Tribute to an Epitome of Motherhood.

Today, it’s precisely 40 years since she departed this sinful world. A very strict, no-nonsense woman and generous to a fault, Sarah Segilola Olawole was the epitome of motherhood. It was from her that I first heard the term, “labor of love”, when a parent has to steer an erring child onto the right path even if it involves some “spankings” or “back-hand” slaps (like someone playing table-tennis). I was about 19 years old when I told her (cheek-in-tongue) that if we were to be in America, her tough style of raising kids would have got her into jail. Initially, she screwed up her face, gave me a “how dare you” stare then, she shook her head slowly and said “Let me tell you something…it would be better for me to be in jail than to let YOU go to jail…” My dearest mother, how I wish you could physically be around today to behold all the good things of life that you painstakingly envisaged, stressed over and labored so much for us (your kids) to attain. Yes, it’s been 40 years since your untimely demise. But the pain subsists…because you did not enjoy the fruits of your labor…and this hurts deeply. May you continue to rest peacefully in the bosom of the Lord.