By Ibrahim Dahiru Gambarawa
Today, I summon the courage to overcome the mind riddling and sad event that occurred on Monday 25th April, 2022 which is equivalent to the 24th Ramadan, 1443 at the Federal Medical Centre, Katsina.
Hajiya Maryam Alkali Dahiru Gambarawa, known to many as Malama Mairo or Malama Yaya, her ailment worsened a month to her death. We began shuttling from one hospital and medical facility to another looking and hoping to get her cured despite the fact that we deep within our hearts, we knew she may not make it as we were informed that her cancer is in 4 stage. Despite that, we kept hope alive and found solace that with Almighty Allah, nothing is impossible.
Certainly, death is inevitable and every living soul has its death coupon already issued depending on when, where and how but it is most certain that we will all embark on that eternal journey someday. In spite of this, we still grieve when we lose our beloved ones, especially parents.
Mama, I am still grieving at your demise, my heart aches in sadness and silent tears still flow!. Your death has made I and my siblings a full-blown orphans with the loss of our beloved Father 35 years ago. May Aljannatul Firdaus be his final abode, Ameen.
I wonder where else we can get the wholehearted love and care you lavished on us? In any case Mum, we feel at peace and are proud that you lived a good life. As a health worker, many patients lamented how kind and generous you have been to them, how you supported them financially and how you consoled them to accept their health conditions in good faith. Some people within our locality approached me and confessed that you assisted them every month to support their life. My heart finds more peace especially when I hear people around me emotionally proclaiming the same song with us (your family) that they have lost a pillar, meaning you have been a pillar to all and sundry. You were truly a mother, a responsible wife, an in-law, a sister, a daughter, a trusted friend and a good neighbor who accommodates all even at your own inconvenience – This was what she stand for various people who in one way or another crossed your path.
Hajiya has left a vacuum in our lives that we have to bear till we meet in the hereafter.
I have sweet memories of her from early age when I lost father to the time she passed away, I remember how she painstakingly raised me to become the person I am today. She was there to teach me how to eat healthy, dress decently and how to respond to any kind of situation I may find myself. She taught me how to do my school homeworks perfectly, how to tie my Shoes. Best of all, she shaped my mind and installed morality in me and God fearing. She remains a voice of reason in the back of my head.
My dear mama, always encouraged me to reach my potential and go after my dream. she was always there to advise me when I make a wrong decision and helped me to get through my bad days and makes my good days better. She was so passionate about her little boy achieving his aims. As her last born, no matter how bad her day seemed, she was there to listen to her little boy’s enthusiasm and drama-filled with young age gossip and how overwhelming life could be. I remember my constant chatter and request didn’t bother her as she has to put up with my mood swing. Whenever things become too much for me, she was always there calming me down and telling me not to bother and how it will come to pass and that everything was going to be well. She does all this smiling on her face even when I forgot to say NAGODE (thank you).
She used to tell me various stories that teach one lesson or the other and I learned a lot on how to run my life from her stories. Oh Mama!, you were such an organized woman that was always at peace with yourself and those around her.
Even while she was bed-bound and could not talk, she beckoned on me even though I could not comprehend what she was saying but seeing her raising her hands up, it was clear to me that she was praying for me. Hajia Yaya was understandable mother, she loves us (biological children and her relatives) unconditionally even as we used to do things wrongly and felt guilty afterward but it was a matter of knowing how to apologize to her and she forgave us because she understood the type of human being we are. She managed to keep the home and everyone in order despite her tight schedules. It is hard to remember sometimes but it is something unforgettable.
Mama, may almighty Allah forgive all your shortcomings and grant you Aljannatul Firdaus, Ameen ya Hayyu ya Qayyum.
I can’t conclude this without expressing appreciation to all those that stood with us at the time of our grief, no doubt, your presence, prayers and consolatory calls and messages was overwhelming, calming and encouraging I really can’t thank you enough but I pray to Allah almighty to rewards you abundantly and may HE continue to keep us together and forgive our shortcomings. Ameen.
Ibrahim Dahiru Gambarawa
Can be reached at ibgambarawa@gmail.com
