There was nothing in this world as warm and as comfortable like Mama’s presence. Walking into her room and seeing her sewing her beads with the low hum of a worship song; her smile when she noticed you walk in and her chuckle as she said ‘Zereda(as she uniquely called me)wee uraho? Falling into her warm embrace as she held you and asked millions of questions about how you’re doing. I felt at peace.
Mama’s presence was always felt during our childhood. Always around, crafting something in her hands. Or when I was being rebellious at school she always showed up, surprisingly defending me. She was always invested in our education, our health, and our vocations. What marvels me the most is that she was as present in my life as she was with my 14 siblings. She knew us; She took time to understand each one of us individually. She knew how to communicate with each of her children according to their individuality and personalities.
As we became adults, the consistency of her presence did not change. She took time out of her day to pray for each of her children, and her children’s children. I always looked forward to her calls checking on me. Reminding me to wear sweaters because I was prone to asthmatic symptoms, and supporting me with advice on how to be a wife and a mother. Mama was not a fan of plane travel, but when she knew that one of her children was about to have a child, she would get on a plane, and stay with us for months. She would take care of our children, with a lot of humor and her presence was undeniable. She taught us how to be mothers, and she enjoyed every second of it. She showed our spouses and her grandchildren the same love and affection that she showed her children. She was the glue that held this family together.
Mama wasn’t just present in her family’s life. She was ‘Umusangwa’ meaning someone people come to. Her presence was felt in her neighborhood, her church community, and the multiple associations she started. With each person that approached her for advice, finances, prayer, or just even enjoying her comfort, she loved them, and she deeply listened with empathy and support. She treated everyone with compassion and grace that could only come from God.
Growing up, I admired her ability to be present for anyone that needed it. One did not require to be close to feel her presence, it surpassed boarders, territories, I felt her in every part of the world. And when she passed I knew that I would miss that comfort and warmth that only came from her. But I also knew that I had to celebrate her life through emulating her gift of presence.
I plan on being an impactful presence in people’s lives. Whether with my boys through motherhood, but also in my community. I want to be a Musangwa, to support people with empathy and through prayer and encouragement. I also want to step outside of my comfort zone and be present with vulnerable people, just as she was. People with no financial capacity, people who have lost loved ones, and people who have emotional wounds.
Mama’s presence was boundless, loving, and knew no distance. She emulated God’s presence in our lives with grace, and it is my life’s mission to love and be present just like she was.
Exodus 34:14 “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
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