Growing up, my mother was my Warrior – defender of my universe. She was the kind of parent who will immediately rush to the scene when you’re in trouble and drop everything and fight for you, leaving any questions for later.
For most of my childhood, and even into adulthood, I could legitimately tell people “I will call my mother for you” and very well mean it.
I remember one day, almost a decade ago. I was being harassed by policemen for jaywalking in a street I had no idea was robbed the previous day. I so hyped my mom and what she will do to the policemen on her arrival. She was that influential. The policemen became afraid and dusted me up from where they forced me to sit on the ground and asked if I needed a drink. My mum drove her SUV in some minutes later in a cloud of dust and everyone held their breaths.
She recognized the police officers and they settled the matter amicably. Later, she impressed on me the importance of reading the situation and knowing when to fight or hold my peace.
My mom trained us well. Growing up, we were the most trained kids on the street and everyone used us as examples of model kids. But when it was time to beat you, nobody could save you. She was those moms that had no qualms coming to school to join your teachers in flogging you when you fell out of line.
My mom taught me a majority of what I know today. She was a handyman and could easily fix almost everything that got spoilt at home. I learnt it all from her and she in turn, from her dad. The fact I am a maker today and build things with code can be credited to her.
My mom taught me how to drive and I still hear her in my head while driving – always maintain your lane, trafficate before taking a turn, use your side mirrors, etc. One day during our daily lessons, I drove us into a gutter and I refused to learn for years after that. She always let me know, how important it is to try again after failing. I tired again many years later and did better. We once got hit by a reckless truck driver and my mom and I immediately came out and made sure we collected money for repairs. My mom was impressed at how well I could assert my right. I had learnt well.
My mom was super educated with Two (2) Master degrees and a PHD. Dr Amaka was a doctor in another sense too. She had a vast knowledge of drugs. I and my siblings never visited a hospital growing up. My mom always knew the right medicine for every illness. Every single one. No matter how sick I got while on my own later in life, when all orthodox medicine fails and nurses are left confused, my mom always knew the right thing I should take that will change everything.
Some years ago, while in the university, I had just started my entrepreneurial pursuits and had just built an Education app. My mom introduced me to her friends who owned schools and an Inspector of Education in Warri. A teenager then, I quickly learnt how to pitch to older folks. Only your mom can genuinely support your hustle. 100%.
Last December, mum and dad came visiting at my house. She spent the next few days arranging the house and buying things only a woman would notice were lacking. From the sitting room to kitchen to the rooms, Seeing these things everyday and everywhere, always reminds me of her motherly touch and care. Things that would never again be.
Dearest mum, your days were long but your decades were short. We will definitely meet one day because death is the destiny of all men.
The pain of your passing hasn’t gone away. I don’t expect it ever will. I take solace in the life that was lived and the legacy you left behind. I am grateful you were my mum.
Rest In Peace Mum. I love you.