I sit here for minutes thinking what to say in this eulogy to my dearly beloved auntie and for a lasting memory, Mummy Morounmubo, (yes, she was my aunt, but for her motherly and caring ways, I called her Mummy Mubo). If one is supposed to provide the nuclear and extended close family, readers, friends, past medical and nursing staff members of University College Hospital Ibadan (with which she worked with for decades amongst other many other places she worked) and all other audience with stories and memories that made Mummy Mubo special to me, I will not only seek to write a most befitting eulogy for reading into eternity, my aim also will be to write a eulogy to mummy Mubo, with the hope that it will help to provide some closure for her transitional journey for all of us who loved her and wish to cherish her memory. I want to express my thoughts, and emotions in the following small narrative about Mummy Mubo to reflect on her caring, hospitality and kind nature:
I recall that I was young, but not too young not to remember when Mummy Mubo used to frequent our house. I used to admire her in her immaculately white, starched and ironed nurse's uniform whenever she called either on her way in or from work, most times with shopping bags of provisions in hands for us. 'Mama, how are you and everyone' she would say. 'I'm not stopping for long, have you heard from Sister Morenike lately, I just want to drop these on my way ......' she would add, giving mama Abideck (multivitamins drops) and Sunday-Sunday medicines (anti-malaria tablets) and discretely handing over an envelope to my Grandmother. 'Don't say this is little, please manage it. These are for the children (meaning me and my siblings) and there are some of your medicines in there too' she then gave us the once over, and dismissing us to go and play with some Cabin biscuits and Tom-Tom sweets in our hands, we would then go to play, leaving the adults to have some privacy for their small talks with brilliant smiles on our faces. When she left she would say 'Mama I'll see you in the weekend or later' and after some pleasantries she would leave.
I also recall that whenever I was naughty, my nan would say to me 'I'll report you to your Mubo' for being naughty or not doing well enough in school, I would be terrified for her stern looks (feigned displeasure and 'talks') when she came round. 'Bunmi come with me to the car' she would say, while I followed her to her Volkswagen Beetle .... knowing that I was in for a big telling off. Mummy Mubo used to reward good behaviour with praise and biscuits and sweets, but chastised sternly for misbehaviour.
I can cite other instances of her encouragement, push and support for me to do well and her felicitation when I did well, but better not now. I grew up to always remember her words to me. 'If you listen and do as told, you will do well in life. Bunmi, you will remember my words later in life and will thank me for them', she said to me on several times. How prophetic she was then?
Mummy, I thank you for instilling in me all those good attributes that I now use when dealing with my children and grand son.
My mummy, Mubo, was a kind and generous person who passed away too young, even at 73years old (how we wish she lived forever!). She was a strong person and this strength shone through during her time on earth. I learned a lot from mummy Mubo. I learned how important family is and enjoyed spending time with relatives. I learned an appreciation for the good behaviour and emulating good things from others around me. I learned how important a strong work ethic is and how remaining positive can help me get through life’s biggest challenges.
I love you so much and wish that we had more time together. I will cherish all of the great memories we had and will carry your values with me. You will be missed by all and your memory will live in us all forever.
Mummy Mubo, E sun reoo. Rest in perfect peace in the bosom of the Lord Jesus Christ.
For ever in my mind,
Olubunmi Obasanya