A Tribute

A Dedication in Your Loving Memory

Mary Joan Wanyama (1946 – 1997)
Lawrence Pierre Wanyama (1945 – 2000)

So many shadows come to mind, when I think about you
Years have come and gone, but your memory remains fresh
If only I could turn back time and hear your voices
I would tell you that you are still my best friends
I would tell you that no one can ever take your place in my heart
I would tell you that you are still the best parents I could ask for
Without you, life has never been the same again.

Each time you think of me, know I miss you
If tears could build stairs and memories could form a lane
I would walk to heaven and bring you home
My heart still aches in sadness, and tears still flow
like it was yesterday when you left us
What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.

What happened to those days, when I was just a child
When my life was consumed in your love, and in your protection
What happened to those times when I always looked up to you
No matter what happened in life, you made my gray skies blue
Who will I turn to for answers, when life does not make sense
Who will be there to hold my hand, when pieces just don’t fit.

It was a big family, but you made each of us feel special with the things you gave us
You made us feel privileged
I always looked forward to that time when I would pay you back
Unfortunately, you both left us before I ever gave back anything
The only way I am left to give back, is by supporting causes you believed in

You taught me many lessons; lessons that I have held close to my heart.
With those lessons, I’ve gone places, met many people, and done many things.
But of all the things I’ve done, and of all the things that I am most proud of
Is the fact that I am your child

I have met people who still cry over you
I have met people, whose lives you touched
These people still talk about how you opened your door to them
How you feed them and how you spent time with them
They make it seem like they lost you more than we did
They make it seem like you are just away on a trip and will come home soon

Left behind, the unending tears of your children
Sweet memories of love and a very short life, well spent
To God I say
Please give my love to my parents
Rest in eternal peace