Decades ago a young and vibrant woman was Born into the family of the Sumbo's. Mr and Mrs sumbo were married for ten years without an issue to the point people nicknamed them barren. It was a painful experience for the family but they never loose hope and kept trusting God for the fruit of the womb. One day the heavens decided to bless the union of the Sumbo's, with the blessing of a female child and she was named Adira meaning strong and courageous.
Adira's brilliance radiates every darkest corner of her father's household, she was a beacon of hope for generations, breaking barriers and odds. At her early age she started to exhibit some kind of characters that even her parents could not understand but yet they let her do what pleases her and gave her all the supports she needs. When ever she takes lunch to school and finds out her class mates doesn't have what to eat, she shares her lunch with whoever don't have and sometimes her teachers marvelled how a young child can be so generous. Adira was born with a golden spoon in her mouth, but she was unsatisfied and unhappy because of how people around her suffers a lot and that became her motivation and inspiration to help the poor. Not all rich kids would do what she did.
Fast-forwarded to when she grew into a full fleshed woman, Adira didn't stop in her generosity, rather her vision grew even more bigger and better. She opened a foundation for the homeless and less privileged, and her shoulders became a comfort of rest for many people. She became a mother to hundreds of children by fighting for the right of children in justly treated and abandoned without bothering about herself. There was a day when Adira was walking in the lonely part of the bush, she heard a noise from the bush and was curious to find out what was going on even when she was scared but then she never allowed her fear overruled her . She carefully peeped through the green leaves and saw a wild animal trying to eat a new born that has been dumped by her heartless mother. She was determined to save the child and when she saw it was coming more closer to the child, she confronted the wild beast fighting it with her bare hands. You can imagine a woman fighting a beast all because of love and compassion. Even when at some point she was badly injured and didn't know if she would be able to stand the beast, she never stopped fighting. In her words she said "let me die, but the child must live". She kept on fighting till finally she killed the wild beast, took the child and went to the village. On reaching the village she collapsed because she was severely wounded and has lost so much blood. she was rushed to the healer, and it took months before she could recover. When the villagers held of what had happened in the bush, they applauded her for her bravery for doing what others will definitely run away from. She adopted the baby she had saved and gave it a name and a home.
Not just did she saved the life of a child but her community as well. Her people were under a major attack from their enemies and as each day passes by their number kept decreasing. Adira went to any length she could go to make sure they gain back their freedom and once again her community could breath fresh air. She died a good old age but her death grived the whole village and neighbouring ones.
Beyound her achievement, she was a dedicated mother and a devoted wife. Her home was a home of laughter and joy and her hands wide open to receive who ever came to her space. In loving memory of ma Adira, though people mourn for her demised but celebrate a life of legacy who's light will continue to shine bright in the hearts of men. Buried six feets below, are not just mere words of eulogy but a proof of enduring legacy of Adira Sumbo, a courageous and brave woman.
This post was inspired by the #inleo community and my respond for the on going #Aprilinleo monthly prompts for April 6. Epitaphs: of a prominent figure, a fictional character, imagine yours. Do well to join by clicking here announcement post to know more about it.
Thank you for your time, peace 🕊️