Born to Die
You were born premature in Africa in 1956. There was limited science and dearth of resources to promote and extend your life. The day you were born was somewhat punctuated with profound sadness because you were doomed too weak to survive. Your mother was ill and unable to nourish and care for you. Your littlest cry of protest was but a soft whisper. Your chances of surviving was second to none.
In this period of time, premature babies like you were born to die. Society deemed only the fittest, only the strong lives. They took your little body to the morgue. You were not dead yet but you were condemned to die anyway. Wrapped in meager clothing, they waited for your demise. It is difficult to imagine that this was your fate.
Your mother’s sister stepped in and changed all that. She took you from the morgue insisting that you should be amongst your family. Even if you live only for a day, it should be at the bosom of those who love you. She claimed you as the child she did not have. She embraced you with a love so deep she infused life where there was only death. Without her, your story would have ended abruptly. She was your spiritual mother.
Years later, you would name your first born child after your aunt. You would honor her memory and sing praises every time you utter her name, “Yama.” You were born to die but destined to live for another 61 years. You have a purpose in life that no man could take away. God is in control.
In this period of time, premature babies like you were born to die. Society deemed only the fittest, only the strong lives. They took your little body to the morgue. You were not dead yet but you were condemned to die anyway. Wrapped in meager clothing, they waited for your demise. It is difficult to imagine that this was your fate.
Your mother’s sister stepped in and changed all that. She took you from the morgue insisting that you should be amongst your family. Even if you live only for a day, it should be at the bosom of those who love you. She claimed you as the child she did not have. She embraced you with a love so deep she infused life where there was only death. Without her, your story would have ended abruptly. She was your spiritual mother.
Years later, you would name your first born child after your aunt. You would honor her memory and sing praises every time you utter her name, “Yama.” You were born to die but destined to live for another 61 years. You have a purpose in life that no man could take away. God is in control.