Anne Mwathi, mother to the late Jeff Mwathi has celebrated what would have been her late son’s 25th birthday.
Jeff, whose real name was Geoffrey Mwathi Ngugi died on February 22, 2023, at Redwood apartment in Roysambu Nairobi.
Taking to her socials, Mama Jeff captioned
“Thinking of you, especially today on your birthday and wish I could’ve celebrated with you Daddy wacha initoke tu. I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and let you know how you are dearly missed”
The wonderful relationship between Jeff and his mum delighted many, as it was revealed the two frequently spoke to each other, sending each other encouragement about their respective lives.
She was based in the Middle East, while he lived in Kenya. they had frequent video calls, where their mother-son bond grew.
On her social media accounts, the mum regularly shares content about him, showing how she goes to his grave site to wash it.
His grave is marble and the headstone, in the shape of a Bible has a verse his picture and a cross to signify religion.
“Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, not even death,” and it then continues ‘. “I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the race,”
At the time of his death, Jeff was 23 years old. He was buried on March 3, 2023, in the Likia area of Njoro in Nakuru county.
His body was however exhumed for a second postmortem after authorities ordered a murder probe into the death.
According to comapssionatefriends.org, the overwhelming suffering and intense emotions that flood the days, weeks, months, and years following the loss is called grief.
The ebook further describes grief in a parent as so intense, because as they digest the finality of never seeing their child again and the loss of future hopes and plans, they also experience a deep emptiness and unimaginable void in their lives. Grief impacts a parent’s whole identity as well as the identity and security of other members of the family.
Lullabytrust.org.uk offers suggestion on how to support parents.
–Allow the bereaved person to express whatever he or she is feeling, even if these feelings seem intense and frightening. Try not to use any language that may be judgemental.
-Be available to listen to the parents talk as much and as often as they wish about the baby or child who died. This can be helpful for them. It may be difficult for you to hear, so make sure you seek support for yourself if you think this would be helpful.
-Bereaved parents often want to talk about their child and be allowed to remember them. Talk freely about the special qualities of the child and do not avoid mentioning the subject.
-Use the child’s name.
-Suggest you look together at photographs, if the parent seems comforted by photos and keepsakes.
by PENINAH NJOKI
