Memories With Mama:the woman behind my fondest memories. Chronicles #15#
What is life without memories. Memories are treasures that time cannot erase from our hearts. Back then, when I was still in college, my mum’s parents were alive, healthy and full of life, but my dad’s parents had passed away since he was just a boy. I didn’t really spend much time with my grandpa, but my grandma my sweet "Mama" was everything to me. Everyone called her "Mama". She was more than a grandmother; she was my friend, my gist partner, my teacher, and my comforter.
Despite her old age, Mama loved working, she was never the type to sit idle. Every Christmas when we traveled to the village was always her happiest time. She would cook, laugh, and make sure everyone ate until we couldn’t move. Mama never managed food. she cooked enough food that satisfy her grandchildren.
There is this lullaby Mama taught me, one of those old songs they used to sing to lull children to sleep. Anytime she wanted to put my younger brother to bed, she would call me to join her, and we would sing together until he fell asleep. Even now, when I remember that song, the lyrics,everything, the affection that covers her face when she sings.
Mama also loved the farm. So I do accompany her to the farm to harvest. Anytime we begged her to come to the city with us, she would smile and say,
“Who will take care of my farmland?”
Because she beloved that no one can do it better than she is already doing it.
But there is one funny memory I can never forget and would love to share. One afternoon, Mama was having her lunch, her favorite fufu and while my elder sister and I were playing tennis ball inside the same room she was eating. She warned us to stop, but I told her I would be careful. She warned me and said,
“if that ball enters my food, you must eat it, till it finishes"
She knew how much I hated fufu.Everything was going fine all of a sudden I couldn't see the ball in my hands again rather I saw it projecting with speed towards mama bowl of fufu, till it landed on the food. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest. For some seconds she said nothing then she calmly told me,
“You know what to do.”
At once I did not dare argue with her, because it will be a double punishment if my dad hears about it. I ate that fufu with tears in my eyes while she watched, trying not to laugh. When I was done, she drew me close and said,
“Next time, learn to listen.”
But that time, I just felt angry and sad. When we got back to the city after the holidays, I called her with my mum’s phone and said, “Mama, I have accepted your advice. And I miss you.”
She laughed softly, and she said she knew I will call her.
My Mama is still alive now, but not as strong and active as she used to be. Age has slowed her steps, and agility. But it didn't slow her spirit, she still smiles, still dances when she hears music just like she always did.
And honestly, if I start talking about all my memories with her, this whole page won’t be enough.
Pictures used are mine