Worse than death

Every culture that I know in Africa has a celebration or some form of meaning that is attached to death. When someone dies, it's usually a time to reflect on their place in the family and the void that they have left. Much more than that, we also remember the ways that they lived their life, the specific ways that they played out their roles and the lives they impacted.

As a mum, one of the things that terrifies me the most now is not death. I know that we will all die one day. It's inevitable. But as I listened to Chimamanda Adichie talk about death, I am even more aware of my mortality and afraid that I might not be living fully.

The more aware I am of death, the more intentional I try to live. Not necessarily for me. But for my child. The life in her smile, the hope in her face and the joy that radiates through her fuels me to want to live fully. To be all that I can be so that she never feels limited in any way. So that I do not just tell her to reach for the skies; I can show her how high to reach and for her to even exceed that.

Africa is a blessed continent. A beautiful place filled with lots of hurdles that can sometimes seep into our perceptions of what is doable and the things that seem impossible. For the longest time, women all over the world have felt small in so many ways. But even while that was still pungent, there were women who broke through the moulds and set the examples for us today to aim higher and live fully.

I want to be that example to my kids. We should be that example of meaningful existence to our kids. So that we give them the permission, the inspiration, the audacity and the gumption to live fully as well.