A Tribute To Millicent Omaya.

The firm frame, in it the picture of the bold and ever smiling Millicent Omaya’s face, challenging. The short candles, like flags at half-mast, timidly flickering, the flowers around, though at the time not close to the beauty and the dominating presence. Not defeated, a smiling beauty even on her death bed lay, mocking its sorrowful omnipotent reaching.

Kenyans in Stockholm are in a state of shock after the passing of one of the community’s member. A prolonged mourning after several others lost their close family members almost in a chorused chain. But it is her passing that has delivered the strongest blow, leaving the community in a shaken stupor.

I met her several times. Times I now count as too few, and her friendly, welcoming and favourable karma was unmistakable. Those too few times were enough for her to leave a mark just as expressed by many others.

With her, there is no difficulty of words or the need to exaggerate, she earned and deserved. The huge presence at her memorial/fundraising and the smashing financial and verbal contributions are true testimonies.

At the facebook blog dedicated to her, I found the best words to express the feeling among friends and family members. Here is a tribute to MILLICENT OMAYA.

..……

The opening. Gorgeous ones, it’s one of those days you would want to wish away. 
Our very own Milly Omaya, a mother, daughter, sister, wife, cousin, aunty and friend closed her eyes in death this afternoon.

The sting of death cannot be put into words; it’s only felt by the heart, and no, it doesn’t get better with time; but our hearts learn to find new ways of coping in the absence of a loved one.

Amillo mami, we have shared hearty laughs; we have shared tears.
Sometimes we had a lot to talk about; sometimes nothing at all
Sometimes we felt the need to meet, catch up and spend moments together; sometimes we didn’t.
Still, you always stayed warm in my heart.

I can’t tell really if it was your smiles or easy personality that made me fondly think about you.....
Maybe it was the pure heart you were.....
I will never really know.

But now even in your absence; you remain warm in my heart.
It’s been a sad day today; still it’s hard to erase your laughs from my head.
Something tells me it’s well with your soul; and that it will be well with your boys....and the entire family.

Mami, if you find it possible, SHINE over your boys.
It was a delight knowing you Milly Omaya.....
I sign off; with a sting of tears in my eyes.
Nind maber Nyargem...xoxo: Beryl Otunga.

……..

Whether death is the worst of human miseries or the blissful phenomenon for all souls, only u can tell us...for us, it is a thief and liar that reaps where it didn't sow.

Your are probably one of the kindest aunties there is. Your infectious smile will forever remain with us. Your generous heart will continue inspiring us.

Your death has left our hearts punctured and exposed our own human frailty.

...But we know, as believers and as you believed too, that death is not the end. Keep smiling coz now you see God face to face. Till we meet in eternal bliss...:Wang’oma Mola.

……..

SADNESS ..that's what I feel right now, still a bit in denial…such a beautiful soul gone so soon, held our hands and prayed really hard for The Lord to give us a miracle and heal you. I didn't realise that the miracle was u; just knowing you has been a blessing, you’ve genuinely touched my heart deeper than I thought a friend could; always kind, ever smiling even when you were hurting.

The only one who called me by a name that’s not mine but I always answered,  mmmmmmmmmh "nduko" how I wish I could hear u call me that just one more time, but don’t worry mama has your back she said she'll call me that so don’t stress..

We shared a lot of happy moments together, treasured the movie nights when we'd seat n chat till dawn, I fell in love with you, your spirit and your easy-going nature. So I choose to live in those happy memories, coz that means you still live in me, my friend, gym partner, shopping and movie mate, neighbour, I will deeply miss u. God has just but given you rest, we shall meet again soon. Maybe u can give me a tour when I get there since I always called to you when I needed directions in Stockholm. May he guide your children and comfort your family especially mama who has shown great strength in these times. I will love u n hold u dear in my heart: Synthia Rutsinda.

.......

 “I've lost will, lost someone I can’t live without, and my heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that I’ll never completely get over the loss of my beloved Millie. But this is also the good news; Aunty you will live forever in my broken heart that won't seal back up. And I’ll come through. It’s like I’m having a broken leg that will never heal perfectly—that will still hurt when the weather gets cold, but one thing is for sure, I’ll learn to dance with the limp.” 

AUNTY MILLIE YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS. LOVE..: TopManyotta Baba Desire. 

…….

My eyes filled up with tears as I heard the news
It never occurred to me, how much I could lose
I find myself wishing that it wasn't real
Every time I think about it, pain is all I can feel
Tears fall from my eyes, I can barely see
But my heart tells me that you will always be with me
I’m glad you feel no pain now-you live in a perfect land
I can still feel the soft touch on my shoulder of your loving hand
I lie in bed and cry at night
And I don’t feel any better in the morning light
And I will love and miss you Milly forever
Until the day we are again together.
Together in that perfect place above,
Filled with caring, sharing and love
But until that day comes- I will wipe my tears away.
And hopefully see you again someday...................: Wendy Mashanelle.

…….

I did not know you like everybody else did but one thing I'm definitely sure about is that you left an impact in this world that none of us will ever forget. I mourn, cherish and remember of all the times we had with your friends and family. I know it's better on the other side I'll see you when I get there.  4Eva Loved: Toven Onyango.

.......

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awake in the mornings hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there,
I did not die: Terry Baduu.

…….

What a special mother!!!!!!!!!.

She's as soft and graceful as a butterfly, yet as strong and courageous as a grizzly bear.
Her heart is large enough to hold everyone's pain and joy.

Her hands are always gentle and soothing. Her arms are always warm and tender. She works hard to make a home feel like home, and she strives to make life pleasant and comfortable for those she loves.

She never fails to go that extra mile to make the holidays happy and memorable. Her job is the most difficult and demanding ever known to any human being, yet she's fully dedicated to the task.

She's always there for her family, guiding them and keeping them safe from harm. She owns a magical way to raise spirits and make everything feel better.

And her sympathy, unselfishness and forgiveness are unending. All that anyone is or could ever hope to be can be attributed to a mother. She instils the teachings that will last a lifetime. She sows the seeds of virtue and morality, and in the process, she opens up love and vast horizons. She's always watching and hoping that her children's goals will have meaning. She always listens and tries to understand even when it's difficult to do so.

She's a true friend in every sense of the word. She's noble and sublime, and holds all the beauty of a golden day, yet even during the storms, she always shines bright like an evening star.
Her name should be honoured well, for she's the closest thing to God on earth.
You might be gone but you will always remain in our hearts dear!!!: Collince John Decombs.

……..

My dearest sister, best friend and mentor, you were a true friend to your friends, the life of every party, the most helpful and caring soul we have known. Indeed we feel privileged to have someone so remarkably selfless, as part of our lives. You brightened up all our days with your infectious smile and laughter.

You lived through your most painful moments in health as if they were ordinary instances in everyday living, inspiring everyone around you.

Today, we feel an emptiness which can never be conquered, a void left by your absence that can never be filled and our perennially wet eyes keep seeking you every where. Words can never be enough to express our pain and loss.

We console ourselves that you left us for a better and beautiful place - God's home, where there is abundant peace and love. We comfort ourselves that you no longer suffer the pain and helplessness which took over your pristine existence. We are eternally grateful to God for sending you in our family and enriching our lives with your presence.

I just want to say that I think about you often and I feel sad, I did love you & am glad I didn't let a chance go by without letting you know that I loved you and you have my eternal RESPECT for what you achieved against the odds: Juliet Omaya.

………

You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her and only that she’s gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she’d want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on: Juce Babu.

........

You were here Milly; you touched many, many hearts and made a difference. You will most surely not be forgotten: Daisy Obondi.

In Loving Memory Of Millicent Omaya, Rest In Peace. Compiled and edited by P Bryan Njoroge.