In Loving Memory of Christiana Olubukunola Idowu Faleti (July 6, 1956 – July 10, 2003)

I want to be more like my mother

I praise God for your life and I thank him for the praise that was always in your heart

You are such a pretty lady, beautiful, in every sense of the word and in every language

A virtuous woman of God, you always presented yourself as a lady

You always said to read your bible and pray

You always encouraged us to trust in the Lord and to recognize that he was always in control

I want to be more like my mother

When you arrived in a room you changed the atmosphere and when you left your presence remained

You always illuminated the room, your joy was infectious

It was almost like whatever ground your feet touched everyone that came after you was blessed

Whatever you touched became gold

I want to be more like my mother

Whoever heard your voice was anointed

You sang with that soprano voice that chimed when you spoke

You made us laugh and you always laughed

You had so much joy

I want to be more like my mother

You appreciated life and you knew that it was only by God's grace

You smiled, you smiled, and you smiled, with a smile that radiated and was recognized for miles

You had smile that reached the four corners of the earth and pierced the darkness

It was like all those extra smiles you gave to us, was for us to tuck away in our hearts, so that we can retrieve it when we needed it, because you knew it wouldn't be easy for us on our own

I want to be more like my mother

You had faith that surpassed all understanding and we couldn't even fathom it

But to anyone else your faith was not understood, but God knew

You had unshakeable faith and you questioned anyone who doubted it

Even in your pain you knew that his grace was sufficient

You were steadfast and faithful even when you were told to let go

At all times you displayed courage and grace

I want to be more like my mother

You were always dancing even the midst of a storm

You did not encourage the spirit of fear

Words of praise and thanksgiving were on the tip of your tongue at all times You always let your light so shine amongst us

It was just something about being around you that caused others happiness

I want to be more like my mother

You knew where you came from and where you were going

You wrapped yourself in strength and honor

I describe you as conqueror, a soldier, and a warrior

You were strong physically, mentally and emotionally

You always claimed the victory and now you have it

You know that the only reason that I am able to cope now is because of the strength that you deposited in me

I want to be more like my mother

You constantly put others before you because you truly cared

It was an unconditional love that you showed

You had such an encouraging spirit; you always edified those around you You were a nurturer

You sacrificed and gave me your last even when it wasn't convenient because I was your child

I want to be more like my mother

You were always reassuring

Nothing but sincere and genuine

You glowed and you had a warm personality, you were sugar with a little bit of spice

You treated everyone as if they were one of the family

Everyone felt loved around you

I want to be more like my mother

You knew that the tongue was a powerful instrument so you always tried to speak word of kindness

You spoke God's blessings into our lives

A comforter, your words were powerful but sweet, chastising but not harsh Your point was always received because you knew that there was a time and place for everything

I want to be more like my mother

You were never proud, always humble

You were never jealous of others because you knew that what God had for you was for you and you alone

You were always confident in your own gifts and talents

I want to be more like my mother

Your goal was to always keep your house in order so that it was pleasing to God You did your part and knew that God would establish the rest

Because of who you were and what you established while on earth, you will always be remembered

You will forever be unique and one of a kind because God created only one You can never be duplicated or replaced

I want to be more like my mother

You have established a foundation and what you did in your life will sustain me You have always been my balance and a constant rock

You planted a seed in my heart that without your constant nurturing won't grow or flourish but you asked and trained some gardeners to take your place when you could not be there

You left a legacy for your children

I want to be more like my mother

You were who you were for a reason and we will see the manifestation of works in due time

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You are an inspiration to all

You had such a positive perspective on life and that was your reality - because you knew that you were always blessed

I want to be more like my mother

I will represent you in all that I do because I am proud to say that I am a part of you, I am your daughter

I want to exemplify your characteristics

I will learn from your life so that is not in vain, your legacy will continue

I think that even now you would whisper to me, you don't know like I know what he's done for me and what he will do for you, and in that I have peace of mind

I want to be more like my mother

You have reached your gates and your final destination

Your pain has seized and what you have been yearning for all you life you are now experiencing, so God has you now and he will take better care of you then we can

Don't forget I need you to be my angel and stay by my side to advice me and guide me

Because whenever my pain gets to bad and my tears won't stop, I will look to you And whenever my days get unbearable and I don't want to face tomorrow, I will look to you

Whenever I have those simple questions that only you can answer, I will look to you

You know you have to help me understand God a little more - explain to me how he orchestrates things to benefit his greater good

You have to help me because I will ask

You have to help to speak to me through different means; you have to help me to deal with the things that I can't change because you won't be here to make it better

I would say to you that "Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a women that fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands: and let her own works praise her in the gates."

You exemplified everything that mattered in the end and for that I will praise you You accomplished so much

Though you will never physically be in my presence again, your voice and your words will resound in my ears, your smile and beauty will never fade in my sight, your touch will linger on my skin and your fragrance will always be in the air

Where you have gone I will someday follow

I want to be more like you

So, e se ma, o d'abo ma, Mo ni fe yin

Completed 7/15/03 by Adesewa Adetoun Faleti