A Love Letter To My Big Mummy

Her melodious laugh, her regular check-ups, her comforting embrace – these were the gentle reminders of big Mummy’s presence in our lives. A woman whose kindness shone brighter and brighter with each passing day.
Today, I find myself weaving words from strands of memories, love and the profound influence Big Mummy had in my life and the lives of others. As I embark on the emotional and difficult journey of paying tribute to her, I invite you all to join me in celebrating a life that was lived with utmost grace and kindness.

Times spent with Big Mummy would never be forgotten. She was a beacon of love, laughter and everything good. She was constantly happy and making sure everyone was well. She would always check up on me and ask how I’m doing. “How is school Yimika? Have you eaten today? How are you feeling today? Is anyone giving you issues in school?” She would always barrage me with multiple questions about my day.
This last summer was the best and I am very happy and pleased that I had the opportunity to spend it with her. Big Mummy was a woman of God and never failed to remind me how important it is to put God first, work hard and strive to be the best in everything you do just because I have the ability.

Bigmummy never failed to entertain me. I remember when she started watching “The Blacklist”. While watching, she would always be so tense and eager to figure out what’s going to happen next because of all the cliff-hangers and suspense the show contains. So, she would shout my name “Yimikaaaaa” and I would come running thinking something happened. I would get to her and she would tell me to tell her what’s going to happen next but that would spoil the whole point of the show for her so I would tell her that she should just wait a little while and she would understand what’s going on. She would say “No, Yimika you have to tell me now” and I would tell her to wait a little bit again. When she finally found out, she would scream so loudly.

There was also this time that we went to this Chinese restaurant to celebrate her wedding anniversary and I didn’t know what to order. She looked at the menu and said okay get this, get number 3 you would like that. In fact before that, we spent about 10 minutes outside taking pictures. Big Mummy loves pictures. She took pictures of anything and everything. She was so beautiful.

I remember this time that I slept next to her and the weather was cold so she removed her top and gave it to me to wear. I still have that top. She was so selfless, too selfless!! She always thought about others before herself. Even at times of discomfort she was still putting people ahead of herself. She never showed any signs of weakness. She would still say “Yimika likes fried rice, let me cook it for her” or “Yimika is still in school, let me quickly go and pick her up” multiple times. She was so caring.

Big Mummy loved her family! We were her heart and soul. She loved and loved and loved and loved and kept on loving. She wore her heart on her sleeve!! She cared for and loved everyone she came in contact with. She helped everyone. There was never a time where I would need something and big Mummy didn’t provide it. Big Mummy never failed to instil in us the importance of family, kindness and togetherness. She derived strength from family and she was a core source of strength to every member of her family.

I love every time I spent with her. They are memories that I will cherish deeply and hold dearly forever. I will always remember the words of advice big Mummy would give to me. She always emphasized the need to be kind and caring. Sometimes, I would do something wrong and my mum would scold me and shout at me but big Mummy would say “Abiodun fi omo mi si le jare. Ko Kora e da so un”. She always supported me no matter what.

These days without you have been really difficult. I still cannot believe that I will never see you again or that I will never hear “Ayimis” again. Big Mummy had a knack for nicknames! Now, I will see your face in photographs and not in person. I will hear your voice in videos, replaying them over and over again so that I do not forget what you sound like. Your favourite songs will turn into reminders that you are not here with me.

Though tears may blur my vision today, we find comfort in the rich tapestry of memories big Mummy leaves behind. As we navigate life without her, we carry her physical presence, we carry her spirit within us, a spirit that embodies love, joy, compassion, and a zest for life. Keep shining Big Mummy. Love you forever and always.

Until we meet again,
Yimika.
Olaoluwayimika Idowu