TRIBUTE TO A LOVING MOTHER-IN-LAW
Omenyi, Nne Di m, Ezigbo Nnem, I write this today with a heart filled with grief, for this is an irreplaceable loss we have suffered, and will have to learn with every difficulty to live with. But also, my heart is filled with gratitude to the Almighty God for a beautiful and exemplary life you lived.
I will miss you so dearly for a number of reasons, too numerous to mention here, but most importantly, for the acceptance and love you greeted me with the very moment I was introduced to you as your son, Okosisi’s wife to be. And this love and acceptance remained steadfast till your very last.
I came into the Nnama family, and you, with open arms, through this same acceptance and love (despite your numerous children) were able to accommodate yet another – me. I inherited a mother because you made me your daughter. You remained a true mother to me to the very end. Never quick to judge, no matter where a story originated from. And never too proud to say “I am sorry”, regardless of age, gender or class. I know this, because I experienced it from you. In fact, I learnt from your very own practical examples that it is indeed very honourable to do so. Your act of kindness and thoughtfulness to all who came your way would be remembered for always.
With a voice so soft and soothing, yet so FIRM, you fearlessly ran the affairs of the Nnama family like a sweet mother that you were and a soldier you were compelled to be (especially in the absence of your dear husband of the blessed memory), with such tenacity and love. You were simply a very amazing AMAZON.
During my last visit to you, you held my hands and blessed me like you never did before. Little did I know that it would the very last time I would be seeing you.
I may not be able to do all that I saw you do, but I will, through the grace and wisdom of God Almighty, uphold your good ways, works, and legacies.
My husband, our children and I are deeply pained. But then, we have accepted the fact that it is time for you to rest, for your job was very well done and executed.
Therefore Omenyi, may you find that rest in the bosom of the Lord Almighty, till we meet to part no more.
TOCHI ORJI-NNAMA