Gibson Mhaka
GRANDPARENTS play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren, though it is often indirect.
Their significance is most keenly felt through the support and help they offer to the children’s parents. Grandparents are often seen as pillars of support, guiding hands and peacemakers.
They even have the remarkable ability to bring the whole family together and their presence sparks immense joy in their grandchildren, making their loss all the more heartbreaking.
Their funerals are usually either a celebration of their lives or a profound event of mourning.
The choices families make to honour their memory are always filled with deep emotion, a search for meaning, and a desire to do them justice.
A heartfelt tribute was displayed in Shurugwi, Midlands Province last Friday as the grandchildren of the late Gogo Mary Mbiwa nee Mhaka, who passed away on 19 March at the age of 92, decided to honour their departed granny in a beautiful way.
Their granny had always cherished their education and to pay homage to her wishes, they donned their graduation gowns. As her casket was loaded into the hearse for its journey to the family cemetery, the grandchildren, clad in their graduation gowns, stood at the front, holding flowers. This scene moved the mourners rather than amusing them.
It was a heartbreaking scene, a testament to the enduring love between generations and a powerful reminder of life’s impermanence.
One of the grandchildren Kristina Shiri said their grandmother’s unwavering support for her education was the reason she donned her graduation gown for her funeral.
“We decided to wear a graduation gown to our grandmother’s funeral because she always encouraged us to work hard in school. She valued the importance of education in one’s life. She was always encouraging us to reach for the stars through education.
“Gogo was also not just any woman lying peacefully in that casket. She raised generations, witnessing the growth of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“The graduation gowns we wore also symbolised the legacy Gogo built. From her own offspring to countless others she touched, she nurtured graduates across various professions. We wore them not only for ourselves but for everyone who couldn’t be there,” said Kristina.
She adds: “These gowns were also more than a tribute; they embodied the values she instilled in our parents and everyone close to her. Her teachings live on forever within us”.
Another granddaughter Tafadzwa Chifwafwa said her grandmother’s unwavering support for her education was the reason she donned his graduation gown for her funeral.
“I decided to wear a graduation gown to my grandmother’s funeral because she always encouraged us to work hard in school.
“She valued the importance of education in one’s life. She was always encouraging us to reach for the stars through education,” said Tafadzwa.
“Our lives were shaped by Gogo’s prayers, and I’m so thankful she was there for us. Her love was evident in everything, from her kind words to her ever-present smile.
“Education was especially important to her. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to celebrate our graduations with her while she was still alive,” said Ropafadzo Kapasura.
Ends.
