Page 34 - Program ver1_Neat

28.05.1938 11.07.2022

I remember vividly 27 years ago when you met my mum who was very ill. You
promised her you would look after me not as a daughter-in-law but as your own
biological and first daughter. Shortly after still fresh into my marriage my mum
passed away, I was still very young. You filled that void, and yes you lived up to
your words.

The book of Ecclesiastics 3: 1-2 says, “There is a time for everything and a season
for every activity under the heavens; a time to born and a time to die, a time to
plant and a time to uproot what has been planted. Nothing prepares one for this
kind of shock and heartbreak.”

In life, I loved you dearly, and in death even more. In my heart, you’ll always hold
a place. We shared so many memorable times when I came to visit you. I wore your
clothes, we ate from the same plate and even slept on the same bed. My birthdays
were never forgotten. You were there for me when I had your grandchildren. The
very first gold chain and earrings Seyi and I owned were given to us by you. I
remember one of your visits to America when you returned with two suitcases and
said one was for the grandchildren and me, it was full of clothes and shoes. You
shared many life experiences with me personally and with others. My very first
investment, it was you who took me to the negotiating table. You taught me how
to stay humble in my marriage and ignore every distraction. I did no wrong in your
eyes. Our mother and daughter relationship was unique. Whenever you were upset
with me, all I needed to do was to give you a hug and a kiss, and I am forgiven. I
was always saying to myself; borne by my mother, spoilt by my marital mother.

My extended family was always happy to be around you. You were known as a very
kind and warm-hearted person, and I was constantly told how blessed and lucky I
was to have someone like you in my life. All the compliments and encouragement I
received from you were beyond me, I am so very grateful. In many ways, it isn’t
easy to know I will never see or speak to you again.

I thank you, mummy.

May your gentle soul rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Mrs. M. Modupe Asagba

Mum was my mother-in-law but really she was a mother to me. From the moment
she welcomed me with the warmest of hugs to the way she has been a constant
source of help and encouragement to my biological family and I, mum was one of a
kind.

Mum was indefatigable, generous and a steady rock who stood by my mother and
family during the unfortunate demise of my beloved younger brother. She was
very intelligent, insightful and inquisitive. I remember her trying to figure out how
a microwave works (something I have never thought about) and telling me that her
first desire was to be an engineer. She was an amazing conversationalist. I can
never forget mum attending Sunday service with us and engaging a very quiet,
reserved, Caucasian man in conversation.