The death of a mother is one of the painful moments one can experience in life, especially a caring, loving and supportive one like Ma Tabe.
I am extremely sad to hear about the demise of your mother, Shirley. Please accept my deepest condolences; to you and your family. May God give you all the strength you need.

Tribute to my dear grandmother, by Mayong Tabe, United Kingdom.
Grandma, although I did not know you well, I carry your memory with me everyday. Your name, the one I carry, is a reminder of the fierce woman that came before me. Our communication was through a language barrier, yet you always seemed to understand me; our connection was always there. I am so grateful for the large, strong family unit you have created, that I was born into. I hope to live up to your legacy, to also grow to be a strong, Iron Lady, and continue to do your name, our name, justice. With lots of love, your namesake, Mayong Tabe, UK.

Mama I still haven’t fully processed the fact that you have left us. This feels too final. One just has to be grateful that we got to share many healthy and happy years with you. I am beyond thankful for the many memories I have of you, like the times you’d visit Buea and bring along lots of fruits, with a special selection you’d set aside for me. Or the summer in Kent you spent sharing stories about your house, kids and farm in Mamfe. You were always such a strong, determined and intelligent soul and I wish we’d had more time with you. That being said, I know you are in a better place.

I love you Mama and may your soul rest in peace.

Etengeneng (Chelsea) Tabe
(Granddaughter)

Regina Eyonde Tabe: A Kendem royal full of love and faith in her people
Mama Regina Eyonde Tabe who transitioned into the eternal glory on 15 May 2022, was a descendent of the Menge Dynasty–the reason she and her late husband, Papa Tabe Emmanuel, named their second son, now of blessed memory as Menge. I am referring here to the late Tabe Paul Menge aka Blondo.

Mama was born into the Menge family in Angwa Quarters, Mile 37, Kendem and was named “Eyongondi,” shortened to Eyonde -which means in the Kendem language Eyong the female. Her father, Chief Menge, affectionately called her Mayong.

It is extremely difficult to speak of the life of a woman of Mama Regina Eyongondi’s quality and standing because she was a complete mother full of love for family and faith in the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
I will attempt to offer this humble submission in loving memory of a mother whom I know for sure was a woman of substance. I pray in a special way that all the ancestors receive her home warmly, from the legendary Chief Tagem of Kendem through to Mama Regina Mayong’s father Chief Menge himself, her mother Mama Ekieta, and her two departed brothers Pa Nicholas Takor and Pa Andreas Tambetabi.

As a young married woman, Mama Regina Tabe bequeathed to the people of Manyu, a life of service which will remain indelible in living memories and those of generations unborn. Many Manyu indigenes who arrived Kumba, the chief town in Meme Division in those good old days benefitted from her open-door policy in what was then known as Up Station Kumba, precisely Nurses Quarter, a middle-class neighborhood at the time. She and her husband transcended constraining tribal barriers to reach out to all those who were migrating from Manyu to the Coast in search of greener pastures.

In her marriage, she was conscious of her role as a giver of life – she embraced her earthly mission to procreate and to care for children – her own children, her grandchildren, and all children who made her acquaintance. She was blessed abundantly with eleven children–Angel Tabe, Moses Ndemako Tabe, Paul Menge Tabe(L), Peter Takor Tabe, Henry Tambetabi Tabe, Emelda Agbor Tabe,Julius Tanyi Tabe, Maureen Evenchung Tabe, Shirley Egbe Tabe, Emmanuel Tabe-EgbeTabe (L) and Newton Eta Tabe. Mama Regina Tabe was unwavering in her love children.

As a resolute member of the Catholic Women Association (CWA) she provided for the sick, the poor and many who genuinely sought spiritual counselling including social and religious direction.
The complexity of raising kids in Mamfe town in those days required engaged mums who were decisive, resolute, frank, candid, caring and thoughtful in decision making! Mama Regina Tabe fully understood and embraced this mission and today among her children and grandchildren is a coterie of engineers, lawyers and doctors.

Mama Regina Tabe was never distracted by the obstacles and challenges of motherhood-and not even the contraction of polio by a son, or the passing of two of her sons, could break her down! Deep within the Tabe family, she was the financial accountant and also the emotional accountant! When I travelled home to bury my namesake- the late Pa Benedict Tarh in Kendem, she summoned me for a private talk inside my car and told me authoritatively that I should tell my brothers in the US and Europe to build her a small apartment in her family compound at Angwa Quarters, Mile 37, Kendem as her legacy. At the tail end of our conversation, she added that she was willing to make available 5 million FCFA for the project! To be honest with those reading this tribute, I did not share this conversation with Dr Henry Tabe and Dr Julius Tabe after I returned to Europe. I take full responsibility for my action!

I travelled home again for the burial ceremony of my most senior uncle; the late Pa Ben Ebai. This time around I visited Mama Regina at her Banya residence before the removal of Pa Ben’s remains from the mortuary at the Mamfe District Hospital. The Iron Lady surprisingly asked me if I had transmitted her message to Dr Henry Tabe and Dr Julius Tabe. I shied away saying the family was planning to act. We got to Kendem and the whole time, Mama Regina, my mother Bridget Ebai and the late Pa Besong aka Bone Beef got involved in a very intensive conversation. And when I came to serve them, Mama Regina looked at me straight in the eyes and said in our native tongue that “We are still here because we did not seek retribution or bore rancour against anyone.”

I met Mama Regina Tabe so many times in Mamfe as a young boy. The first time I can well remember was to make a bitter complain about my dad who had brought in a second wife into our home! During her time on planet earth, Mama Regina mended many broken matrimonial relationships in Mamfe town, counselled and served people. To be honest, her strength came from her fullness of faith in the Holy Roman Catholic Church.
She always advised all of us the 1985s of GHS Mamfe who came around to get Dr Julius Tabe out for a drink to pray regularly!

Mama Regina Tabe always treated me as her own son, and she has left me and Dr Julius Tabe to continue the spirit of love and service in which she and Bridget Ebai raised us.

With her transition into eternal glory, the Royal Family of Kendem has lost yet another distinguished daughter! We the Awanchie-Betieku people bow to God’s will with humility and pray for a reprieve, good health and protection over all members of the clan.

Awanchi Clan: Kendem, Bokwa, Mbeme, Moshe, Kekpoti, Gurufen, Nyeneba, Fumbe

Betieku Clan: Adjeli, Ameusu, Anjaki, Ayukaba, Bakumba, Batambe, Ebangabi, Egbe-Moh, Manta, Numba, and Tamfu

Mama Regina Tabe will be missed but her service to humanity will live forever. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
To this I put my name
Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Ooô Mami Tabe as i fondly called you,you are gone from this world but not from our heart,you were a mother not only to your biological children but to all those who by Chance came across your family.mama will pick offence if i visited and refuse to eat from her pot. When you travelled to America and you called me on WhatsApp you lamented and ask of my Children you ask of my children and you said they are starving in the crisis while there was excess in American that my children could eat and still throw some away. Mama you even told me you had perfume you wanted to send but those who are coming don't want to do the favor to carry what you had for me. Mama i know where you are you have enough peace and satisfaction with the life you lived on this earth . May your gentle soul find peace and abundant peace in Jesus name.

**TRIBUTE TO MAMA REGINA TABE (ELEGIE KENDEM)** FROM MA' EVENCHUNG.

Mama Regina my Reigning Queen, my bestie, looking back to our relationship, I saw nothing but unconditional love, care and support from a mother. I became your best friend, discussing everything about our lives…from childhood till our last phone call. Whenever I think of those ineffable moments, I crack a huge smile. I am so happy and satisfied to have built this much trust and confidence in you. I am so sorry for not relaying your last messages as wished. All the love and beautiful moments we shared together, discussing like friends, coupled with your reliable, sensible and sound guidance surrounding our copious calls, came in propitious ways. I am proud of our bond, and promise to build the same calm, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere with my kids.
Mama, we discussed and planned a lot regarding your trip to Canada and our eventual trip to Cameroon. We did not get the opportunity to follow up and make it through with all that. I don’t know why it happened this way. Like I always tell you, God made everything for its purpose. He allows things to happen for a reason. I don’t know where you are, so I can't say whether you are happy or not…but one thing I know for sure is that, for a strong woman like you who worked relentlessly all through her life on this earth, to be quiet and calm for this long means you are resting somewhere far away from the torture, pain, suffering and turbulence of this part of the world. Mama, it is not an easy path to experience, I’m in deep pain, you know that. There is still too much we planned to do that we haven't touched, but with trust in the Lord, His grace will see me through. God doesn't work in our time frame but His.
It is hard Mama, not hearing from you for this long very unlike you. Even as I try to live with some of your consoling words of advice, most especially the one in October when my friend lost her Dad. You said I should tell her that, “it is better for children to bury their parents, and not the other way around”. You never wished for any human to experience what you experienced (losing your own children). I gave you her response back then, and how anxious she has been waiting to hail that strong iron lady here in Canada.
Mama my lioness, you have been a fighter all through, I trust you in fending for your family. I know you just went ahead to meet Papa, so you both can focus on a much more comfortable and befitting life for us that way. Yes, I am confident of a better life when I come. Please kiss Papa, Menge and Emmanu for me. Go and display your creative culinary designs once again to them…they miss that. Don’t forget to greet your brothers as well. I miss you, my precious Diamond! I still have sooo much to write about but tears won’t let me. Mami Tabe the strongest, my lovely mother you came, sat, wrote the exams and passed with flying colours…A+++∞
MY INSPIRATIONAL ONE AND ONLY, GOD HAS YOU IN HIS ARMS, I HAVE YOU IN MY HEART…REST, MY QUEEN, REST!

All my life ,I was the last born of the house ,mama you were a father and mother to me and siblings at the same time,you have shown me endless love at all times.
Even with the distance mama you always called me" Uncle John" how for you,mama if you don't call me a week it should be at least two times.
Information both home and abroad ,I get from you, Who will call me "uncle John" who will treat me like you ,I miss you Mama.
Mama you made a great foundation with love,unity ,care and togetherness,we will try to keep it.
Am in pain because I was not able to reach you directly on your last hours to thank you,rest in peace is not for you because you are always in my heart,as you go mama salut all those who are gone, our fathers,Uncles you all should keep watch over Us.
We all will met again.
Keep flying my mother(queen)
I love you and thank you for everything ,I miss you

Tribute to Mama Regina Eyonde (Mayong) Tabe from your nephew, Emmanuel Tabe Tambe

Mama, I am always certain to include you when I count my blessings. I thank God for the caring you’ve shown me through the years,for the closeness we’ve enjoyed in times of laughter and of tears.
America na waoooo..Engineer for 3 months you said when I attended Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics . Mama, I know you’re up in heaven watching over me, And if God had a best Angel I’m sure of who it would be.
Thank you for believing in me, thank you for never turning back on your brothers family, thank you for education and the delicious meals #bestcook in the world.
Fly high Mama. I Love you !

Emmanuel Tabe Tambe

“Grandma Mamfe” as we fondly called you, your memories with us will last forever and what we have left of you is the special part of you that now lives in each of us. You were a loving grandmother with such wonderful ways and the time we spent with you was a special gift. Your life was such a blessing to us. Thank you for giving us a caring father, Engineer Tabe Moses, and thank you for watching out for and encouraging our academic progress. We’ll continue to make you proud wherever you are.  Be our Guardian Angel and keep watching over us  We will forever miss you.
Jefferson, Jennifer, Jessica-Cynthia and Jurella TABE (Grandchildren)

Mama Regi, my Big Mbanya and “Grandma Mamfe” as we fondly called you in Tiko, it’s unbelievable and difficult for me to pen down these words in your remembrance . You were the “mother hen” to all of us; always encouraging us to undertake projects, and even financially at times. We thank God for the contribution we could make to assist you the very few times you needed medical attention in Fako.   When I added my voice to encourage you to accept travelling to the US, your response was “my own America na Tiko”, which explains the great moments we shared whenever you were with us in your Tiko family. We can’t forget the memorable days we shared each time we visited you in Mamfe.  Thank you for raising up a wonderful son, Engineer Tabe Moses, who later became a caring husband for me and father to your ‘J’ grandchildren. I know you are resting in the Lord.  Continue to watch over us, protect us and ask Mama Maria to intercede for us in all we do, until we meet to part no more. Rest in eternal peace Mama Regi. We love and miss you!
TABE Sarah Ma-Agbor (Daughter-in-Law)

“Elegie Kendem!” That is how I typically greeted you, during our routine Sunday phone calls. You were always amused when I greeted you that way. Mama, my darling Mbombo, words cannot express the deep pain I feel, and the huge void that your departure has left in my heart. It’s been two whole weeks, but I don’t think it has fully hit me, yet. I’ve gone to Takoma Park a few times, and I was always hit by your absence. The last three times I was there (since you transitioned), I broke down and cried like a baby each time I set foot into your room (our room, the room that you and I shared whenever I visited and stayed overnight). Twice, upon leaving Takoma Park, I drove by the funeral home, to let you know I came by. I waved and blew you goodnight kisses. I pray your spirit could feel my presence, as you lay in that strange place. It took me a while to write this tribute, because I struggled to figure out where to start...there’s sooo much to our relationship, Mama, and I really wasn’t sure how to summarize it. Finally, today I decided to just pour my heart out, so here it is.

Our Avendieh Queen! Our “Grandma Mbombo” (which became one of your many nicknames, because so many of your grandchildren were named after you). Biologically, you were my grandmother...but in every other way, you were nothing short of a mother to me. Anyone very close to me, knew that I had a standing rendezvous to speak with my grandmother on Sundays. Heck, my own mother and Auntie Shirley (the two daughters you most recently lived with) might have felt a bit jealous, but had come to accept the fact that I naturally gave you more attention than I gave them. They saw first-hand, the favoritism that you and I showed each other. They (as well as Auntie Maureen) have told me of how much you always spoke about me with pride and joy. Speaking of pride, I would forever cherish those couple of times when I brought you into my workplace, gave you eye exams, and bought you glasses. In the process, I proudly introduced you to everyone at the office, smiling widely as I told them, “this is my grandmother!” In return, the smile on your face clearly indicated that you were proud of me, too. You were ecstatic, that this little grand baby of yours, was now your eye doctor, and you were also amused to hear others calling me doctor. I am so thankful that you got to watch me from birth (literally from day one), to the point where I became an eye doctor (Optometrist), and had the privilege to have given you eye exams.

Thank you immensely for raising me, Mama. Ekieta (my beloved biological sister) and I practically became your last children, along with your last-born, Eta. I recall how upset you got, when (at age 10) my mother decided to take me from Mamfe, to be with her in Buea. You said, not only was she taking me from you, but she was also NOT sending me to Okoyong! I heard you didn’t speak to her for a good year or so (she had messed with you and your Mbombo, and you were not having that!). You so much loved QRC Okoyong, and you were thrilled when I returned to Mamfe a couple of years later, and finally went to QRC. My close friends at QRC knew that my grandma never failed to bring me fresh, tasty eru on visiting days, as I proudly shared it with them.

In more recent years, you were the first to know, whenever I was coming to Maryland. You always asked me when was the next time I was coming. I now realize that was your way of telling me you loved and missed me, and couldn’t wait to see me. I love you too, my sweet (grand)mother! If only I could braid your hair one more time, or put a little makeup on your face as I did a couple of times we were heading out...and as I did for that mini photo shoot we did (taking lots of photos at your request), when you visited me in Richmond (Virginia). I didn’t have much, but made sure I never came to see you in Maryland empty-handed. I’d bring you lubricant eye drops, eye health and other supplements, that special tea, your favorite toothpaste, body lotion, etc. The joy and appreciation you showed for those little things, were sooo heartwarming! Honestly, Mama, your excitement to receive my humble little gifts, got me addicted to bringing you more (I still have a bag or two of items I had planned to bring for you on my next trip). Whenever I came, you tried to convince me to stay longer, and maybe even stay overnight if it was late. A few times, I did, and you and I shared the same bed. Oh, if only I could get just one more of such nights with you...I’d hug you and never let go!

I always bragged to my friends about your amazing sense of humor, and shared the funny things you used to say…e.g., how you called Yao Isatou “Hausa Satou,” and how you called ‘antenne parabolique’ “antenna boulangerie” or “television Bonaberi” ...(and so many other examples of your sharp sense of humor). A few knew of the special relationship you and I had, and that we so highly regarded each other. You best knew my schedule, when to call and get me, versus the days when I could not answer or speak much (due to my long & non-stop days at work). You initiated a majority of our calls (and that, in itself, is a testament to the love and concern you had for me). In return, I did my best to give you as much attention as I could, whenever I could, just to even come close to that level of love and concern you showed me. Whenever I initiated a call, I’d say, “I don first you today,” and that would crack you up so much! You’d say, “Mayong, you ehh...” and we both would laugh some more. As I think of your laughter and our random conversations, I get emotional and yet smile. I know how blessed I am, to have had my grandma well into my adulthood, and to have had such a close and special relationship with her (you). I’m smiling through tears right now, as I type these words. Since that fateful day (Sunday May 15, 2022), I’ve been having grief attacks almost every day...moments when I’d be lost in thoughts about you, then burst into tears, and I’d have to stop whatever I’m doing, to let it all out. The pain is deep, Mama.

Despite the pain of your absence, I thank God for your amazing life, and the endless love you had for all your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I’m terribly sorry that you never got to see my own child(ren) in the flesh (as you so badly wished to)...but I pray and trust that you’ll be present in the spirit, when the time finally comes. Thank you for visiting me in a dream, even as you lay unconscious at the hospital. You blew blessings into my hands, and that was your way of telling me goodbye. Mama, akafulo! I look forward to seeing you in more of my dreams. You have become my newest Guardian Angel. Papa (your loving husband and my beloved grandfather) was the first, but perhaps you’d be the fiercer one (as you always were the Mama Bear, aggressively protecting your children & anyone else you cared about). Please, do kiss Papa, Emmanu, Uncle Menge, and Bébé Tabe for me. I love and miss you all dearly. Fare thee well, our Iron Lady. I’ll miss & love you forever. May your soul rest peacefully in the Lord’s bosom, my Queen! ❤️❤️

Yours truly...your first grandchild and Mbombo, Dr. Fausta “Mayong” Tabe
Written on June 1, 2022

TRIBUTE TO MY MAMA REGGIE

Mama! Where do I start? My heart is broken, it hurts! but I continue to ask the universe to guide me to have a better understanding of why you had to physically depart now. I would have preferred to give you any care you needed, but God decided that your time is now.

Everyone close to me always knows that I would not be alive today if not for you mama. I will always be grateful for your love and care. You and Papa took me in when I was only 9 months old to the age of 12. Mama, you do’am! You went above and beyond for me.

When I was sick and did not want to eat, you would cry and beg me to eat—oh sweet mama!. When I was in crying pain, you always gave me a massage to help calm me down. I would then go to sleep so peacefully and wake up with no pain—your love and care were so powerful that I did not need any pain medication. The mystery of me being frequently ill was such a challenge, but you never made me feel like I was a burden. You were ready to try anything and took me to top-class hospitals to see if they could figure out the root cause. I cannot even imagine doing what you did for me mama. Thank you Mama!

I remember our days of going to the farm and always having fun. During our discussions via phone now that I am older, you would always say “Ma, you don try for your age” and we would laugh. The history with this statement is that one day, on our way home from the farm, we had to descend a hill and I felt it was better for me to go down the hill seated on my butt while carrying the load on my head. You made a comment, and I recall responding back to you in pidgin saying, “I no try for my age?” and you laughed so hard. Mama, I want to tell you today say “YOU NO TRY BUT YOU DO’AM FOR YOUR AGE”! Your accomplishments are legendary. I always enjoyed going to the farm with you, but one day I decided I wanted to stay home and play. You did not spank or force me. While playing I kicked a rock and hurt my toenail really bad. You came home and took care of my wound without yelling at me. I am grateful for our farm days.

My years in Mamfe taught me so many invaluable life lessons. I watched how you saved money, grew the amazing foods we ate from multiple farms, and earned money through various entrepreneurship ventures. My money-saving habits today are all thanks to what you taught me. I have assimilated all of these habits in my life. I certainly will make sure to continue passing on the entrepreneurial spirit and life lessons learned from you to your great-grandchildren.

I was looking forward to you visiting my household because I was going to take the opportunity to cook with you and write down all of your cooking tips and tricks. You made cooking very easy and simple. I am always grateful for the days you gave me instructions via phone on how to handle certain foods. I remember the cooking story that when I was 9 years old, you came home from the farm and saw that I had cooked ekwang. When I think about it, I can only give credit to the way you empowered me to do things. My cooking foundation all started with the things you taught me. All I do today when it comes to cooking is because of that foundation. Thank you my Iron Lady!

Thank you for always supporting me. I was never wrong in your eyes. Every time I came to you with my version of the story (LOL), I had your support and felt relieved. You supported my marriage from day one and I am so grateful for the love and appreciation you showed to my husband.

I am very grateful that our final phone conversation was me thanking you for always calling to check up on my household. During our conversation, I said to you in pidgin, “Mama, thank you as you di always call me, I beg no stop for di call anytime because even if I dey busy, I like for see your call because I know say you dey, ok na why that you di always call for check how we dey”

Now looking forward, one thing I had picked up from Maya Angelou years ago is to invite loved ones (alive and/or deceased) when embarking on any journey. Every time I invited you on any journey I embarked on, I always felt confident. There is always a big force of positive energy. Now that you are with Papa, I know you will join him to guide and watch over us mama.

I know you will always be with us, so I can’t say goodbye, because I can talk to you anytime I want to. I have my moments with Papa and he gives me the signs that he is always with me. Let us continue the conversations.

Give my love to Papa, Uncle Menge, Emmanu, and Bebe Tabe.

Love you Always,

Your Ma-Ekiet

TRIBUTE FROM ELDEST SON, UNCLE MOZ TABE, TO MAMA REGINA EYONDE TABE born MENGE
Mama, do you really want me to believe that you too have left us so unannounced to the World beyond? Did we not speak on phone just a few hours before that fateful cardiac arrest? It’s you who gave me life; carefully carrying me through nine months of pregnancy, going down that valley of uncertainty towards death for me on the delivery bed, and then coming back upwards to nurture me through babyhood and infancy, and accompany me right through to adulthood. Despite the life-threatening car accident which kept Papa bedridden and plunged the family into a hopeless crisis of financial desperation, you insisted that Sasse College must be the place for me. You accepted me as your friend, accepting my humble support whenever I could offer something, and also supporting me whenever you could. I thank you immensely Mama.
Today, I know you to have been Mama not only to your biological progeny, but also to dozens of family children and relatives who stopped at your doorsteps in need of family warmth on their journey towards greener pastures. We all thank you and Papa for this magnanimity.
Mama dearest, I remember with pleasure how much appreciation you manifested towards me when I received scholarship money in CCAST Bambili and used it to buy a standing fan for Papa and a hand-grinding machine for your kitchen. This all motivated me so much that I even offered an “agbada” to Papa during my one year of torments as a lone Anglophone student in the long cycle of the Francophone Polytechnique of Yaounde. I observed how you danced in great joy when the then Radio Cameroon sounded my name as best GCE/A-Level in Cameroon and the Government awarded me a scholarship to study in the UK. You and Papa simply “infected” our entire Banya Quarter home with “grand merry-making”, which I know today served as a shiny example for my younger siblings to emulate. Mama, your overt and uncompromising appreciation of the academic performances of your children contributed to set a high level of achievement as a given for all of us. I remember when you visited my office in the Douala Port Authority, and your only comment was “book fine oh!”. You have over the decades kept the faith in me and I thank you for that unshakeable measure of permanent encouragement. For all of that, and more, I will forever be thankful to you for exemplary motherhood.
Now that you have taken your everlasting place at the side of your husband, Papa Emmanuel Bruno Tabe aka AVEHNDIEH, the progenitor of this prominent Numba family of “Big Brains”, permit us assure you that we all remain thankful for your work at Papa’s side, and shall for ever and ever continue to celebrate your lives and uphold your legacy in unison. Mama please do intercede on our behalf with Avehndieh, Menge, Avehegbe Emmanu and all our ancestors for the empowerment to live up to your expectations, and even beyond. May God bless your gentle soul Ma Regi as you rest in the peace of your Creator! We love you infinitely.
Your eldest son,
The one you affectionately called “Engineer” or “President”
Moses N. Tabe

Tribute to Mama Regina Eyonde (Mayong) Tabe from your son, Sessekou Dr Henry Tabe
Mama, it is true that you have left us at the respectable age of 80, but your departure has come too soon for me.
Our last conversion was about your plans. How you would like us, your children and grandchildren, to build you a house in Kendem. How you were looking forward to leaving the unfamiliar settings abroad and returning to your new house in the land where you were born and raised.
I challenged that vision, of course, and encouraged you to accept America as your new home. That did not go down well. You were annoyed with me for implying that you could meet your end abroad. I understood your annoyance, and deep down, I shared your vision. I could imagine you shuttling between your Queen’s Palace in Kendem and your abodes in Mamfe, Tiko, Yaoundé, England, Maryland, Massachusetts, Toronto, Virginia and Texas. So, death has snatched that vision from us all.
Your life was an overwhelming success. It is truly remarkable that a young girl from Kendem and a young man, Emmanuel Bruno Tabe aka Avehndie, born and bred 5 miles up the road in Numba, were able to raise the number of children that you did, and were able to produce so many heavy weights. You never admitted it, but I suppose that’s because modesty was a hallmark of your character. You never dwelled on your successes because you were a perfectionist. A high achiever who did not rest on her laurels, who was always hungry for more.
I am pleased that I made you proud of me, that I brought you joy and satisfaction with a string of outstanding academic achievements that stretched from Government School Kendem through to St Anthony’s School Mamfe, Bilingual Grammar School Buea, culminating with a PhD in Mathematics from University College, University of London aged 24. You were very proud to know I authored a book that became a reference for the Congress of the United States of America. Yes, you never went to school, but you understood that this was not necessary to produce academically gifted children and you delighted in that knowledge.
Mama, I was particularly pleased to have had the opportunity to take good care of you, to have provided generously for you from the moment I was financially able to do so, to have showered you with unflinching love and care. I am delighted to have received your acknowledgement that, if money could buy life, then you knew I would ensure you lived forever. Ma Regi, you will live forever in our hearts.
You often rejoiced that your children provided you with income worthy of a senior civil servant even though you never went to school. It comforts me to have contributed to that sense of pride, joy and satisfaction for you throughout my working life. It was no less than you and Papa deserved after all the sacrifices you made to instil in us your zest for life and your hunger for success.
Mama, rest assured that your legacy continues with us, your children and grandchildren. We will do our best to pass this legacy on to future generations.
Waka fine, Ma Regi. Please greet Papa, Menge, and Emmanu for me.
Your son, Tambetabi, whom you fondly called Ambiavi or Akpombu!

Mama, to the world, you were just one person, but to me, you were the world.

As I embark on this journey of grief, I know it won’t be easy. I will miss you every single day of my life, but your absence will be most felt during the second Sunday in May, Mother’s Day.

Because we’re all visitors in the world, I knew this day will come. However, it came way sooner than I expected, and that makes the void created by your departure, so painful. I cried and even refused to eat, when you left, but I promised not to let the tears overshadow the beautiful memories of our time together. I have no goodbye for you because your memories will have a perpetual presence in my heart.

Your strong-willed, visionary, determined and positive-thinking nature, propelled us your kids, to unimaginable levels of academic and professional success. I jealously hold vivid memories of your active role in my choice of a career in medicine, and the joy I saw in you, not only on my graduation day, but every time you saw your son in practice mode. Thank you, mother, for always being there for me. I wish I visited you in Maryland more often than I did. I wish you gave us a little more time to celebrate your birthday as we had planned. But we won’t blame the lord for taking you now because he knows best. All we can do is to thank God for giving us a tough, loving and caring mother, who won’t spare any opportunity to defend our interest.
Farewell Mama, and say hi to Papa, Menge and Emmanu.

Your son,

Julius

TRIBUTE TO MY DARLING GRANDMA MBOMBO

Grandma Mbombo, why are you staying too long with the doctor? When will the doctor tell you to come back home? Please come. I want to frighten you. I have no one to play with. No one to cut my apples. I have to eat myself because Mommy is always working so please come and feed me. Is it the doctor who is hiding you? I came to the doctor, but I did not see you. Please tell the doctor that you want to come back to the house. I am waiting for you. I love you and I miss you.
Tambetabi Njang (your big Papa,and best boh)
Grandson

TRIBUTE TO MY GRANDMA MBOMBO

My dear Grandma Mbombo, what is really going on? Everything seems so wiggling and I am so confused. I have not seen you for so long but I’m unable to call you because your phone is with Mommy. You know I enjoy food the most when I eat with you. I want you to come back please Grandma Mbombo. They say you’re in heaven, but Mommy is crying too much so please come back to the house so that we can go to Okoyong, Mamfe. I love you Grandma Mbombo and I am waiting for you because I miss you so much. Life is not the same since you went to heaven. I miss when you use to get up and make food for us, and coming back from school saying hello to you, and also me putting pidgin news for you. I have also missed when I say good night, good morning and saying I love you, I hope you truly have a good time in heaven

Mayong Njang (Mbombo Mayong) Your true Mbombo
Grand Daughter

TRIBUTE TO GRANDMA MBOMBO (BEST GRANDMA EVER)

Dear Grandma Mbombo, what is death? Is it true that we will not see you again? How is that possible? You have always lived with us. You were so loving that we always wanted you to be with us and you knew that so you always tricked us that if we didn’t eat, you would go back to Mamfe. Since we did not want you to go to Mamfe, we would eat all our food. Thank you for all the care and love you gave us. Thank you especially for giving us a loving and caring mom who is working so hard to take care of us, if you did not give birth to her, she would not have given birth to me. I wish I had at least a minute to talk to you again. Ever since you passed away, I have been depressed and sad. I miss your lovely laugh and your calm voice. You are the best grandma and I want you to know I love you. I pray you stay happy in heaven because you and grandpa worked so hard to raise 13 kids.
You called my sister Mbombo Mayong, so we all call you Grandma Mbombo, and you called me “Moyo Nguti.” I don’t find it funny if anyone challenges me that I am not your Mbombo. I want to always be part of you because of your love and care for us. They say you are in a better place, but I don’t understand what that really means because I think there can be no better place where we will not see you again. Papa Tambetabi is still waiting for the doctor to tell you to come back home. Grandma Mbombo, Mommy Shirley has been crying so much and we have also been crying with her. There is nothing I can do but please always remember us wherever you are.
Well, Grandma Mbombo, I want you to know that Tambetabi (Papa), Mayong and I will always love you and please pray for us so that we will be good children to Mommy.
I love you so much Grandma Mbombo

Ntuo-Nzo Njang (Moyo Nguti and your 2nd Mbombo)

Grand daughter

TRIBUTE TO MAMA TABE MAYONG
Mama, never have I found it this difficult to organize my thoughts. Mama, you were, are a million things to me. Perhaps that’s why I am lost and short of words to convey my feelings given the constraints of time and space. I recall the words from my brother-in-law (Mr Enongene, your gentleman), who said there’s a song in his culture that says when your leg hurts, they say you should ‘tie’ your heart; when your arm hurts, they say you should ‘tie’ your heart; when it’s your heart that hurts, what are you going to ‘tie’? I begin to have an idea of what is happening to me. Mama, I feel like my heart has been ripped out of its cage. Mama my protector is gone. How exposed and insecure I now feel! I’m still in denial Mama. Even after the Physician’s pronouncement, I expected a second pronouncement. Mama where do I begin? My life was all about you. Words cannot express what I am going through. You had unmeasurable love for your children. At my age you were still checking to make sure I was sleeping comfortably. Who do I run to when someone attempts to hurt me: Oh no more ‘I go tell Mama’! I thought I was truly smart like you always say ‘Shir Shir smart girl’ but I just realized how silly I am to have thought you’d never die. Yes! Lion too di fall for trap? Mama what about Tambetabi your play partner? How do you really expect him to cope without you? He is still looking forward to the fun moments as he waits for the doctor to tell you when to come back to the house. You went on hunger strike barely two months ago because I felt you needed a break and I took Tambetabi to childcare. You couldn't imagine someone taking care. of Tamtam other than you. Where are you now Mama? Please come and take care of your big Papa Tamtam. Im now always late for work because I have to take Tamtam to childcare, Please Mama Tamtam is asking of you every other minute. God help me

Mama the always boss lady! The ‘man’ of the house since Papa departed. None of your offsprings, Engineer, veteran Journalist, PhD holder, Physicians, Barrister, Teacher, etc. was too big to take orders from you; that was typically your rule, and we all had to abide. Though we thought you were too hard on us sometimes, we realized it was all for love as you wanted perfection for your children. I’m still figuring out how to come to terms with the reality that you’re gone. Though I grieve, I’m sincerely grateful to God for all he has done in your life. We’re so thankful that we’re not just giving you a befitting burial as prescribed in Eccl. 6:3, but that we gave you a well-deserved and absolute life. I’m especially grateful that your last 10 years were mostly spent with me and you enjoyed the last meal I prepared for you so much so that you graded it 100%. Thank you for making me the hardworking, focused woman that I am. I know the importance of a mother’s love because I lived it, so I promise to continuously pour that on my children, your grandchildren.

Mama, Mama, Mama, Mama several nights have passed without anyone checking on us. I said I was too big for you to do that and so I accused you of being overprotective. I now miss every bit of that as I open my eyes all night hoping and praying to hear those gentle footsteps of yours entering my room to adjust comforter on me and my kids. Weeeeeh Mamaaaaa! Is this a nightmare I will wake up from? I stop by your room to tell you I was going to work but didn’t see you. I got home from work and there was no one to say “Ma oh tuoh?” I now suffer from severe random grief attacks. My model, you had so many of us, yet you were able to touch each one to feel they’re special, that technique I will try to emulate.

You were a mother to many, far and beyond your biological children, my friends became your friends and they called you Mama like the rest of us, because you gave them the same love. Mama your last words were “Weeh Shirley, make e no be say na die I di die so oh, how you go do?” I still don’t know but I pray you guide me through from heaven. You know my burden and you were number one in my support system. I am devastated but I pray God to give me the strength to stand this trial. Go well, Mama. Your body may be lying in that casket, but you live in us your progeny and in the many lives you touched directly and indirectly. I can go on and on but I have to accept this is just the beginning of the mourning.
Eternal rest grant unto her Oh Lord, And let Perpetual light shine Upon her, may she rest in Joy, Love and Peace, Amen. Farewell Mama and salute Papa, Mengs Blonds and Emmanu, (your whiteman pikin).
ADIEU Mama Mama Mama Mamaaaa my mother I am dying

Shirley Tabe

Tribute to Mama Regina Eyonde (Mayong) Tabe by your son, Peter T. Tabe, IT Security Consultant.

Dearest Mama, no words can describe the feeling when I realized that you are no more. It’s a feeling like no other. No one can really understand the pain of going through life without such an important part of you.

You were one of the few mothers on earth to have raised a child with a disability - A child who required special attention from the very tender age of 2½ years after contracting polio. At that time, I didn’t understand what was going on. However, since my young adulthood to date, I have come to appreciate what you went through in terms of sacrifice for me. You and Papa went through deep psychological torment, prolonged social stigma but you did not give up on me. You tried both traditional and modern medicines to find a cure to my handicap, you provided all the daily special needs my condition required, you both never abandoned me. Because of the love you showered upon me, while growing up, I never felt at any moment that I was a person with a disability – you showed no form of discrimination whatsoever.

Through this special care, support, and unconditional love, I was energized to work extra hard so that I wouldn’t disappoint you and my lovely family. I can never imagine where my life would have been today without the special love and attention from you and Papa.

You supported me through primary school, secondary school, and University, and propelled me to greater heights. I remembered when I was about to complete primary school, you and Papa had an original plan for your handicapped son. You bought a well-located house for me to set up a provision store as a foundation for the future. Your mindset was that if I couldn’t go further with my studies, I have a safety net. Learning about this, I simply shed tears of joy for the special plan my parents had for my future. This further propelled me to work harder and assure you that my handicap wouldn’t be an obstacle to my progress and that the sky would be my limit Today, keeping to my promise to you both, I have emerged as one of your most successful children, despite all the immense obstacles encountered during life’s challenging journey.

During secondary school, both of you were there for me, supplying us with fufu & eru every weekend, tirelessly. Another remarkable moment to me was during the prize-giving ceremony in Form One at GHS Mamfe when you stood up, raised your hands over your head and thanked God for your child when I emerged as the overall first and received multiple prizes. Later, I asked you what was in your mind at that time that you expressed so much joy and relief? You simply smiled and said, “You cannot imagine my feelings of profound joy, knowing that you could use your brain to build a future for yourself, and this was such a huge relief for me and your father”. This unique experience encouraged me again to work even harder to succeed in life and satisfy you and Papa. I also had a strong lifelong mission to demonstrate to you and everyone that “disability is not synonymous to inability”.

Mama, I’m really missing you. Nobody to call me “P ton ton” or “Uncle P” as you fondly called me. Nobody for me to fondly call “Na Angena” as Papa used to call you (I remember you always laugh when I called you this name as it reminded you of Papa). This separation is painful.

During my last face to face conversation with you, I reminded you that we loved our father so much and missed him so dearly, especially as he left us so early. Then, I confirmed to you that the only way we can demonstrate our love for him now is to give the best care to the special partner and associate he left behind, that’s you, our mother. As if these were your last words of wisdom to me and all of us, you asked us to love and care for each other always. Let me assure you that we have understood you and will do our best to put your advice into practice.

You loved and trusted your children and could reach out to them happily whenever you had a task to accomplish. During our last phone conversation, you called and thanked me for judiciously executing a task you assigned to me. I will never depart from this highly dignified appreciative quality of yours.

During your last visit to my home at Christmas and your subsequent long stay with me, much to my satisfaction and relief, you acknowledged that the amount of care and attention we are giving to you is unprecedented. You added that death is an inevitable path, otherwise you would have lived forever because of the attention from your children and grandchildren. Mama, we loved you, we enjoyed your company, and we would have loved to continue taking care of you happily forever.

I hope life is better where you are now my special mother. I miss you more than you know and my heart aches whenever I remember you are gone. Goodbye Mama, until we meet to part no more.

We thank you Mama. I LOVE YOU!