Mummy, you were the matriarch of our family, a rock, an inspiration and a teacher.
It was almost impossible to accept the news of your passing. For days I couldn't understand, if that was truly the end of seeing and hearing you. It’s still too painful to relive anyway.
I reminisce about my very last few hours I was with you some years back, my conversation with you – the grieve and pain weighing heavily in my heart as the news of your demise got to me on that faithful Friday.
I never believed you would be gone this early, not so soon.
You were a goddess in your own right. You epitomised what it meant to be a woman and a queen. You personified absolute strength, and you did that ever so gracefully.
Through your subliminal teachings, I learned what the Sesotho adage “Mosadi o tshoara thipa ka bohale” really meant.
Growing up, I watched you display real power behind the throne whenever you’d open your mouth to speak.
As a child you showered me with gifts of joy, love, sweetness and acceptance, as I grew older you shared with me the gifts of dedication and attention to detail - knowing my priorities. As a young man you shared gifts of courage and strength. You showed me I could face my fears, even few weeks before your passing, you gave me much deeper gifts, gifts of self-reflection and self-inquiry.
I watched as you assumed the role of our family’s anchor with ease, ceaselessly nurturing the unity our late father initiated, constantly willing to listen, to reprimand and to repair severed ties. You were admired and respected for your fierce forthrightness by all; you called a spade a spade and an idiot, an idiot. An act which was however, never malicious; you were just a firm believer in unblemished honesty.
You taught me the essence of dignity. Mum would make you aware of her disapproval if your behaviour was appalling, but she was also the first person to commend you when you do well.
You were a deeply spiritual woman who did her best to raise us to be a God-fearing family. I saw how happy and proud you were seeing me being dedicated to God's work.
I realise how treasurable the values you instilled in me over the past years mum.
You gave me many gifts in my life - gifts that went far beyond the physical and material.
I will miss you forever,
Rest in peace mum.
Till we meet at the Saviour's feet.
Ó d'ìgb'óse
Your son,
Adelegan Ade' Adewumi.
