November 30th 2014 is a day i wont forget in a hurry.it was d last day i saw your pretty face.you looked a lot brighter in dat blue sequined dress and fresh makeup as you mounted the back seat of the car on your way to the airport.I gave you a quick hug for fear that I would cry if I lingered a second longer. Your husband seemed to remind me that you were in the car because of the speed at which I walked away seemingly oblivious you were about to leave home.He knew I slept over at your house because of you but he didnt understand why when it was time for you to leave, I exchanged very quick goodbyes. I couldnt afford to let him or the children see my teary eyes.We were supposed to be hopeful.Weren't we? "Say happy bday to Michelle for me.I'll try to send her a gift" those were your last words to me before the car drove off.Even in your last days when you had every reason to be self consumed, you were still talking of sending gifts.Little wonder the night you went to be with the Lord Dear Michelle was unknowingly wearing the pink top you bought for her that had LOVED simply inscribed on it.I know her angel and the angels of all the little lives you have touched bear witness of the love you had for all your children in the junior church where you so faithfully served as mother hen. Because I knew how much you cared for each and every one of them, i tried to tease you to return early from your trip so we could throw a christmas party for your many children and you still gave me hope that "we will do it"x3. You didnt know that that was the assurance i wanted to hear from you that you would still be around for your next birthday on the 23rd December. My "yoruba-delta" sister from another mother, When I remember you, I remember your favourite saying to me: fi yen le ( I would laugh and interpret in english-leave that thing!) Despite the years between us, we still created many fond memories together. Do I begin to recount the amala joint you took me to at camp when I was pregnant, or the way you watched my children on Christmas day when I was in the hospital, how can i forget the preggy assorted beef stew and pepper soup peppered just the way only an experienced mother can understand, or the sleepovers our chlldren exchanged, how about when we argued about whose feet was bigger, and you always reminded me I was your aburo. (Dont mind me I didnt have respect).And that our own sleepover when we were supposed to just gist.I hope you hold those final memories i tried to make on the night before you left home but you were too tired to gist. I take solace in at least getting the chance to say goodbye to you on your way to the airport. Oh beautiful soul! tears fill my eyes when I think of you.Knowing your lively spirit, I know you would have wished we didnt weep for you this much but I'm sorry to say this one time that I will not "fi yen le" because you are worth every trouble.I could cross the oceans to pay you my last respect. Good night, Sister Mabes!