I can't believe I'm writing in memory of my mom. I'd never imagined my life without my mom being more than a phone call away. I don't know how anyone who has lost someone so dear ever copes with this kind of thing. Life truly begins when one realizes that there are wounds that just never heal. And love is truest when you suffer a gash like this and have no desire for it to heal. Ever.

I see now in a way that I couldn't before, how one person's mere existence in your life can color it in ways you can't realize until she no longer is. Until I got that news that paralyzed me on that worst day of my life in December, I never realized how much my outlook on life, which drove my boisterous, happy-go-lucky, consequence-free existence, was crafted and then anchored by my mother. But that realization hit me hard that day. It devastated me, and my view has not been the same since.

Every time I look at her picture, even as I write this, I default to the feeling that I need to give her a call today and catch up. It still doesn't feel real, because even as I just glanced at her picture, I want to ask her what she's smiling about this time! And then all the memories come rushing back. My mom has been such a constant in my life, such a given, so guaranteed, such an integral part of how the world works for me, that it's now akin to starting a new life, and learning a new world.

My mom was indeed the rock for me and my sisters, but in this moment I'm actually prouder of the great many things she did for others; things about which I'm now finding out. She was the best to me, and great to many. There will never be another... not like my mother.

I Love You So Much, Mom!

Tribute to my sister and best friend.

My beloved sister, my best friend.
It is with excruciating pain in my heart and tears in my eyes that I pay this tribute to you.
You were many things to me; a mother, Sister, advocate, adviser, protector, a dependable pillar of support. You were my best friend Ndeyi, the only person who I could comfortably pour out my heart to in this whole wide world, you alone understand my pain, with you my case is always different as you don't rest till it's solved. Saying I am heartbroken is an understatement.

You were the best sister anybody could ever ask for". From our childhood days till your last day on earth, you've held my hand so tight to beautiful destinations, assuring me that you will always be there for me, never letting go even in the darkest partway, you've after me and my children and made sure we are all OK .

I am feeling so lonely and really scared of life without you my sister and best friend as you have gone to be with our parents , but I am not going to let you down sister, I promise to be strong, push on and make you proud.
You were the best and always will be.

I loved you then , love you now and will always do.
I am going to miss you forever till we meet again to part no more.

Your sister says rest in peace till the resurrection morning.

Mrs. Mary Okorie Omeagu (sister).

A SISTER GOES HOME
How do you capture “NDENYI” in few words, its indeed a difficult one!
I have the privilege, pride, joy and - some frustration – of being Ndenyi’s sister by birth and friend by choice.
As children we were practically inseparateable but we grew up and grew apart, as most siblings do.
We had our own set of friends and our own set of goals for our lives, but that still didn't change the fact that we were sisters.

I find it so very hard to believe that you have gone and I must grieve;
I call out your name -- you answer not,
Everything seems so strange and surreal,
I ask everyday is it a dream or real?
I never imagined you dying....
You were such a great fighter, no challenge was beyond you.
You fought every day and every night even while you laid there unable to really see any light

You had a class of your own....
You worked hard as any woman possibly can or even more.
You were so independent and worked hard to support your family.
Family values were great principles you never allowed slip through your fingers.
As much as you can, you carried everyone along.
Can I ever forget my first trip to the USA and how you made things easy for me?
When the need for my second trip came, you stood by me to make it a reality.
An exceptional big sister that is who you are...

Silence is golden, yet not anymore
silence brings thoughts I just can't ignore.
Sometimes memories bring comfort and make me smile,
But there are times when grief takes over for a while;
I look at your smiling face in all my photos;
Memories flood my mind as I touch the mementos
From the good and bad times you and I have had,
I miss being able to call you any time and spend hours talking about everything under the sun –
- From my imaginery fears to care and worry about my children, and to all that crosses my mind...
The patience with which you listened eludes me...
I miss all the little ways you showed you cared.

Now I look down at your name on a cold hard stone
It tells nothing of the great woman you were,
It only serves to remind me of the painful loss I endure;
But I know your kind soul wants no tears or pain,
Instead you'd want warm memories and love to remain.

Although I cry and stand grief-stricken ......
I promise not to forget the loving memories you gave;
And your caring words
The memories of you and I will always be locked in the corridors of my mind and they will be visited from time to time.

Please don’t forget to tell Dad and Mum of how strong their little girls have all become
Tell them of their wonderful grand children and great grand children
Dad left quite early, please fill him with our stories......

You left this world with dignity and grace;
forever in my heart you will have a huge place;
I miss you big sister; Your suffering is done...
Go play, go walk and most important go run......
Rest my dear sister in peace you so deserve..


From: Mrs. Uzoaru Lekwuwa

Mom disliked my 'crazy' music, except for one song... 'Woman In Chains'