A week today since my loving mum, Haja Mahawa Talla Marah passed away in Freetown, I have still not come to term with the sad reality that Mama is no more.
Mama was an inspiring soul, always there for all who came to her with their troubles. Her home was open to everyone, and her hospitality made them feel important.
She was the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, family-orientated woman and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet.
Mama spent her entire life raising children from different backgrounds, apart from six of us her biological children. Mama had eighteen foster children whom she spent her time and resources to invest in.
She would deprive us just to please them to a point that when you visited our home, you hardly know her true biological children from the foster children. Mama love for her family unto her death is unimaginable.
She used her last penny on her family. She brought many of them to Freetown after convincing Papa to support their education. Some of them are well placed in society today but Mama never asked for a reward from any of them for raising them up. Mama lived a life full of content.
Mama was a peaceful soul who would always ensure that peace prevails in the family. She was the family peace ambassador who did her best in settling family disputes and even when she is offended, she always forgives.
I am going to miss you so much, Mama. To the world, you were one person, but to me, you were the world. You did not have much, but we always felt like we had everything. You did not leave millions in your bank account, but you left a legacy worth much more. You taught me love, patience and endurance. You taught me how to serve God and lead by example.
You praised me whenever I take good adventure, and pointed out my mistakes with that gentle voice.
You encouraged me to work hard in life and to be content with what I have. You taught me to be honest, reliable, and trustworthy.
I still remember your voice as you read me bedtime stories. Mama, you were the truest, dearest, more than a mother to me. I called you Una and you called me Unfa.
When we lost dad. You stood alone for 10 years after dad passed on, and only God knows the inner strength you had.
You were precious, a gift from God, so much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched my heart in so many ways. Even on dark days, your strength and smile made me realize I had an angel beside me.
I do not know how I will do life without you.
Not a day goes by that you are not missed. I thought it might get easier as time went by, but it does not.
I do not know how to come to terms with reality, but I know that you, for sure, are the best Mama a son could ask for in so many ways.
You saw beauty in everything in life; you were a very simple-minded human being. You were the best person morally that I have ever known.
You taught us how to live life to the fullest. I promise to keep your legacy. Not a day goes by that I do not cry my eyes out because I miss you so much. I feel so alone. I want to talk to you one more time. I love you dearly. I am utterly heartbroken that you are gone forever; it is so hard to face reality.
I’m so grateful for the way I was raised. You were never afraid to be my mother to put your foot down, to teach me right from wrong, to make sure I did my best.
You always let me know I had a mama who cared about me, who believed in me, who was there for me no matter what.
Thank you, Mama, for the last prayer you offered me and my brothers and sisters and the peace water you offered us to drink, advising us to remain united as a family. You ask that I step in when you are gone to look after my younger once and other family members and to live in peace with everyone and to continue to serve humanity, this is a promise I will keep for the rest of my life.
Your legacy of serving humanity through your charitable activities will continue to live on as I will ensure together with the rest of the family keep it alive.
You left us at the appointed time for our creator. We cannot question his decisions.
Thank you, Mama, for all you did for us.
Goodbye Mama.
My heart bleeds.
Take Your Rest. Your Son.
Edward Unfatorma Marah