By Edward Marah
It’s with heavy heart and sorrow that I pay tribute to a beautiful mother, a woman with a lion’s heart of giving, an educationist and a friend Mrs Joan Moody. Still couldn’t believe that after visiting her at the hospital a week ago where we had fun as she simile, I could pay her a tribute today.
I came to know Mammy, as I usually called her Twenty-Three years ago through my beloved brother Mathin Kaindaneh during my first-holiday visit to Moyamba. Mathin being a very close friend to some of the children of the Moody family namely Musu and Nannette decided to visit them and asked that I accompany him. On our arrival, we were warmly received by Mommy Moody, her loving husband Pa. Moody and their children. I was immediately introduced to the family. Mommy Moody wasted no time but to ask Nannette and Musu to serve us food. I was a bit ashamed not to eat but Mathin being fully aware that the Moody family is one of the hospitable families in Moyamba encouraged me to eat, so I had to eat. Mommy Moody asked when are we returning. Mathin replied after the Easter holiday. She nodded her head and said OK but please don’t forget to visit till your return she said to us.
Throughout our stay in Moyamba, she provided us with food and asked that we come and eat, what a mother indeed! After the holiday when we went to take leave of her, she was very emotional in her words of encouragement that we should regularly visit as Moyamba is a nice place to visit.
Her home was open to everyone, and her hospitality made us feel important. She was the most loving, humble, compassionate, understanding, family-orientated woman and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet. I am going to miss you so much, mummy. You were the truest, dearest, more than a mother to me. You were precious, a gift from God, so much beauty, grace, love and patience you possessed. You touched my heart in so many ways with your motherly advice and concern.
Twenty-three years down memory lane Mommy Moody has been a trusted mother to me. I will never visit Moyamba without seeing her and sometime she will force me to lodge at her house. At times when she comes to Freetown, she will call to inform me and will spare time from her busy schedule to see me.
Mommy Moody loved without condition. It didn’t matter if someone hurt her, she always looked the other way and loved the person despite what they had done. And she loved with her whole heart. Her love was never forced, it was just always there no matter what. She loved us like no one else could and it was a strong, genuine love.
She was always concerned for the well-being of others over her own. She gave all of herself at all times and sacrificed her own needs and desires for the sake of those she loved. She gave willingly without question and without asking for anything in return. And her love was so great.
Mommy, because of how wonderful you were meant to me, I have felt compelled to take the time to honour you and share who you were even though you deserve so much more than what I can give. The best way that I know how to relay the message about you is to write it down.
Mommy, you have left us at a time when we needed you most but we know God needed you most. Sleep well and take your rest till we meet again and part no more. Rest in Peace Mommy.
To Papa Moody, Musu, Nannette, Manja and the rest of the family, it’s well. Take heart.