Missing Mama
By Dinah Dafeamekpor
Maternal and Child Health
Wow! In one day my life turned upside down!
My mom passed away on the 24th of January, two days shy of her 50th birthday. Having been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer less than a month before she passed away... there wasn't much anyone could do.
I have have a mix of emotions right now. Everyday is a conquered battle...
I am glad that I could pass/fail some of my classes because I am going to be gone for the funeral for 2 weeks and am missing alot of classes. My professors have been so supportive; offering extensions and giving me time to find my balance. The last few days have been a a whirlwind of planning: No sooner did I comprehend the news that my mom was gone, than I had to plan my trip back home to Ghana for her funeral.
I have had to plan the funeral, write a tribute, get anti malarial drugs, get homework done ahead of time, write thank you notes to all who have shown support, and plan for everything that goes into a trip abroad. Needless to say I am very stressed, I have lost 5 pounds in a week, have lost alot of sleep, am losing hair and fight with my self everyday to not cry. Everything that should have originally taken an hour or two now takes 3 days.
I did get my mom's tribute done and would like to share it with you. She was a kindergarten teacher with a masters degree in English... Needless to say, she loved kids...
There is one word to describe you mama—passionate. This is how you approached your life, your family and your work; with a determination and perseverance that can only be admired. And so in celebrating Valentine’s Day, I celebrate your love and your life.
As a teenager I could have sworn that you and I had nothing in common, only to find at 23 that in many ways I am a little mini-mama. You were something amazing; and you always used to say you should have been famous… Well looking at the number of lives you have touched, you ARE a superstar.
They say a child is a reflection of their parents' care and devotion. You were spunky, dynamic, VERY organized, had a sweet spirit and were never afraid to call a spade a spade. Yours are some pretty big shoes to fill and in your absence, I hope that I can represent you well. I love you mama
Trackback
Comments
Dinah,
My sincerest condolences. What a beautiful portrait to remember her, and emotional farewell to accompany it with.
aaww, I am so touched because that sounds sweet and makes me want to cry. We are still with you in prayers.
Dinah: be patient with yourself during this process, because grief takes a huge toll physically, emotionally, mentally, in every way. You're right, thinking takes longer, one can be very forgetful, etc. Just be kind to yourself because unfortunately all that is part of the grieving process.
Dinah, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in this time...Thank you for sharing your heart....
This is a beautiful tribute, Dinah. Your reflection of your mother's warmth and compassion shines through in you. My best wishes to you and your family.
Last modified on