To my sweet mother, a poem for Aderonke Mosuro

To the one who would wake at the crack of dawn, to ensure the preparation of my Milo and Golden Morn.

To the one who would pick me up from pre-school and would listen to all my stories and blues, as if she was listening to CNN and everything that I had to say was breaking news.

To the one who stayed with me overnight when I was admitted at Middlesex Hospital and did everything she could to ensure that I was comfortable.

To the one who made me the object of envy at church by gifting me my first Gameboy Colour. To the one who was always my source of support and succour.

To the one who took me to and encouraged me to go to many far-flung places. To the one who prevented me from falling by teaching me how to tie my shoelaces.

To the one who at a young age taught me the importance of hard work and graciously restored my privileges to Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network.

To the one who took up for me when the teachers at primary school and I would disagree. If anybody wanted to try me, my mama no go gree.

To the one who would scold and correct me, when I was a young child who was being silly, while also showing unrivalled tenacity at her work with Eli Lily.

To the one who would allow me to go out with my friends to bars in town to roam, but would not sleep a wink until she knew I was safe and sound back at home.

To the one whose support and encouragement made all the difference for me at University. Although, I thought I was a grown adult, I was always her baby.

To the one who when I was sick of NYSC camp and simply just wanted to go, encouraged me to relish in the experience and embrace the shouts of “Otondo”.

To the one who was just not a mother to me and my siblings, but a mother to many far and wide. To the one who was always firmly on my side.

To the one who lit up the world with her beautiful smile and without hesitation would always go the extra mile.

To the one who even when I thought I was a big boy would allow me to scamper into her bed in the middle of the night and would ask me no questions at all. To the one who on my account, gave her all.

To my sweet mother you were selflessness, kindness and generosity personified. There are over 8 billion people on this earth, but I know that you were one of a kind. I was blessed by God to be the son of such a strong, caring and loving woman and I will be grateful for all eternity.

Now that you are gone, the days do not seem as bright, and the nights seem darker. However, I will hold on tightly to the love, lessons and memories that you have left me and cherish them forever. You had the biggest and most giving heart of any person known, which was paired with the wisdom and warmth that everyone who came across you grew to know.

My sweet mother, the limitations of this Earth you suffer no more, for I know that on the 3rd of February you were welcomed with much celebration at Heaven’s door. Your departure is Heaven’s gain, but to be without you is unquantifiable pain. You are simply irreplaceable, and I will do my best to make you proud with all that I am able.

I know that your departure is not the end, and you are in a better place, looking down on us, happy and smiling. So, until we meet again sweet mother, sleep well.

Sun re iya mi.

Mr Oluwatomisin Mosuro esq.