For the Best Big Mumm Ever!

My dearest, kindest, most loving big mummy, it is with so much pain that I
write this. I cannot believe I am writing this this early. This is veryunbelievable. I am however thankful to God for the opportunity of having avery close relationship with you. You were a mother to my siblings and I. Youloved us all so much. Nothing was too big for you to give away. Thank you forbeing present at all our important milestones. Thank you for being one of mygreatest cheerleaders in life. Thank you for always encouraging me. Thank youfor the gift and blessing that you were to my mum, your sister. Thank you for all
the selfless sacrifices. Her burden was your burden. You were a solid pillar of
support to our family. Your love and dedication to the service of God was
admirable.

Thank you for making our summer holidays memorable as children. 70Harptree Drive, Walderslade was home for all. I remember the day we alreadyhad a full house. You had given up your room and moved to the living room.You had invited some children for sleepover in addition but they disappointed.You then put a call to their parents and said you were very angry with them fornot bringing the children over and you were seriousabout it. I thought to myself“to sleep where ma?” That did not matter to you becausewhere there is love, we could be 50 in the house and everyone would fit perfectly.

Youbought me my first stethoscope, first iPad, first pair of winter boots, first set of
winter clothes. You were very particular about my face. ‘Arike, I just orderedsome Marykay skin care products for your face. I don’t like the uneven toneyour face has. It cost me a lot of money, so you have to use it.’ I only needed tocall Samuel or Victoria at Cornerstone and say ‘please help me pack some rice,garri, palm oil, onions, etc. I’ll stop by on my way to UCH to pick them up’,and I was sorted. Thank you mummy. Thank you, a million times, over. Thankyou for believing in me, in my dreams, in my decisions. Thank you for being a
key factor in my career success.

Everyone has a pet name to make them feel special. “Arike mi”, “Oresticmy
Shadow”, “Orestification”. I am really going to miss you calling me those names.You had the brightest smile, the most charming ebony beauty, the warmestheart. Your arms so wide to accommodate as many people who are willing to beembraced. Some you embraced without their consent! Thank you forcoordinating the unity in our family so effortlessly well.

There is so much to say, but most of our cherished moments will live onforever in my heart. I promise to always make you proud. My siblings and I will tell your grandchildren andgreatgrandchildren about the incredibly awesomewoman that you were. Ese pupo ma
I love you always and forever.
Your darling daughter, OreOluwaArike
OreoluwaLagunju.