It was in the evening around 6:30pm, when my phone rang, my wife was sitted close to me while the children were watching cartoon in the sitting room.
As I picked the phone, boohoo blubber sob sob waah! were the sound I heard on the other end of the call.
It was my Sister-in-law, Debi, who called, she was crying so seriously at the other end of the phone, I was wondering on why she was crying.
” Debi! what happen? What…..! what the problem?” I queried.”
Un…cle, uncle oh! Mummy is dead Ooooh! mummy is dead”
I wanted to say whose Mum……! when I remembered that my wife was sitted close to me,her reaction will be severe if I don’t play it down.
my phone hanged on my ear, when my wife protested that I should give her the phone, “what is happening, why Debi is calling you?” “Debi, what’s the problem, what did you tell my husband?”
I saw the grim on her face, the bewildernesss all over my wife.
My Dear Mother-in-law, Lady Regina Samuel Ozubbu, the news of your sudden departure to the great beyond is sadden and disheartening.
Mummy do you still remember the very first day my wife and I visited you and Daddy, that day she carried Me to the house in Samagidi-Kokori to introduce me to you.
I can reminisce the euphoria I felt that day on seeing you; Your hospitableness is second to none, a woman of peace, your smile alone ease the troubled heart.
According to Walt Whitman, ” I exist as I am,that is enough, if no other in the world be aware I sit content, and if each and all be aware I sit content”
Mummy, the above best describes you, you are always contented, you never raise your voice even in the midst of great provocation, a peace lover you are.
I have never enjoyed you enough, also, you have never enjoyed me enough as a son-in-law.
Mummy, the daughter you gave to me as a wife, is the best wife any man will love to have, you really raised a breed that has no match.
I am pained in my heart trying to believe that you are no more; that I can’t see you again.
Mummy I can’t bear the dysphoria.
Can you still call me my name? Akpos! as you use to call me, speaking in Urhobo to tease me.
My cry and Lamentations will not bring you back.
God knows best!
Rest on, mother-in-law, on the bossom of the Lord.
Adieu!
Your Son-in-law
PASSMAN AKPOS
A Journalist, Political Analyst, social commentator, founder Tarakirivoice Newspaper, A Leader in the Niger-Delta……
