Roses are red Violets are blue, Granny I'll forever miss you
I remember when I used to come over everytime since I was little, and the excitement I had everytime at the back seat of the car excited because I knew I was on my way to see you and eat the special rice you used to make. I had never left your house without a stomach full and a tight hug.
I would get down from the car and greet you, and dad would correct me not to greet in English because you wouldn't understand properly, so I would say "ko iye".
"Iye" meaning Mother and "ko" Greetings
I couldn't speak the Edo Language, she didn't care, she would just hug me and smile.
That was all she needed, to see me her baby grandchild and her Family. All I needed was her hug her smile and her food.
Her hug was never tight it was different kind of hug. I wouldn't say an old lady hug but it was very special.
People say language is a barrier but that's not completely true, not when you love someone. I couldn't speak Edo, I just knew few of the basics you couldn't speak English either maybe just few of the basics but I seemed to understand what you were saying and you seemed to understand me too, because you were always smiling and laughing and happy to see my lips move.. Even tho I had a little help from Mum and Dad but without their help, our connection was tight.
The whole family would have a blast with you then we would leave.
With a stomach full I would say "bye bye iye".
I grew older and you did too and we still came to see you as often as we could. It was like the older you got the more beautiful your smiles were, the weaker your hugs became but they were still as special as always.
I kept on hearing how strong you are despite your age, how you would still go to the market on your own even tho my aunty and cousins who now lived with you have begged you to stop but you still insist. You always wanted to do stuffs yourself.
As Time went on, You would go to the catholic church for mass yourself and sometimes staying for all the masses morning down to the afternoon not because you wanted, maybe you started forgetting or not knowing anymore when the mass ended. so the priest or man servers would bring you back home.
Thenn we brought the mass to you at home instead. So you won't. Have to stress.
Despite all this you never forgot me, or dad or mum or my brother or baby sis.
The last time we met you were still as agile as ever now you're 93 and still beautiful,the picture above would tell.
Its like you age but your smile or strength doesn't. It baffles me. How do you stay so strong and happy?
We got in that day and you were singing through out in our native tongue, so happy we came, Dad and I sat besides you. You were singing and clapping and I had to ask Dad what you were singing about and he said "she's singing songs she used to sing when she was way younger as a kid"
I was amazed, she still remembers that?
I couldn't miss this moment. I took out my phone made a video and took pictures. Then you held my hand and we spoke now I knew a little Edo, so I could reply with a little and Dad did the rest.
We had a blast as usual and I hugged you for the last time as I said "bye bye iye"
You never asked me about School, about work, none of those mattered. As long as I'm alive to see you, that's all that mattered and funny how I always looked hungry to you. Because all you asked about was "Evbare" meaning food.
Jesus needs to taste your food In Heaven.
I used to have a lot of your pictures and videos but my phone got stolen and email password problems and all that, for now I've got one. Until I'm done fighting with Google on getting my pictures back.
Today is all souls day and I remember you Granny and it's not been up to 60 days since we lost you and i pray your soul rests In perfect peace. I know it will.
And may your soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in eternal peace.
Amen.
