Tribute to my Mother of Valour

There are moments in life that redefine us, that carve new paths in our hearts whether we’re ready or not. Losing my mother was one of those moments. It wasn’t just the passing of a person, it was the quiet departure of a light that had always guided me, even when I didn’t realize it. My mother was not just the heart of our family, she was the very soul of it. Her love, her strength, and her wisdom left a mark that time will never erase. She was a woman of quiet resilience. Not the kind that seeks attention or recognition, but the kind that gets up every day and does what needs to be done, with love and grace. My mother lived her life for others — not out of obligation, but out of a deep well of compassion. She gave selflessly, tirelessly, and with a kind of joy that made even the most mundane tasks feel meaningful. In her presence, you felt seen. You felt safe. She had an uncanny ability to understand people, to read between the lines, to offer exactly what was needed without having to be asked. Whether it was a warm meal, a piece of advice, a soft hand on your back when you were breaking, she was there. She wasn’t perfect, but she was genuine. She had her battles, her scars, her weary days, but she never let them make her bitter. She never stopped believing in the goodness of people, in the power of kindness, or in the importance of family. And that is something I will carry with me forever. Grief is a strange companion. Some days it’s loud and overwhelming, other days it’s quiet and dull. But it always reminds me of how deeply I loved her, how deeply she was loved by so many. In the silence, I hear her voice. In the stillness, I feel her presence. In my own choices, my own words, my own way of navigating the world — I see her influence. Her legacy isn’t one of grand achievements or worldly recognition. It’s in the lives she touched. It’s in the people she nurtured. It’s in me. And that legacy is more powerful than anything else I can imagine. So, this is not a goodbye. This is a thank you. Thank you, Mom, for every sacrifice, every hug, every moment. Thank you for your unwavering love. Thank you for shaping me into who I am. You live on in me — in every kind word I speak, in every act of compassion, in every lesson I pass on. Dr. Amokiese Beneovie Juliet Godwin - Daughter