Mummy Hos,
The first time I wrote a tribute in your honor was to celebrate your Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary). Today, I have to go through this painful ordeal to write another tribute for your funeral, aha! How did we switch from celebrating my graduation, to rushing you to the hospital two weeks later, then losing you on the third week all in one month? Shock, disappointment, pain and reality in one.
Your death pierced my heart and has created a huge vacuum. I know death is inevitable and could happen any day, and even when I knew there was a possibility of it happening, you shook your head on your sick bed promising me you will recover. You were very vocal about death this year; you’ll say, “if I die, when I die, I know I will die soon”, but I didn’t take it seriously because on the other hand, you were super excited and looking forward to traveling to the USA. As I went through our chats, the frequency of the word “die” became clear. You were ready to die, but believed that God will give you a chance to see me one last time this summer. You made it this far in life because I gave you hope and reasons to live and be present in my life, another reason you gave up the idea of traveling when I was just a little girl.
I called you Mummy Hos, Hossy, madam, my man...which ever was used would determine how our conversation will go. I resisted the urge to write on social media or start a tribute because our lifetime together deserves a movie. You never stopped being a mother, you expected reports on my activities and a rundown of certain things. Your best hours to chat or call were between 2 - 5pm my time and it will be so hard to adapt with you gone. You loved me immensely without any boundaries even though I always struggled to create one, but you'll say; "you di waste ya time, na me I born you, nobi you born me". You always stood by me in good and bad times and have always remained a huge part of my life. Grooming me to be the lady I am today did not come so easy. It’s a combination of sleepless nights, hustling, motivation, cheering and consistency. There was no room to joke with studies and education was priority, from basic spelling, writing or discussing history. If I had difficulties with certain subjects, you’ll get tutors to work with me. Career options? you were fully engaged with picking my major as I went off to university and followed through post grad. The way you beamed when you hear me talk and go "that's my girl" with that giggling smile. Making you proud was not a choice, it was MANDATORY. I was not expected to be the best, but my little effort was best for you, the reason why you celebrated every win in my life, whether big or small. In fact, if you had a trumpet, you will blow it from the highest mountain, even though you knew how much I hated to be in the spotlight. You'd say, "this my mistake has become my biggest blessing, so I have every right”. For 2 weeks, you went on celebrating my master’s degree. You watched me toil late nights and weekends and will say, "make this book too cam finish make you rest". Now it's over and you're not here to spend time with me. Education was your biggest gift to me after giving me life and I will always cherish your sacrifice, remain grateful and continue making you proud. Sending me to Saker was a dream come true and a major accomplishment to both of us. Even though you had nothing and were struggling to build your business, you were very determined, committed and without fear, saw me through seven good years. You became a die-heart Sakerette by association and a Saker-Mother.
You planned and executed over a thousand events and I can't believe I'm doing same for you. You thought I wasn't cut out for décor, but you were very shocked when you heard the principal (Mr. Haddison-Luma) asked me to decorate in preparation for the CBC Education Board meeting. Thereafter, you began sending me around town to work. Today, I enjoy event planning and do it on the side; a skill I learned from you, in addition to cooking and hosting, which were your soft skills. Hence, knowing what to do for your funeral wasn't rocket science; white dressing, white everywhere, fascinators, style in mourning, organization… Ah Mummy Hos! Am I really doing this for you? Like you fondly say; “This life really no balance”
How do we share good news going forward? When something good happens like a life changing moment, I'll call and sing before breaking the news. Whenever we sang "he's a miracle working God" or "I will enter his gates with Thanksgiving in my heart", we will sing till the end smiling, because someone is about to drop some good news. Likewise, when it was a sad news, you will feel it in your bones. For instance, when someone died, especially after suffering to raise their kids or getting to a certain level in life, you’ll cry so bad. Now you have followed the same fate.
I don't know if anyone could explain life like you. If you were a writer, you'd be a New York Times bestseller because your life was an interesting story line; from nothing to something. Then when things became slow, you'd say, “I have fallen but I will rise up, the time is coming when I'll have money again”.
You were to live and hear your grandchildren call you "mbamba Rech" (rich woman), but even in death, they will. They will feel your presence everywhere and even wish they had met you in person. You may think you had nothing, but remember what you said in March, “Ndolo, I am renovating this house so that you and your children can have an inheritance from me”. What you didn’t realize was that you had given me more than an inheritance, through education, knowledge, a huge network of friends and exposure to the world.
You taught me how to choose my friends and how to live among people. The goal was not to be limited at a particular level or group, but to make friends that will impact me in different ways. Your main objective was for me to find that support and let these relationships serve me in the future because as an only child, you did not want me to be alone if you died. Today, see how much they turned up and came out for me. You were actively engaged in their lives and your death hurt them so bad.
Mummy you worked so hard, and just when life was about to give you roses, the thorns became so sharp that you could not smell your rose. We can’t argue that you barely enjoyed the fruits of your labor, but I am so grateful for all the times we shared together, most especially the time we had nothing. When we were blessed with more, we acknowledged and remembered our low days and humble beginnings. I will treasure the memories we created, particularly the last five years, when you visited me in 2017 and when we traveled to Seychelles in 2020. I can't predict if the future would have been amazing or not, but there's nothing I could have wished for than having you next to me and give you the care, attention and opportunities you deserved.
I know you're not far away. You lived to protect me as a child and swore to fight for me a few weeks before your death. I did not realize you were dying, but that sticks in my heart because you are right beside me, plus our chats and discussions are there to remind me. I see and feel you around me and a whisper that says “wipe your tears”. Above all, I have gained an angel.
We tried Mummy, we tried. I hope you realized how much you were loved, adored and wanted by everyone who stood by you till your last minute. I had prayed and hoped you will make it out this time, and, during your recovery phase I had all these plans to come see you, take you to a beach resort so you could meditate and go through therapy by your side in order to improve your overall wellness and state of mind… Yes Mummy, I had all these plans just because I knew you were hurting and I was going to do everything imaginary possible. Mummy you were loved as a person and your death has left the community speechless. Who writes such words without crying? Yes, I am wailing as I write. I know how much you loved me and you always will.
One thing I loved and admired about you was your grateful attitude. You knew how to appreciate and be thankful, always counting your blessings. You never forgot anyone who did something for you in cash or kind. I may not be half of the person you were but I know I am my mother's daughter, and will protect and carry on your legacy. “You suffer no chop” did not go in vain Mummy.
Weeeeh Mummy, for real you're gone??? I really miss you. Who will I worry again?
I LOVE YOU AND ALWAYS WILL.
Rest in Peace, Sleep, Rest, and Repeat.
Your beloved daughter,
Ndolo, Mimi, Ndoti, Mich, Fineboy, Madam, main man