Rainbow In The Sky

I know true love, because I have seen it in my mum. She has shown me what it means to live selflessly...

Growing up, I don’t remember mum buying anything for herself. She would wash and wear the same clothes everyday. Yet, she would sew beautiful clothes for me every evening after her long day at work. Her daily life consisted of cleaning, cooking, working in Dad’s small supermarket that lay adjacent to the family home from morning to evening, finishing her home duties while caring for my sick older brother. She would run between the shop and home to cook to make sure we were all fed every day. I can not recall a single day without freshly cooked food or a day when Mum said that she was unwell.

We lived in a war zone, which was scary, but she was well prepared. We had all the food we needed and when the electricity cut out for the month, she would bury chicken in the ground so we could eat for at least two weeks without needing a fridge. We were scared, yet she had so much love; preparing lamps, and her arms to protect me from the sound of air raids. She was a source of love, comfort, help and a listening ear to everyone who knew her. She struggled in life, having her children leave far away for a better future, and she took care of my late and poorly brother for years with love and patience as she maintained a constant smile and the attitude that the impossible was possible. She always said that if you are on God side, then God is with you.

On August 19 2020, life stopped for a moment. My mind failed to process what had just happened in front of my eyes. During the night, Mum was ill, but I still had hope that she would overcome the fight as she always had done. I was on the phone with family on the morning of August 19 2020. They said that Mum was better, but then I heard voices on the call shouting “Mama, Mama” and “Nana, Nana”. They needed a doctor. Shortly after, I received a message that read, ‘may her soul rest in peace’. I dropped my phone and wailed, unable to process what had just happened.

The same day, I took the train northwards to celebrate Mum’s memorial with family. We had a peaceful memorial service - a small gathering of about 10 people. We came together as a family and each contributed in our own way. My niece and nephew carried candles; my sister distributed hymn papers and, together with my sister-in-law, prepared food; my brother gave a touching eulogy; my husband played some beautiful piano music and I read a scripture Isaiah 25. Isaiah 25:8 where He will swallow up death forever resonated deeply.

We went out for a walk soon after. My husband said “look up”, and we saw a beautiful rainbow in the sky. It warmed my heart as I felt God telling me Mum is safe and well and she says “hi”.

Almost one year has passed. Mum will always be in my heart and I think and pray for her daily. Mum - you are in my heart until the day we meet again.