A Tribute

A Dedication in Loving Memory

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

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

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,
As though it was only yesterday when you left us.
What it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.

What happened to those days when I was a child,
Surrounded by your love and protected by your care?
What happened to the times when I looked to you for everything?
No matter the challenge, you made my gray skies blue.
Now, who will I turn to when life doesn’t make sense?
Who will hold my hand when the pieces don’t fit?

Though ours was a big family, you made each of us feel special.
You gave so much and made us feel privileged.
I always dreamed of repaying your love,
But you left before I could.
Now, I honor you by supporting the causes you cherished.

You taught me lessons that have shaped my life.
They’ve taken me to places, introduced me to people,
And helped me accomplish so much.
Yet, what fills me most with pride
Is being your child.

I have met people who still cry for you,
Whose lives you touched so deeply.
They recall how you opened your doors,
Fed them, and spent your time with them.
It feels as though they lost you as much as we did,
As if you are just away on a trip, and will return home.

You left us with tears, sweet memories,
And a short but beautifully lived life.
To God, I pray:
Please give my love to my parents.

Rest in eternal peace.