Tribute to a friend, mother and sister
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
Advertisement
For those whom thou think’st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill
- John Donne
I can faintly remember what brought us together as close friends. If my memory serves me right, I think it all started in the Newsroom. I was arguing with a colleague in the office because he had wronged me and at that moment Mama Lu, as we affectionately called Mrs Lucy Harriet Addo, happened to be around.
Though we had been seeing each other around, we had not actually spoken to each other before. Once a while we met and greeted each other and that was it.
That day in question, Mama Lu had come out of her office (Proofreading) and was standing just a few metres away from us. When she saw us arguing, she looked straight into my eyes and blinked – which was actually a sign to appeal to me to stop. I obliged to her silent request and returned to my office.
Later in the day, Mama Lu came to me and advised me. I took her advice in good faith and I believe that was the genesis of our friendship.
Our friendship grew from strength to strength and before I realised she had become my confidant.
Since her untimely demise, there is one unique word I have heard from most workers; ‘Oh! Auntie Lucy. Oh! Mama Lu! She was so humble’. Yes, that was Mama Lu. She was very humble and had respect for everyone.
She had a column in our paper, the Junior Graphic. One unique thing I observed about her anytime she delayed in submitting her contribution was that immediately she entered our office, she would say; ‘Please sorry ooo, I had to go to...’ I remember during one of her difficult moments she entered the office around 3pm on a Friday and asked of Rebecca Kwei. I told her Becky had gone out and that if there was anything I could do, she should let me know. She turned around and said; ‘No, I’m supposed to submit a write-up for her page but I went to Korle-Bu and I didn’t know I was going to spend the whole day there. Please, this is the work and kindly tell her I’m sorry’’.
That was the wonderful woman I’m talking about.
I was in the office one day when she called me and requested that I meet her at The Mirror House. I was surprised then because I knew she was on admission at the Cocoa Clinic. I inquired from her whether she had been discharged and she answered in the affirmative. She told me to go into her drawer in the office and pick some books for her. I did as she requested.
When I got to The Mirror House, I realised that she was lying on one of the seats in her car that had been adjusted for her to be comfortable. I was amazed to hear her say she was supposed to do some work for the Junior Graphic but because she was on admission she couldn’t do it. She said the books were her sources of reference, which was why she had come for them to be able to work on her contribution and send it.
Her dedication to duty was outstanding.
She was a great pillar behind me in my three years at the university. Her words of encouragement were marvellous. She ‘showered ‘ me with books – textbooks and storybooks.
At the beginning of every semester, Mama Lu would incessantly demand my course outline. I remember at a point I made a remark in a jovial way: “Ei, Mama Lu, it looks as if I’m schooling for you”. She laughed and said: “I want to be sure if I have those books. If not, I will go to Kwame’s place ( referring to a former Headmaster of PRESEC, Mr Africanus Anane) and collect those books for you”.
Mama Lu was ever ready to assist others, no matter the situation she was in.
Our last interaction was at the Graphic Editorial pantry where she told me she would be going to Korle Bu for check-up. We chatted happily and at that very moment nothing clicked me that that memorable moment would be our last one. Truly, ‘owu suma’, to wit, no one knows when death would strike.
Mama Lu, you have really left me in pain. I cannot forget some of the firm decisions you made me take that have really benefitted me. I cherish your fairness and firmness as a person. Well done.
Mama Lu, I will join Apostle Paul in his Epistle to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:7) to say that you have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith.
Finally, there is laid up for you a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to you on that Day.
Rest In Perfect Peace.
Mama Lu, Damirifa due.
The Almighty God knows best.
