this 2019. It is a nightmare to me. I am so confused that I don't know what to say. 

Since your departure on September 15th I have been going through your pictures and have pondered over the last conversation we had on WhatsApp and to think you are no longer therefore us to chat again is really a dream to me . Our conversation was as follows:

“My dear l am proud of my boy before giving thanks to u and papa to God be the glory my phone got missing with all contacts l took yours just today”

“Thanks for that honest and motherly remark. Can only come from you. AHH let's have these remarks that would naturally come from "Mami for Aziri and Mami for country"

“How times n people have changed”!!???

“To God be the Glory” “I was in yde last we l came sick and came back sick that my sister-in-law  in yde Agie is very sick so l came to see her greet papa for stay “

“Ok dear, plz even if you come for Agie call n if l can come see you l will be glad. Just look at the situation, when next will l come home to see my family”??

You supported me on the 6th of December 2014 when I was burying my beloved husband Chinje Chi Augustine. Who will stand by me on the 9th of November?

Fombad Triphine epouse Chinje

My beloved Edith

UNTHINKABLE!! UNIMAGINABLE!! UNBELIEVABLE!!

My beloved Edith, with pains in my heart I struggle with what to say. This is the third time I have picked up my pen to write but couldn't continue. I am still in a trance.

There are so many beautiful things I would love to say about you, is it the kindness in your heart? The depth of your love for us? The care you showed us when we suddenly appeared at your home in Yaoundé? Or the lots of jokes and joy we shared together all so remarkable. I am saddened and shocked by this event, you shall forever be in our hearts. Death is real and is for all of us but truly not this early, however in my heart I know you are at a resting place, which puts my soul at ease. 

I pray God to give us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, to give us wisdom to change the ones we can and knowledge to know the difference. 

May your soul rest in perfect peace.

Mummy Juliet Fombad

AF's...................

You would answer Maik’s.
Where are you to do so?
I am still in a state of denial. Wonders shall never end. But when I turn to look at Eddy, Effie and Bijoux I say we have to be strong for them.

Your stepping out of the stage of this big drama called life is a very big lesson. Things are closing up. So my dear Af's.....Afor fare thee well sister. We will keep watch over the children. We will keep close to Loveline. It will not be easy for her as well.

Only the Almighty knows why. 
Adieu Booh. Adieu Ma friend.

I am Keff!

Ningo Mbah Maikem Doris

A TRIBUTE TO MY DARLING FRIEND by MBU LUCY ACIBOR alias LULU

Dear Edith,
I was overwhelmed with shock when I heard the sad and tragic news that you have left us. I waited tirelessly for someone to phone and say it was not true.

Madam Edith Afor Fombad esp. Tsobgny. "THE CHIEF ORGANIZER" "WOMAN NO REST” I wished it was attending the funeral of someone else, you would have already kept everything in order. You were "A WOMAN OF THE PEOPLE".

Your culinary expertise will ever be remembered. Late Mama Rose Fombad Ake bequeathed her talents to you and you did not spare any efforts in transmitting these to your siblings. This explains why your brother, a renown  lawyer in Cameroon, Barrister Fombad Stanley Mujem pounds “Ahu" and prepares "yellow soup" like a woman. Aunty Olivia is a perfect chef in barbecue. Loveline is just an overall of everything. She would prepare food for everybody to eat to their fill and would be satisfied if they were satisfied although you had not tasted anything at all. Thank you! Thank you!

You were a very devoted wife. You were a wonderful mother to your children and laid a strong foundation for them. I am confident that all who loved you will love and watch over your children and make sure that they live a great life full of your values . My wish is that your beautiful spirit should live on through your children and they will always know how much you loved them.

We are reminded again from your sudden departure that this world is not ours we are just passing through. We love you but God Almighty loves you most.

Edith, what pains me most is the manner in which the cold hands of death snatched you. I would have been happier if you had complained of headache and a tablet was administered to you.
Rest in peace my dear Edith! The toiling is over! Who will call me “Aunty Huck” again? Greet Ni John  Mami Rose Ake Pa Fombad and Ma 0

Adieu, Adieu from me for now until we meet to part no more 

MBU LUCY ACIBOR alias LULU