-
The Children Of Late EDNA OLABIMPE ADEWUMI
A TRIBUTE TO MY DEAR MUM
Agatha Christie, the renowned novelist, once wrote, ‘A Mother’s love for her Child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity, it dares all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path. ‘ No one embodies this quote more than my Mother,
Edna Olabimpe Adewumi.
Wrting this tribute has been a struggle; I’ve started and deleted various versions, each filled with stories about who my Mum was and what she meant to me, her family, friends, and others who loved her. I’ve decided to stick with this version that extols her virtues, the lessons she passed on, and the lives she impacted.
To me, she was first and foremost my Mum, but also sometimes a business partner, a confidant, and an unwavering supporter. People argue that a child’s development depends on nature and nurture factors. Reflecting on my own life, I realise how much both of these aspects, especially my Mum’s influence, have shaped me. It’s clear that I’ve inherited traits like her determination.
But it’s not just about the traits I was born with. It’s also about how my Mum raised me that really made me who I am. I often find myself reacting to situations or dealing with people in ways that mirror how she taught me. She didn’t just tell me how to be kind, strong, and honest – she showed me through her own actions.
In any story about my Mum, her remarkable work ethic and drive always stood out, a trait I have come to define as her ‘culture of excellence’. This was evident in everything she did. Whether it was pushing my Sister Nike and I to achieving top grades in our academics, her stylish approach to fashion, or most notably, in her business ventures. I often hear heartwarming stories from those who experienced her services, purchased goods, or more popularly in her role at HoneyDrops, attended events she catered or coordinated, the feedback was always positive. Recently, I’ve also learned about the various businesses she started. A consistent theme in all these stories is her total commitment; if my Mum was involved in something, she put her heart and soul into it. I even find myself emulating her in my own life. For instance, I. tell my wife that my habit of over-preparing for events or hosting Guests came from my Mum. She considered running out of food at a function almost a cardinal sin, often going above and beyond to ensure there was more than enough, even if it meant providing more than what was paid for.
My Mum’s deep faith significantly influenced my own spiritual journey. Even when
diagnosed with a rare, incurable illness, her strength and firm belief in God’s will was clear and unshakeable. She was a devout woman, and her faith influenced how she interacted with everyone. Despite her pain, she consistently reassured me, confidently
believing in God’s healing.
I don’t view her passing as a defeat, but as the end of a valiant fight. She faced her challenges bravely and now deserves a peaceful rest, free from pain and struggle. Her absence leaves a void that is still hard to understand. I miss our phone calls each morning, her excitement over new ideas, and even our disagreements, with my usual
exclamation, ‘MUMMY!’ when I felt she was overdoing it. The finality of death is stark, leaving a sting I hope time will heal. Psalm 34:18 brings me comfort, reminding me that ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ I am proud to be her Son, forever grateful for her unconditional love, and committed to preserving her memory and all she stood for. I love you forever Mummy.
– Kunle Adewumi Jnr. (Son)
SEEING MY MUM’S SMILE, WAS ALWAYS MY SOURCE OF COMFORT
This is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I could go on about how incredible my Mother was, but it’s universally acknowledged, as everyone who met her can attest. So, instead, I’ll focus on sharing the things that I held dear and loved about my Mum. I loved my Mum’s smile. Throughout my childhood, seeing it was always a source of comfort. It brightened her entire face, and her laughter was full of deep and genuine joy. She enjoyed telling jokes and had an incredible sense of humour.
I loved how my Mum loved to enjoy life. I cannot deny that she lived her life and enjoyed herself. Usually it was through treating herself to good food. She would often say; ‘Omooba let’s go out and eat so you can chop the life of your head’ or ‘chop and clean mouth’. She taught me the importance of finding happiness in every part of life. Even during her illness, my Mother never ceased to find joy. She continued to embrace life to the fullest.
I loved her determination. My Mother was an unstoppable force. If she wanted something, she stopped at nothing to get it. She frequently sought my input, particularly· on challenges that demanded significant effort. I consistently advised her to take it easy, yet our discussions often concluded with me saying “Mummy I know you might not listen to me and still do what you want to do” because I just knew that she believed strongly in never backing down from a challenge. My earliest memory of her was when she returned to Nigeria. She asked me what I was doing in school as I was in primary one then. Then she asked me if I could write 1-1000. I couldn’t, and she wasn’t impressed. Subsequently, she suggested that together we should write 1-10000. I remember thinking she was joking, and there was no way I could accomplish that.
However, every day after school, she would make me sit down and write until, 10 and behold, we actually reached ten thousand. I couldn’t believe it. That was the first time I realised how fierce and determined my Mother was. Whatever she set her mind to, she set out to achieve, and that was one attribute she made sure to pass on to me. I was struggling in School at that time because if I found any exam questions too difficult, I wouldn’t attempt them and would leave them blank. Consequently, I did not perform well because half of my exam sheet would be blank. My Teacher informed her about this, and she asked me why? I explained that I didn’t think I was smart enough and didn’t know the answers. She reassured me, saying that she believed I was smart and all I had to do was try. She kept pushing me until eventually, I wasn’t afraid to try and apply myself, and I started doing well in school. She taught me to believe in myself.
I loved her strong work ethic. My Mum had a way of making my blood pressure rise, whether it was her constant presence in the front seat of a huge truck on her way to cater events in towns in rural parts of Nigeria that I had never even heard about, or due to the tireless way she worked. She never took it easy; there was no slowing down for her.
Even when she wasn’t feeling well, she continued to work and give her best. Being a perfectionist, it was challenging for her to find someone who ‘could organize and handle things the way she wanted, so she often took the lead. I’m grateful that she was able to do the job she loved one more time before she passed away. It brings me joy when I remember she described her last event as extremely successful.
Above all, I loved the way she showered her children with love. A Mother’s love is truly formidable. My Mum consistently made significant sacrifices for my brother and me, ensuring we never lacked anything. She motivated us to strive for the best versions of ourselves and was always imparting valuable life lessons. When I began complaining about a problem, she would inquire if I had expressed gratitude to God for the issues He had already taken care of and the ones I didn’t have. Given my tendency to overthink and worry about potential issues, she had a remarkable way of reassuring me not to worry about things that hadn’t even happened yet
My Mother never missed a visiting day when I was in High School. My visiting day always fell on Saturday and clashed with events that she already had booked but she always showed up no matter how busy she was with lots of food for me and my friends. My Mother was my biggest supporter. She was not only my trusted confidant but also a resilient pillar of encouragement. consistently cheering me on and holding {lle in her prayers. Mummy, my sweet sweet Mummy. I never imagined doing life without you so early and so I am completely unprepared as to how to move forward. We spoke everyday, most times for hours where you gisted me about everything, especially about things you had seen on Instagram. Now we haven’t spoken in over a month and I’m in shock when I realise that I won’t ever see your call come in or hear you say ‘Omooba bawo ni,’ I miss you everyday.
You were always there to check up on me. If I complained of something as little as a headache you would call me constantly until you were satisfied that I was okay. Every time I had an exam you worried about it more than me and always called me the morning before my exam and immediately after to pray for me. I never felt alone, not one bit How can I cope with the profound pain that your absence has brought? How will I accept my degree without you sitting in the crowd when I know that I wouldn’t have made it this far without your constant encouragement. your love and unwavering support. You believed in me so much. It’s really painful to think about all the important milestones in my life that you won’t be here for-like my graduation, my wedding, and the birth of your Grandchildren. I can’t deny that this hurts a lot.
I personally witnessed your strong fight. You were a survivor and didn’t want to appear weak.. You worked so hard. I find solace in the fact that you’re now resting and free from any pain. However I know Mummy that you’ve not left me and you’re watching over Kunle and I because I know how much you loved and adored us. I promise to always make you proud I will never forget your immense love. My kids will call you Grandma Honey Orops. I will try to the best of my abilities be an amazing Mother like you. I love you Mummy. Till we meet to dance and hold each other again.
I love you forever
YourOmooba
– Adenike Adewumi (Daughterl)
Today, I fondly remember the person I got to call Mummy, only for a short while. Mummy who welcomed me with open arms and treated me lik:e her daughter from the very start whose k:indness, I generosity, and warmth touched me deeply. Her love was expressed through delicious meals, and I’ll forever cherish the moments she insisted on stuffing me with food. Weekends won’t be the same without our cherished conversations – moments filled with laughter, prayers and stories. Words cannot express how much
I will miss you Mummy!
I fondly remember when I offhandedly told her I needed some attachment not tak:ing it seriously and she ended up buying a whole box. That’s just the k:ind of person she was, generous and attentive As we mourn her physical absence, let’s celebrate the enduring legacy of k:indness, generosity, and love she leaves behind. May her spirit inspire us to be better, k:inder, and more loving individuals. Rest in peace, dear Mother in love. Your love will forever be a guiding light in our lives.
– Love Oreoluwa
Send Us News, Gist, more... to citypeopleng@gmail.com | Twitter: @CitypeopleMagz
