Tribute
How I wish this day would wait another 30 years. It has been the longest week of our lives since we heard of your transitioning. You were the best big Mummy anybody could have. You showed it was not just a title, but a role. I remember always being excited to come to the UK when I was younger. It was not because it was the UK, but because I was going to see my big mummy. I remember my siblings always complaining because you gave me full autonomy of the tv to watch Dora the explorer! You really spoilt me; I was untouchable. I remember how you always got me Rowntrees, which is still my favorite gummy till today. How you will stock the house up with Ice-lollies and would not complain regardless of how much I took.
When you moved to Nigeria, I was so excited. I remember being gutted I missed your 50th birthday because I was in school, but I told myself I would not miss your 60th for the world. I still cannot believe you are gone. You were a huge support system. I remember how you always encouraged me during my undergraduate studies. I recall writing my 200L exams from cornerstone and how you supported me all through that period. Always ensuring I ate well, always got to the exam hall in time. I am so glad you got to see me graduate. I remember consulting you for my graduation suit. You knew all the stores with nice suits and all the stores to avoid too! You knew all the fashion trends, pocket square and tie combinations.
You were not just my big mummy but my friend. From gisting about uni, to letting me stay over as long as I wanted whenever the stress (shouting) was getting too much at home, to telling my parents to let me come home from camp, to telling me to be careful and not have too much fun in Lagos! You were such a joy and light which brightened every room. No birthday celebration felt like it had started until you arrived.
I will miss our traditional New Year’s Day together. I will miss your messages on the group chat. I will miss you calling me ‘Ajao, Oko mi’. I love you forever my big mummy.
MosinmiloluwaLagunju.
