The time was about 10pm, the day was Sunday of the September 13, when I received the shocking news of the demise of my dear mother from my elder brother Sir Anthony Ogwemoh (KSM). I had called Mama on the evening of Monday, 7th September, four times. Two calls to each of Mama’s two numbers without a response. This was very strange.
When I waited till Tuesday, September 8, without Mama returning my calls, I became a bit apprehensive and placed another call to my elder Sister, Mrs Clara Kadiri, who took special care of Mama while she was alive.
She told me Mama was doing very well and there was no cause for alarm. Little did I know that time was up and Mama’s transition to glory was very near.
Mama, fondly referred to as “Amama” departed this world at the age of 90 years. Mama was a very successful trader. While alive, her resourcefulness was next to none. She was always on hand to augment my late father’s meager resources as a Teacher and Headmaster.
I recall a particular incident during my university days, when I had to return home to get money for my upkeep and school fees from my Late Father, Mr. K. M. A. Ogwemoh.
On getting home, I told my late father the reason for my visit. It was clear my father was helpless as he made me understand that his salary had not been paid for a period of four months.
My father’s frantic efforts to source funds were unsuccessful. Immediately my mother got wind of what was going on, she quickly brought out the exact amount I needed for my fees clearly from savings from her trading business. That was my mum.
Amama was so passionate about her children that at the slightest complaint of headache she would jump to action and ensure the child was promptly treated. Amama never wanted any of her children to suffer and would go the extra mile to ensure our safety, comfort and well-being.
As a boarding student, after every holiday, Mama would always ensure that I had enough provisions to augment my feeding at school.
Amama, mere rhetorics will not be adequate to describe the extent of your love, sacrifice, deep devotion, care, perseverance and selflessness towards your late husband, our Dad of blessed memory, your children, family members and others around you. Amama was extremely generous, accommodating and gentle.
Her love and care was not exclusively reserved for her children. She shared everything she had with her neighbours, visitors and relations. You cannot visit mama and go back home empty-handed without a gift, either in cash or kind.
Amama, your deep love for family and friends was indeed unquestionable. Your show of love is strongly impressed in our hearts and minds.
Amama was also a wonderful and excellent cook. On any of my frequent visits to Agenebode to see mama, the first thing she did after we exchanged greetings was to dash into the kitchen to prepare pounded yam. She did this even at her very old age. Who will cook my meals when I visit Agenebode again? I will miss those delicious meals, the warm embrace and the gentle smile.
Amama, the admirable virtues I now have, I owe to you. You taught me a lot about cleanliness, personal hygiene and so many other virtues. You taught me the virtue of patience, calmness, hard-work and generosity.
I recall an incident when I had low scores in my overall grade in my second term examination at secondary class two, I was overwhelmed with sadness given the high standards my father expected of me.
I remember how you gently took me aside and asked if that was the final exam for the class and I said NO.
You then advised very softly that I should work hard to improve on my scores at the final promotion examination from class two to three. I took your advice and my life has never been the same since then.
Amama, no doubt, I would miss your wise counsel and motherly care. You were indeed an absolute gem, a giant, a matriarch, and an embodiment of Christian love, piety, wisdom and patience.
I am happy however that your life leaves me with beautiful memories of you, memories that will always stay, even though your absence will always remain a silent grief deep down in my heart.
There is no doubt that your beautiful soul has left mother earth, but thanks be to God that heaven has received a gorgeous angel.
My heart is heavy with pain, but I am comforted knowing that death is not the end, for someday we will reunite never to part again.
I will surely miss you Amama. Rest in Peace at the bosom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
