Cherish your mother before it is too late

Dear Mom, Sunday, December 21, 2025, became the most difficult day of my life.

It is the day God called you home to rest with Him. My heart is heavy, and my soul trembles at the thought of never hearing your voice again. Yet even in this deep sorrow, I find comfort in knowing that heaven is rejoicing, because a saint has finally come home.

You are now reunited with dad, your daughters Teddy, Goretti and Tina, your parents, and all those you loved who went before you. I can almost picture the reunion, the radiant smiles, the warm embraces, and the sound of heavenly joy as you were welcomed into eternal peace.

Mom, losing you feels like losing the center of my world. You were my hero, my strength, and my greatest source of inspiration. Everything I am today carries the mark of your love, sacrifice, and faith.

You loved me, and all of us, with a love so pure and selfless that it could only have come from God Himself. Truly, you were His representative here on earth, a woman whose heart overflowed with kindness, compassion, and grace.

Your life was a living testimony of generosity. You never held back when someone was in need. You gave freely, even when it cost you, and you found joy in seeing others smile. You welcomed everyone, cared for everyone, and prayed for everyone.

Your love knew no boundaries. You lived to comfort others, to lift them up, and to remind the world that goodness still exists. Mom, I want you to know that all of us, your children Lawrence, Vivian, Hellen, Emeltha, and Sebastian, are standing strong.

We are holding one another close, cherishing your memory with both tears and gratitude. Your grandchildren are also strong, filled with the beauty and light you poured into their lives. We promise to carry on your legacy of love, faith, and service.

We will honor you every day by living as you taught us, by being selfless, forgiving easily, and helping others whenever we can. Though our hearts are broken, we will not lose hope. We know where you are, in the presence of the Lord you served so faithfully.

You have gone home to rest with Him in everlasting peace. We take comfort in knowing that your journey ended in victory, surrounded by angels and eternal love. Mom, thank you for everything.

Thank you for raising us, for loving us beyond measure, and for showing us what it truly means to live a life that pleases God. You will live on forever in us, through us, and around us.

Rest well, my dearest mother, Ms Immaculate Kayonga. Until we meet again, continue to watch over us with your gentle spirit and motherly love. We will miss you deeply, but we will celebrate you always.

To the readers, the key takeaway is to honour your mother while you can In our pursuit of success, we often craft a narrative of being self-made. We credit our achievements to hard work, while our struggles we may blame on our upbringing.

Yet, this overlooks a fundamental truth: someone laid the groundwork for who we are. There is always one person who saw us when we were nothing. That person, so often, is our mother. No one on earth can ever take her place.

Not a spouse, a partner, nor our own children. Always let her know she is honoured while she can still hear your voice and feel your touch. If your mother is no longer here, pray for her soul and hold fast to the love and prayers she left as your inheritance.

Life moves quickly. Do not wait. Celebrate her not just on special days, but every day. Cook her favourite meal, give her a meaningful gift, or simply tell her what she means to you.

These acts of gratitude, however small, reflect back a fraction of the love she has freely given. Cherish your mother. Honour her. Let the world see your gratitude shine—before it is too late.

The author is Vice Chancellor, Victoria University.