A mother does countless things for her child.
But my mother is quite different in so many ways.
She was always there at very early morning prayers, Family Altar, and at night before we sleep.
Though Dad often led the prayers and bible exhortations, Mum had her prime roles, and would take the lead when Dad traveled.
A princess of the Ajoba-ma-d’ade royal family of Imeko-Afon, Egbado clan, Mum taught us to be meek and humble like Christ. You never get her applause and approval if you are proud and arrogant.
Industrious and hard- working, Mum made up for her lack of tertiary education with her prolific mien in trading. She is well known in the community as a kind lender, an honest merchant, and a woman of substance.
“She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.”
“She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.”
A pillar of strength and support to Dad, “her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land”. She saw well to our schooling and progress in life, ever reminding us to “go to Calvary”, to watch and pray in faith, truth, and love, so that we all could be in the Rapture.
In-law meddling and parent’s concern for their married children has always been a great challenge when loved children grows up to leave and cleave to their own husbands and wives.
It was very difficult for Mum when I married a non-African wife and cleave to my nuclear family.
With wisdom, she adjusted and adapted till she become a good friend and confidant of my wife, and darling doyen ever-sought after lovingly respected Grandma to my children.
Many daughters have done virtuously, but Dear Mum Josephine O. Ojelabi, thou excellest them all.
Maikel Kaes -- Personal & Career Development 