Sleep is an elusive dream for me tonight, as another wave of fresh tears overwhelms me. Today I learned that my sweet, beautiful, generous, demanding, forgiving, inspiring, godly mother-in-law passed away. And being here in Nigeria, thousands of miles from her closest loved ones, I feel especially disconnected. Though I grieve personally for her, I grieve even more so for Dad, her ever-loving husband; for my own husband and her other three children, who all knew and loved her as no one else ever could; and for my children, Judea and Yisrael whose hearts are broken with the knowledge that they’ll never see “Grandma-mia” again or be pulled close for the kind of hug only a grandmother can give; and baby Ethan who won’t remember her infectious laugh and how very much she doted on him. As for me, I want to offer my last respects and say goodbye to my mom, for she truly became “Mom” to me. Over the years since I married her son, her kindness and godly counsel has kept me going. And during only the year and a half that my children and I lived in her house, I received more mothering than all the years of my childhood and adolescence combined, from my own blood mother. Mom Anonyuo taught me so much in that short time. To name a few: she taught me how to be a better wife and mother, a conscientious keeper of the home, a frugal spender, and a decent cook. She taught me to cook Nigerian soups and stews so that her son wouldn’t miss his “Mamasita’s” cooking too much. But the most valuable lessons Mom taught me were of the Spirit. She taught me what real forgiveness is. She taught me, by her own example, how to reach out to Yahshua HaMashiach through praise and thanksgiving. When I think of her now, I won’t dwell on her suffering, though amazingly she bore it without complaint. No, I will think of the joyful times we shared…hours and hours of edifying fellowship, healing prayers, dancing and singing to the Lord our God. I’ll especially remember the love, care, and attention she lavished on her grandchildren. I am so blessed to have known her and I’m grateful she has found peace now. I praise Him for that. And with that said, I give my last goodbye. Goodnight Mom, God bless you, I love you.

Your grateful daughter,

Mandy