Emma, my son, my husband, my brother-in-law! Where are you? You went too soon Emma. You left a big void. You filled me in with events at home and your phone calls and messages were reassuring despite all the challenges. Your love, honesty and kindness defined the person in you. So principled, hardworking, focused and caring. You took all these great qualities with you but I trust that you instilled them in the children. God’s plans and ways are not ours and we can’t question the God Almighty that you believed in so much and served. Yet, I will dare to ask! God, why? Why now? What about the family- the children, wife, mother and siblings? Oh death! Where is thy stink? Emma, I have not stopped replaying your soft voice in the voice message you left on April 17 in which you prayed God grant us all LONG LIFE and PROSPERITY. Is this what you called long life? And then on Sunday May 9th you sent a Happy Mother’s Day note that embedded Prince Nico’s Sweet Mother tune sang by a White crew, which made my day. Then, on May 29th you sent another set of music followed by a long note. And then your final note came in Tuesday June 8 cautioning me on how to securely lock a suitcase when travelling. Emma, you’ve just reminded me of the fact that this world is not our home – we are just passing through. I’ve lived to sing your praises, Emma. My heart hurts and my tears burn as I can’t contain your abrupt passing into eternity. Emma, in your last voice message you asked of my children Fringum and Prestley who last saw you in 2014 during our trip to Cameroon. I am thankful to God for that opportunity albeit long ago. I am comforted by the fact that you are now resting in perfect peace. The love of Lord that passes all understanding will continue to be in control of all that you left behind. I miss you so much Emma. It hurts so bad just imagining that this is for real-you're in a different world. Rest in perfect peace. Adieu!
Commie Ateh nee Amba