Obituary

Mwalami Mtumbi, son of Mzee, brother of Adija and Bahati, went away yesterday. He became 14. How he perished or if he was content up to that moment, I do not know.

If I knew him at all, I would say he smiled all the way until the afterworld swallowed his dear memory. He was my hero, my very best friend and pride of my life. He was a funny boy who gave me great company, who listened rapt and attent, who taught me more than I could teach him. He was a student, a child never before gone to school. He who wanted so much to learn that he got everything needed to read and write and do the math quickly within three months. He showed me the monkeys, how they also wanted to play. Then we learned how to shoot straight with the bow and arrow to scare those who stole our food. Swimming lessons and sports. It is not possible to think of him without the smile popping through.

Honoured I am for having known him. I miss him. I am sad I did not get to see him again. It must not be to late to meet his family once more though. I had more friends amongst the Mtumbis than anyone can wish for. Mwalami was a very special person and I hope he lived well. Life can be cruel, but hopefully not all the way. I know those good memories I have of him and I am conviced he must have many a good moment, those moments that never fade, never becoming anything less than a feeling of utter content. Life, hope and faith. A memory lives forever.