She was a fighter. She was born into it. She never withdrew from it. She taught me how to do it and how to do it well. It is not a physical fight but a spiritual fight as we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

She was there for me. She was the backbone of the family. When responsibility was not taken by the leader, she stepped out boldly to do the necessary. She stood for all the family members. She was not designed to be, but the empty space must be filled. Those that don’t understand thought she was too pushy.

Her fight was not limited to our family alone. As you know capacity will be develop for more if you utilize the little in your hands. She prayed for people, helped them out of their predicaments. She counseled many without degree in Principles in Biblical Counseling. She saved many marriages without degree in Marriage Counseling with concentration in CBCT (cognitive behavioral couple therapy).

She has passion to see others being happy. She gave her time, energy and resources to do the things of God. She does not know when to stop helping. She never gives up on a fight to deliver others from the battle of life. In the process she gave her life. She only believed that God is able. She trusted in God. She forgot that she cannot fight every fight or protect everyone.

When I did not know God. She compelled me to know Him. She prayed my spirit into knowing God. She let me to know I don’t have option than just to know God. She said to me, “Rotimi I asked you from God and I told Him, I will give you back to Him. That was why I called you Samuel.” She continued, “You are the solution to the problem that I faced in my marriage.”

She almost got kicked-out of her matrimony home, because she could not produce a male child on time. Finally, God heard her prayers. He molded and deposited me into her womb. She always saw me helping her in her dreams, before I became real in her hands.

She taught me the ways of God. She loves me. She taught me how to keep a marriage. She taught me not to retaliate to the hatred of men, that vengeance belong to God. She was an example to what God can do to anyone that follows and serves Him with a true heart. She told me not to get stuck with my weakness but to develop on my strength.

She was a giver. She was a mother. She was a prophetess. She was Mrs Grace Oluyanbo Adedokun. She is supposed to celebrate another birthday today but she has gone to be with the Lord.

She was called Mama Jeje (Gentle Mother) in her Church. She was called prophetess by her followers. My siblings called her Mummy. All grandchildren called her Grandma, but I called her Mama ni Isreal (Mother in Israel). She was full of energy for God, discipline to study the bible and she always pray round the clock. She will never watch her children indulge in anything that is against the will of God. She does not have replacement.

She fought my fight. She paid my debt. She covered my nakedness. She took away my shame. She restored my confidence. She believed in me. She was always there for me. She almost took the place of Jesus in my life. I matter to her always. She never say NO to me. She has regards for me, though I am her only son. Her image always comes back to me.

Unfortunately for me, I don’t have the privilege to pay back. I actually separated from her after my marriage but every time I remember, I know, I am still owing my Mother. I wish I have one more opportunity to show how much she means to me.

She is supposed to celebrate another birthday today May 20^th, but she does not have the privilege. I will forever remember you. She’s the mother that makes womanhood worthwhile. I love you mummy.

I remain your Son

Rotimi Adedokun