Bye bye Mummysco

 

A few weeks ago, my son, Kelechi, and his wife, Uloma, visited us but I didn’t ask them the usual question I used to ask them –”when did you visit your mum last?” The reason was because the mum had passed on. Each time I asked that question, Uloma’s response was usually. “this week or last week “. “Did your husband go with you”? Her usual response would be yes or that he went later. By that question, I wanted them to appreciate all the time their mum, Madam Jane Kanu.

We drove along Ago Palace Road with KC’s children some years back. On getting to the junction of a street, they shouted that it was the street leading to their grandma’s house. This was a confirmation that they were always going there with their parents. One day, in February, my wife and I visited her but all through our stay, she didn’t know that we were there. We spent quality time ministering to her. At a time, one of her sons came out bursting “Mummysco”. What a great name for a mum!

She was taken to many hospitals. Thank God for the children who were always cooperating and caring for her. Everyone cared for her, including Uloma and KC’s children. Of course, she deserved all the care and concern. At the birth of KC’s children, she took care of them, babysitting for a long time beyond what a grandmother should do. I had thought she would have lived to tie the wrappers they would buy for her.

On April 3, my wife took me to Kelechi’s house where his mother-in-law was staying. There, I received a phone call that my 68-year-old nephew, Onyenwe, had died that morning. Later in the afternoon, Kelechi’s children ran to me to tell me that Grandma was no more breathing. I rushed to the room and Kelechi decided to take her to the hospital. There, she was confirmed dead.

Thank God for Ugochukwu and Nwabueze, who later took her corpse down to a mortuary in Umuahia. That was the end of a woman, who, in those days was driving everywhere including the North. That was a woman who always listened to my messages to her with a passion.

Though slightly younger than me, we never disagreed on any matter.

In the words of Uloma, her last born. Here’s the thought she shared:

You fought a good fight. You have finished your course. You kept the faith. Now you wear your crown of righteousness. It has been a difficult period for me, and for us, but I find comfort in the Scriptures, Romans 15:4. We are comforted through the Scriptures, live in hope, and endure all things.

Mummy, you gave your ALL and withheld nothing. It did not matter if you lost yourself in the process. You were a giver and a big one at that. You taught me simplicity. Your perspective was that the simpler it was, the better. You were intelligent! Oh mummy, my first teacher! It was amazing with your choice of words.

Mummy, what can I write? You are not here to read it. Your name moved from mummy to Atujuobi, then to ‘Maaamaa’. Your response was always a resounding ‘Owey’ with a burst of laughter accompanying it. You watched over your grandchildren better than I did. I had to remind you sometimes that I gave birth to them, and you will respond that they are also your children. It did not matter how you were feeling when I had to be away. You ensured that the children enjoyed proper care under your watch. You woke up early in the morning, made breakfast for them, and still ensured that their lunch bags were well packed.

When the school bus did not show up on time, you walked to the beginning of the street to wait for them.  You were that protective of your grandchildren. Atujuobi was very outspoken and firm. She said her mind, without mincing words or holding back. The most amazing part was how easy it was for you to move on and let go, despite a heated conversation or expressing yourself firmly. Atujuobi had a happy and cheerful personality, very pleasant and ever-accommodating.

I remember how you challenged a masquerade who flogged me unjustly as a child. You ensured that he got arrested. It still makes me laugh to date. You were respectful but fearless.

You would drive from Onitsha to Akwa Ibom, and even as far as Makurdi to drop off your children in school when daddy was not around.

‘Maaamaa’, thank you for teaching me to be bold, confident, and independent. Your work ethics which I imbibed helped me become a better woman, wife, and mother.

‘Nwa Ngozi,’ as you fondly call me, misses you so much. I know that I will see you again on resurrection morning.

Bye Bye, Mummysco.

For further comment, please contact: Osondu Anyalechi: 

0909 041 9057; [email protected]