In my way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death” Proverbs 12:28. In loving memory of Sister Neshaw Edoo, who fell asleep in our Lord on December 2, 2003.
No words could ever express my love for my mother. Her falling asleep has left emptiness within me, a hole that can never be filled. To me she had been larger than life, better than other moms. Mom was brave, honest and compassionate, her love was pure and real. She was my best friend and confidante.
How does a daughter begin to thank her mother for life and the endless sacrifices she made along the way, some were small, others were too great ever to repay. They were all made without hesitation: the love, the patience and hard work that went into raising children, the understanding of a moody teenager, the tolerating of a student who knows everything. How does a grown woman thank a mother for continuing to be a caring and loving mother? Being ready with advice when asked and for not saying, ” I told you so,” when she could have said it a dozen times.
Mom was a simple, loving, thoughtful, patient and forgiving person. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like just getting up in the morning to the sound of birds singing, the sight of flowers, being around those she loved.
Mom taught us to be strong and believe in ourselves; she would encourage us never to give up but to work harder at whatever we set out to do. I recall some months ago when I was sick, Mom was with me every step of the way, giving me words of comfort and encouragement. She was a source of strength to me, a person with strong faith and words of wisdom, a shoulder to lean on when needed.
Mom was a God-fearing person. She did her readings religiously each day and every spare moment she got she would give you a lecture on the kingdom and the coming of Christ. She would end all with, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt.” She would tell us to work hard; “you can obtain jewels on your crown.” Mom was a preacher and teacher in her own special way.
Looking back at the years gone by, the times spent with Mom were really precious moments. Hearing her laughter, seeing her smile or just watching her take a nap was a joy to us. Mom would correct you when you went astray, being stern when she needed to be. She guided us on to the road to salvation; she ensured that all her kids chose God over the world and were baptized, making sure every now and then that we stayed on that road in hope and faith. My Mom was also quite happy to see both of her sons-in-law and her daughter-in-law baptized. She was elated when her eldest grandchild started her preparation for baptism.
Now that mom has gone from us, resting in hope, I look back on the years and I understand now how greatly blessed I am to be her daughter. Mummy was one of a few remarkable people who can really touch someone’s heart. She is and would always remain a very special part of our lives.
Mummy would always say that she was blessed, not materially, but spiritually. She and Dad were able to put up a light stand here, deep in the south of Trinidad. Entertaining her brethren here in Erin was one of her biggest joys. She was always excited to receive any spiritual enlightenment they would offer, although I think their presence would most times just be enough for her.
A virtuous woman was my mother, never failing to achieve what she set out to do, not complaining or giving in. She was respectful of others with the best of intentions for them. She had all the finest qualities one can find in a mother, grandmother and wife.
“You have fought a good fight, you have finished your course, you have kept the faith.” You were a brave soldier of Christ, Mom, till we meet at Jesus’ feet, may your sleep be brief.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One