From the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, we read, “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted.” The inevitability of death prepares the mind against the pain of losing loved ones, yet it does not provide clarity for processing their departure. This is especially true for children, who are often left to grapple with the sudden loss of a parent without adequate support.

Adanma Jonas, the youngest of her mother’s six children, experienced this firsthand. Growing up, she was the only child left at home with her mother, while her siblings had moved on to start their own families. Adanma was cherished and pampered, especially by her mother, who saw her as the baby of the family. However, this idyllic childhood was overshadowed by her mother’s declining health and eventual death.

When Adanma moved to the city for her education, she remained deeply concerned about her mother’s well-being. Despite her ambitions, the thought of her mother’s struggles weighed heavily on her mind. Her mother’s addiction to nicotine and frequent health issues were a constant source of worry.

The inevitable happened when Adanma’s mother fell gravely ill and was moved to the hospital in the city. Despite her siblings’ efforts to shield her from the harsh reality, Adanma was devastated when she arrived just in time to see her mother’s body being lowered into the grave. The grief and confusion she felt were compounded by the lack of support and understanding from those around her.

Returning to the city, Adanma struggled to cope with her loss. She lived in denial, unable to process her mother’s death properly. This phase of her life, marked by profound grief and a sense of abandonment, was incredibly difficult to say goodbye to. It left a lasting impact on her, shaping her journey of healing and acceptance.

Daily writing prompt

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

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