AFTER MAMA - The story that hurts Part 2

In Eldoret, I started organizing the brochure. I managed to get a great copy shop to do the work. All that was missing were the exact date and place of burial. We were certain about Saturday, but had to inform everyone about this and most important advertise it in due time. Tuesday it was, and still no advertisement, not in the newspaper nor in the local radio station (this is a common procedure).  I called to check, but was told it was gonna appear on Wednesday. My brother Ian arrived the same day, and I finally had a stronger companion to deal with what was going around.

All this time, the family were continuously coming home for a gathering to arrange the burial place, but another party was missing (her matrimonial family). As I had probably mentioned before, mum’s wish was to be buried at her husband’s homestead. If not, then we (mum’s) side family could easily organize for her to be buried at her homestead (It’s also a common custom). Mum had for so many years, struggled to accumulate land in Eldoret and in Kipkorgot. So it wouldn't be an issue.

Nevertheless, my brother, his fiancé and I continued with designing the brochure and entertaining guests. Just for info: Mum has seven children, 2 in America, 3 in Kenya, 1 in Mexico and I am in Austria.

We (In Eldoret) were waiting every day for the other party to show up, so that we could finalize. Everything was on hold:  Church, ads etc. A very good friend (Priest) in Austria helped me to get in touch with the church mum attended in Eldoret to organize a mass. The priest confirmed the day and was fine with everything.

AND…..Finally, the matrimonial family showed up at home (Eldoret) on THURSDAY (2 days before the funeral) to discuss the final resting place of our mum.  All this time, there were no advertisements to give mum’s people direction of the procedures. Mum had lots…and I mean lots of friends, whom many we couldn't reach. We (my brother and I) were in the house as the elders and the eldest children discussed this. After about half an hour discussion, Mum’s family came to the house, smiling and singing, that finally mum was gonna be buried where she always wanted to (her husband’s homestead)………….it was a feast,……that lasted ONLY a few minutes, before the truth came out!!

2012 March...Final drink before we left for Austria with bro Ian