The Tiger, the Iron lady, the General, the baobab tree has fallen! We are sad by the loss of our mother, grandma and friend. What a loss, what a huge loss and a titanic vacuum, your passing has created in our hearts and in the family as a whole. Aunty, as we fondly called you, you were such a beauty what a thrill of exhilaration the Father must have felt when this piece of His handwork reached its final measure.
Your home was the foundation of our family come together, your heart was open to every one of us; you covered us like a hen will do to its chicks, a corner stone for us all. I felt a pain in my heart two day before you passed on, when I touched your gate and the authoritative voice didn’t ask the usual question “Na who” I do dread the thought of how we all saw you fading away like the stars of the morning; how you were helpless when we took you to Douala for treatment. Indeed, life is all vanity.
My thoughts could take me back as far as the 80’s when I was a kid. Your house was the only place we spent our holidays and how I would dance for you without following the rhythm when you sang the famous “imissingi” song, it was all fun.
Young as we were, we understood the value of your strict counsel when you settled quarter disputes in your home. I shall remember you for being “just you”, no nonsense, straight-forward and fearless, even though you were compassionate and kind. Those commands shall no longer rend the air in our “battle field” because our General has retired to be with the Lord.
Just like the rain never forgets to water the ground, so did you never forget to care for those who were yours by blood and acquaintance. I think part of your purpose was complete; yet you set the foundation to our lives. This is the end to your song, but serves as the beginning to ours. This will make us notice the rhythm of our lives and do some adjustments; either to make it slower to push it faster. You put in such a dramatic ending to your story.
My husband, children and I will miss you greatly. A light from the family is gone. A place is vacant in the home that will never be filled. Your memories will remain evergreen in our hearts.
Adieu our mother, grandma and friend. May your soul Rest in Peace.
Mrs. Mbella Noela (Iya)
Grand-daughter.