You were the truest, dearest, more than a mother to me. I called you friend, sister, cousin and Baba when I lost Baba. You stood alone solidly after Baba passed on, and only God knows the inner strength you had to come through with all the health challenges.

Mama, you were a precious gift from God, so much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched my heart in so many ways, your strength and smile even on dark days made me realise I have an angel beside me.

Mother you heard God’s whisper, calling you home, you did not want to leave me, I saw your fight through your brief illness in hospital. You loved me so much that you held on until all your strength was gone, and you could no longer hold on. Finally, you gave your hand to God and slipped away quietly after uttering your final words, “tell Kumbin thank you”. Mother, you were aware of the presence of, who stayed with you until your last hour, and to him, you also said your final blessing on him.

I WILL FOREVER SALUTE YOU, MAMA BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN ALL I EVER NEEDED IN MY LIFE. GOD GAVE ME THE BEST MAMA IN THE WORLD! YOU TAUGHT ME TO NEVER GIVE UP ON MY DREAMS BUT TO PERSEVERE NO MATTER HOW HARD THE STORMS.

Hemingway said: “Life Breaks everyone, but some people heal stronger in the breaks.” My mother was one of those people that healed stronger in the breaks. Despite persistent health obstacles, she bounced back repeatedly over. She always conquered the impossible.

With limited educational opportunities and no prior business experience, my mum started her own petty business, selling all sorts to make ends meet. For several years she struggled to make it work, doing everything possible to make it succeed. And succeed, she did. The petty trading flourished, and people came in not just to buy stuff from her, but to wish her well. She took care of her customers, just like a mother.

You seemed invincible Mum. You never quit. You indeed practised what you preached; “to never give up” as you told me so often, and I have never been a quitter since then Mum. I will continue to live true to your values.

Generous, kind, loving, sweet, caring, honest, elegant, meticulous, brave, strong, bubbly, energetic, resilient, thoughtful, hopeful, selfless. My mother possessed all these qualities for sure. No wonder, Mama, you passed all these qualities to me at an early age.

It is better to give than to receive. My mother lived by this principle all the time. Throughout her, she took in people who needed help when she had so little. We had several people live with us for months and years at a time. She helped our friends when they couldn’t go to their parents for help, or if they had lost their parents; people liked being in our home because my mother welcomed everyone without judgment (not to mention the fact that she always had lots of great food to give away). She loved being there for others and making their lives easier-This was where she received her greatest joy in life.

My mother was a petite woman, but there is nothing small about her legacy, or the impact she had on others. It is a strong, beautiful, vibrant legacy. In she was in a constant state of motion. She was a whirlwind, never stopping, or slowing down. That kind of energy keeps moving out and beyond, radiating to people around her.

Thank you, Mama, for giving me the freedom and space to dream. You said, “do what makes you happy”, You’ll never be happy doing something you don’t like or for the sake of others.” Thank you for making a beautiful home in every way; for making dinner time great, making sure that we all ate together every night, regardless of your oppressive trading schedule. Thank you for creating order in our house despite the disorder that you shielded us from. Thank you for sacrificing your education for ours. Thank you for introducing me to people with such pride, as the “son you are proud of” even after I turned 40. Thank you for showing me how to be a real man. Thank you for teaching me how to be compassionate and forgiving. Thank you for telling me you loved me every time we saw each other and every time before we hung up the phone — which was a routine until you could talk no more.

Mama, you were our rock, our anchor, and our true North.

Be carefree now, Mama as you never could be in life. You're at rest, finally. Don’t worry Mama; we’ll be fine. And please say hello to Baba.

Dr Dangata Kumbin Jatau - Son