COVID-19 stopped the world and just when I thought the worst was
over, on 17th June 2021 over a year since its inception, it made an everlasting mark
on my life.
On that fateful day, I learnt my sister Elizabeth Nalumansi Sekyanzi
had lost the battle to COVID. It was surreal getting the news especially as
miles away, I had not known she was sick.
In the hours after building
into days, naturally I was a mess going through a raw of emotions. With each
phone call I got even more baffled that at 44 years of age she had become a
victim to this demon. This rollercoaster of emotions made me come to the conclusion; Tomorrow
is not promised, every day is a gift and that it is beautiful to die in Christ.
Her version of a good time was family and
church and she loved Jesus Christ with all her love and might. It's that love
that she had for God that has given me and the family comfort knowing that death
didn't have the final say, Jesus does!
Like her name , Elizabeth , she had so many variations of life and
energy. Growing up , we called her Bess and that is the name that resounds the
most with me. Along the way as we fought with the raging hormones of teenage hood we played along with Liz and later on as a wife and mother the name Betty evolved and that is how she was known to the world.
Bess
A quiet, smart child, a joy to her parents and family. She got her
grades right and was well behaved. She was respectful and emulated the
values her parents has bestowed on her. Hers was a straight line , she did as
she was told, the model child. In primary 7 she got 7 aggregates and joined
Tororo Girls School where the name Liz came to life.
Liz
Being in boarding schools miles from each other, we exchanged lots of letters
and I remember lots of strength of character. It is in this stage in her life
that she strongly acknowledged the role of her mentors particularly
her eldest brother Richard Kaweesa. He was successful in whatever he took
on, a good example to his many siblings and even at that tender age she
appreciated his contribution to the family.
With her mother's approval she spent her holidays away
from school with him. On one of those long vacations I joined her at his home
in Mukono and it is then I appreciated her humility. Together we made house at
his, and I can testify that I learnt most of my housekeeping skills then in
the time I spent shadowing her. In this time period , she made the
greatest decision of her life , accepting the Lord Jesus as her Lord and
savior. Proclaiming herself a born again Christian came with
challenges especially as her mother had baptized her catholic. However Bess
didn't butt in her decision to follow Jesus and never looked back. It is
in her walk with Jesus that the name Betty was birthed.
Betty
A young lady determined to battle whatever the journey threw at her and
carve out a successful life. She started off 'Adulting' as a teacher. I
remember one of her first teaching assignments was somewhere off
the Sonde, Namugongo road. I took one visit to see her there and as I left I
marveled at her courage to be so far away from the familiar.
Through all this she continued with her walk with Christ, fellowshipping at
Kansanga Pentecostal Church. I occasionally worshipped there and saw firsthand
how dependable and reliable she was serving our Lord Jesus. It was
there, that she took on a new name , Mrs. Sekyanzi. It feels like
yesterday that the choir blasted away singing , " Embaga ya
Peter,yalese omugole.” It was a joyous day and fast forward she
became a mother. This new role emphasized even more not only her unconditional
love but work ethic. To fend for her family , she started a business with her
husband that was a true testimony of God's faithfulness. Together they worked
hard to achieve their goals that when life took a tumble, she stepped up to the
challenge.
In 2018 ,she lost her mother my beloved aunt. In the time after dealing with
this blow and the vacuum it had dealt the family, we shared lots of stories.
It was amazing how she stepped into the role of not only
mothering her siblings but also continued to build relationships that her
mother had valued. This new season stepping in her mum’s shoes,
proved she was patient in her disposition and gently dealt with what life
thrust at her.
In our very last conversation, she not only sounded truly happy but had
big plans. She shared pictures of the country home they had built assuring me I
had a room the next time I visited. She was so determined to be away from the
buzz of the city and live a quiet life. Alas, this was not to be for in
less than 3 weeks of our hearty chat she made a sudden earthly exit.
And oh my what a life, the impact she made on those who knew her lives on. Even
in the midst of sorrow, the way she lived, keeps giving valuable life
lessons. As a believer, I know she would want all her loved ones to
stand firm in the assured promise of Resurrection.
