Tribute to Grand Mother (Nini Ita) It is with sadness and joy that I learnt of your death. Sadness in the sense that we will miss you, though happy that you have lived your life to the full. Your life has been an exemplary one. You were a teacher, counsellor, mediator, healer, singer, prayerful and a conscientious mother, grand mother and great grand mother. Your down to earth simplicity, humility and the ability to communicate across your message to every individual was incredible. When I left the seminary and visited you with Sister Priscilla you shook her hand and declined a hand shake from me, saying that I went to the seminary and refused to become a priest. I took your action with a heavy heart. However, you later apologised to me saying that I can be very angry and take things too far. This to me did not only underline your unbridled humility, but also taught me how to forget and forgive others. I can never forget the advice you gave me when I informed you that I was travelling abroad. In a very unassuming manner, you said to me in Kom Language, loosely translated as “eat only your own” meaning that I should be contented with what I have, for greed is what has taken away the lives of many a young man today. This, however, did not imply that you did not encourage ambitiousness. Your prayerfulness, your music and spontaneous dancing on each of our visits to Fuanantui lives on in my heart. It is in you, Grand mother, that I have seen how prayer goes with good works. No exaggeration, everything having its own place, at the right time and in the right measure. You have never coerced us to pray but you taught us to pray by example. I wholly regret the fact that I cannot share this intimate moment with you, to do my duty as your grand son i.e. to bury my grand mother, however, my uncles, brothers, sisters, grand and great grand children will be there on our behalf. Your departure to eternal glory is what you have relentlessly worked for on earth and God, in his infinite mercy, will grant you the most deserving place in his Kingdom. Ferdinand Munteh your late husband, Veronica Naboh, Theresia Chio, Peter (children) and your brothers and grand children must have given you the reception befitting your status. Adieu Grand Mum and Intercede on our behalf. Grand son Vincent Mudame