My sweet paternal grandmother, whom I so much love and enjoy listening to her talks and stories has gone to be with the Lord. She died on the 7th of July, 2023 which was on Friday morning around 2 am. This has always been her prayer for some years now, and finally, she has left this world to be with the Lord.
For many years now, Grandma would always keep saying her time is near and would beg Jesus to take her so that she doesn't become a burden to any of her children whereby they would start lifting and carrying her up if she was bedridden. Whenever she utters the statement, "Jesus, it's time, I am ready" we would laugh and tell her not to keep saying such words again because we want her to see our husbands/wives and possibly great-grandchildren.
Most of the people Grandma grew up with had died, leaving her alone in the village with no one to gist or talk to, except her children and grandchildren whenever we come home to celebrate Christmas with her. Her close and best friend from childhood died a long time ago, and it made her life less fun. Being around her family cannot be compared with having a friend whom you grew up together with, sharing jokes and experiences etc. She felt the gap and part of the reason she wants God to take her so she could leave this world.
I have known for a long time that most of these old people know when they will leave the world. So, they would keep saying their time is up and would soon be called to a greater home to rest. Mama has been mentioning that her time is up for a few months, and because of that, we would always call to hear her voice and she would pray for every one of us.
She almost died this year in January when I was still home but came back to life again. It was at that moment I knew Grandma is trying to leave us but we don't know when, we only kept hoping it takes longer. I wanted Mama to stay with us for another few years, perhaps would see when I would get married. I kept praying to God to prolong her life but it seems when the time comes, no one can stop it. Grandma has always been calling me to ask the updates on my Nysc service. I thought she would still be alive to see me in my uniform when I travel home.
A few days ago, Dad called to explain Mama's situation. We thought it was as usual and she would be okay again because we know how old age affects those people. I called immediately to hear Mama's voice and she showered a lot of prayer on me. This was how she did to my siblings who called her too.
That same Friday she died, I had planned to call her so I could share the news about my service and let her know when I would be going. While doing my morning devotion, my brother called which was surprising to me because I know something must be wrong for him to have called at that time. It has always happened like that, whether for good or bad news. I picked and the word I heard broke me down, he said, "Mama is gone". I fell and cried so hard. I know Mama has reached that stage but I never expected it so soon, especially when I am about to go for service and would need some support from my aunts.
I picked up my phone to check Mama's picture again, I burst into tears. I still cannot believe my grandma is gone forever. Those teachings and stories, especially about us being in love and unity flashed through my mind. Mama's wish has always been for us to love and unite together as a family even in her absence. I just pray things work well for everyone now that Mama has gone finally.
Mama was 93 years old. She has never celebrated her birthday because according to my sister, she doesn't know her birthdate. But we try to trace history. Even now, I still don't know her birth month and date, but, everyone knows her death date. My big sis travelled home that same Friday from Lagos and she told me how everyone missed her. So sad but we would have to cope with it forever and we believe Mama will never be forgotten. Thank God she never spent her life being carried from here to there. Till her death, she had a good sight and never used eyeglasses whenever she reads a book or the Bible which was her favourite. We bless God for her life. I miss Mama 馃槩
