Hmmmm.....my mother, teacher (Mrs. Omoko the teacher... smiles) prayer warrior, role model, disciplinarian, trusted friend, mummy the coordinator, ultimate defender and unflinching supporter.
Hmmmmm.....death where is thy sting, and grave where is your victory because the tomb is empty, my mother has joined the saints triumphant and taken her place with the most High God.
My siblings and I wanted to make up for all the sacrifices of love and pain you bore for us, so that we won't cry when the trumpet sounded. Mummy, mummy (Mrs. 'Omokoson' the teacher....she smiles) you taught us so much; you said there was no end to learning, first you taught us the goodness, mercy and abounding grace of GOD. Then you walked with us, worked with us, laughed, cried and danced with us right from early childhood and even with your grandchildren.
You could spot good things, knew where to get them and shared with all without looking back. You encouraged us to give, nothing was too much to give even from the very little we have. You stood by the truth and told it to all, 'bloom where you are planted' you often said. You trusted that if one cannot see the truth today, then they will see it someday because you 'cannot catch the truth'. My mother wanted justice and unity, which comes at a cost but you were always full of love and free of malice - impactful lessons.
You knew you were most loved, you knew you meant the world and more to us. You knew it everyday in our words and actions but this world would never have been enough to make up for your unwavering love, great motherhood and friendship. So we will cry like people that have hope. May the most High God reward you richly with eternal rest in heaven. Amen.
The quintessential Psalm 31 woman. You were clothed in dignity and strength; able to laugh at the days to come. You spoke with wisdom and faithful instruction, dutifully and lovingly, you watched over the affairs of your household and never ate the bread of idleness, nba sor.
My mother, indeed many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Our father called you the greatest strength and best home builder.
Daalu shinne, nnem ezigbo nnem. Nwa Obi Ugbe, akunna yi ka; nwa agu, agu ooo; akaego nwa Isamah, akaego ooo; nwunye Ogbueshi Onwuamaeze Omoko, akudika nnem; daalu, daalu shinne.
Nnem, you sat daily and watched my adult head, steadfastly, prayerfully at my hospital bedside for endless months, with courage and calm assurance that all will be well. You made sure that I missed nothing and encouraged me to get on with life in gratitude and joy despite everything - a really source of strength.
Hmmmmmm.....my dear loving mother, you have fought the good fight of faith, you have finished the race and remained faithful. Yes, receive the crown of righteousness reserved for you and all the faithful departed. Amen
Nnem, je ofuma oooo; nnem ezigbo nnem, ije awele; nnem mali nwanne, ije awele oooo; may the angels of God welcome you; nnem, Theresa Chukwudi nwa Nnebuogo Aninye, nwa Ononye; nwunye Ogbueshi Onwuamaeze Omoko, onye eziokwu; na bazia na ndokwa, oga dili yi nma oooooo. Amen
