An amazing woman and an amazing life!

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Mma Elisabet Keletso… born sometime round 50 years ago in Botswana. In many ways a remarkable woman, whom I can’t even begin to do justice through the use of mere words. Still the pain of loosing her demands that I write something short in honour of who she was.

My picture of her is painted through the eyes of a child, myself while growing up, and only recently have I slightly begun to understand who she truly was. (The picture at the top is from Christmas 2007 in their lounge.) While growing up in Selebi-Phikwe, Mma and Rra Keletso where close friends of my parents and the family. Consequently they where often there for us.

I have memories of playing with Debbie (one of their daughters) outside their house while Mma Keletso was cooking… or I remember stealing Tsego (another daughter) from kindergarden and bringing her home with me after school without informing Rra Keletso…

Latest memories are from last year when I was blessed to spend Easter and Christmas with them in Selebi-Phikwe. Easter I was with my parents and it was the first time in 15 years that I met Mma and Rra Keletso face to face, yet it was like coming home to family. Over Christmas when I was there alone with a friend from Sweden we spent quality time with the whole family and I remember Mma Keletsos words: “Emma, no matter where you are in the world, you are always part of our family – don’t forget it!” Today I share their pain in loosing her, but still wish there was more I could do.

This morning I got a skype-call from aunty Mavis in Selebi-Phikwe informing me that Mma Keletso passed away last night - my heart broke. Not only for loosing an amazing person in my life, but for her family and friends in Botswana. I want to be there for my sisters and brother, give Debbie and Tsego a big hug, talk to Dixi, play with Abe and hold Victoria.

In reality all I can do is send my condolences and pray for them in Botswana. Share in their pain and hope that there is a way through. Share tears…

There is so much more that can be said about her, how she was the strength of the family, how she managed to always make ends meet, how she stood by her husband, how she was a great mother, how she spoke to me about living my life, how she corrected me sternly but with a smile, how she was a great friend, how she was an amazing woman of God, how she made people smile… but in the end all the words feel small and without essence.

I pray that she is home with our father in heaven and no longer has to go through pain and sorrow!