“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
All my life, I have walked this earth boldly, declaring myself a mirror of my mother. Never did I imagine the day would come so soon when I would have to become the original, standing alone. Finding the words to express what she means to me is no simple task, but I hope this tribute conveys a fraction of the boundless love and admiration I hold for her.
One of the things I cherished most about my mother was her remarkable ability to let go of grudges. No matter how deeply she was hurt, she always found it within her to forgive. This grace has profoundly shaped me. Her love, so abundant and pure, is something I strive to emulate daily. Her heart of gold was a beacon of kindness, often shared at the expense of her own comfort. She embraced many as her own, nurturing my friends as if they were her children, extending her warmth and care beyond our family.
“Commander,” I would call her. The chief disciplinarian, she demanded perfection and order. We used to jest about her being meticulous, but in truth, her insistence on order instilled in us a lasting appreciation for neatness and structure. She was not perfect—none of us are—but her virtues far outweighed her imperfections.
Another of the qualities of my mother that I deeply sought to emulate was her unwavering devotion to prayer. She had an unshakeable belief in its power, dedicating countless hours to praying for us and participating in prayer lines. No matter what anyone said, her commitment to prayer remained steadfast, and she never wavered in the number of prayer lines or the times she devoted to it each day.
Some of my most cherished memories are of our family lunches and the way she made my birthdays special. These moments have shaped who I am and left an indelible mark on my heart and those of my friends. Her embrace was always open, offering comfort, advice, and unconditional support. Her life and actions have taught me countless lessons, and I could not have wished for anyone else to be my mother.
I was eagerly awaiting your return, dreaming of the conversations we would have and the celebration Kwame and I planned with tilapia and goat. Yet, despite our love and need for you, God loved you more. The 21st of August is a day forever etched in my memory, marked by the call at 4 a.m. that sent me into an immediate state of disarray. Ma, are we to believe that your grandkids will never meet you? Who will guide me with their arrival? Who will share those precious tips you always gave me? Your presence has been a wellspring of comfort and strength, and knowing you were always there gave me the courage to face any challenge. Your belief in me was a constant source of motivation, and your love a beacon of hope.
So, here’s to the incredible woman who has always meant—and will continue to mean—the world to me. I love you, Mom, more than words can ever convey. Auntie Mrs. Daisie, Underskelt! Rest easy, knowing that those you left behind will carry on, forever touched by your love. Oye! Oye ampa ma! May your sweet and loving soul rest in perfect peace.
Angela Daisie Mantey Gyan