TRIBUTE TO A RARE GEM, AND A MOTHER IN A MILLION
Appreciating and accepting the loss of a mother doesn’t happen in a moment. It takes years to appreciate the impact of what has happened and who is gone.
On that fateful day Sunday February 18th at 9.20pm, my sweet mother passed on to glory peacefully. Three days before then she was praying as usual, but when she knelt down to round off the many hours of prayers with a recitation of the grace of our Lord, she could not get up on her own and she could not talk again. That was how she was taken to the hospital in the RCCG Camp City. Earlier that morning , I had greeted her, and she prayed for me as usual, (Ashabi oko mi, wa a lo’re wa a bo’re o. Jesu a wa ninu oko yin o. Wa ta,wa jere o) not knowing that this would be our last discussion.
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Mum's life was a testament to her boundless generosity and unwavering devotion to her Lord and saviour whom she served to the very end.
Her heart overflowed with compassion, reaching out to all who crossed her path with open arms and a giving spirit. Her home was open to everyone, and her hospitality made everyone feel important.
She was the most loving , humble, compassionate, understanding and family-oriented woman, that I have ever come across.
She got married to my dad at her youthful age and despite her royal lineage, Mum wholeheartedly supported her husband’s endeavours and education. She held her in-laws in high esteem and affection. Her remarkable care, patience and adaptability fostered unity within the family. Mama was exceptionally accommodating.
Mama's love for her family and siblings was evident in her attentive affection and care especially of her mother. She shared a particularly strong bond with her only brother. Mama died on the same day her mother died. Which is an interesting and unique coincidence.
Throughout the challenges in her marriage, my mum remained resolute, disregarding any advice to part ways with her husband. She exemplified the Proverb 31 woman, and she was the Ruth of her time. She was a doting , caring and loving wife to my dad. She epitomized the virtues of a devoted wife, nurturing robust relationships with her children, and tendering devotedly to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, uncles, aunts and cousins.
Mama’s life epitomized selflessness and dedication. She was wholly devoted to the welfare of her cherished children. Mum's nurturing soul extended to her culinary talents, as she lovingly prepared meals for any child who sought refuge in her home. Her caring nature, coupled with her straightforward demeanour and unwavering resilience, left an indelible
mark on all who knew her.
Amidst the most challenging trials and vicissitudes of life, like the heartbreaking losses of her beloved son and daughter, Mama's faith remained unwavering and unshaking. She bore everything with Christian fortitude, inspired by the story of Job.
Mama was a pillar of strength and a wellspring of prayer, she will be forever cherished and remembered with profound love and gratitude.
She fervently prayed daily, for the well-being of all her children , grandchildren ,great grandchildren and their spouses. She always mentioned their names one by one when she prayed for them.
Mama, you taught us love ,forgiveness, patience and endurance. You taught us how to pray and led by example and it is no wonder you had just finished praying fervently when Jesus came to take you home.
Mama was a committed, consistent, faithful, devoted, and dedicated woman of God. She was an ardent follower of Our Lord Jesus Christ and She was a faithful steward of God in terms of her resources. Mama was a faithful tither, and she recognized the blessings bestowed upon her by God.
She ensured that she tithed with neat and new notes even till her passing. Her dedication to peace was a guiding light to us. Mama usually quells rifts and diffuses tensions ,with heartfelt apologies in the nick of time before discord could take root.
She stood as a beacon of steadfast faith and hope. Without fail, she would always be the first to call me upon my return from every trip, intuitively without knowing the day of my arrival.
Her devout life of prayer serves as a profound example for me, she is my Gold and my treasure. She was my first doctor, teacher, my mentor, my confidant, my gist-partner and above all, my closest friend. Mama, stood as my dad after the passing of her sweetheart and she stood alone for 32 years after daddy’s passing, only God can know the amount of inner strength you possessed to do that.
You are a precious gift from God, and you possessed so much beauty ( inside out), grace, love and patience. You touched my heart in so many ways. Even on dark days your strength and smiles made me realize I had an angel beside me. I do not know how I will do life without you. You taught me to live life to the fullest, I promise to keep your legacy. You did not have millions in your bank account, but you left a legacy worth much more.
Who Else would I Sing "Iya ni wura iyebiye. Ti a kole fowora......" to on every mother's
Day?
My Florence Nightingale!!! As I fondly call you . Your absence leaves a profound void in my heart. My dear Gold, a beacon of strength, prayer, and solace.
May you find eternal peace and rest in the embrace of the lord. Amen
According to Proverbs 31:29
“Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Sleep well my Gold of inestimable value until the resurrection morning when we shall meet to part no more.
"Iya Ashabi-Ade. Abiyamo tooto, Sun n re o”.
Your Ashabi
Pastor Bola Omosehin nee Adegborioye.