Barack Obama Pays Heroic Tribute to Fallen Grandmother Mama Sarah
Former US President Barrack Obama has penned a long tribute to his fallen grandmother Sarah Obama.
Source: UGC
Obama eulogised the grandmother, affectionately known to many as Mama Sarah but called Dani within the confines of their household, as the bridge between his current and a past he missed.
"It was her stories that helped fill a void in my heart," he wrote.
The storyteller he is, Obama delved into the life and times of the woman many did not know before he ventured into active politics in the US.
He was full of praise for her over the fact that despite not having formal schooling and getting married while still a teen, she was able to raise a great family in the tiny village of Alego.
"She raised eight children, tended to her goats and chickens, grew an assortment of crops, and took what the family didn’t use to sell at the local open-air market," wrote Obama.
What stood out in his tribute was the fact that the late raised Obama's father like her own child despite not being his biological mother.
"It was in part thanks to her love and encouragement that he was able to defy the odds and do well enough in school to get a scholarship to attend an American university," he continued.
He called Dani's home 'refuge' for them on days their families ran into difficulties as her presence was a constant and stabilizing force.
Obama also took a trip down memory lane to the first time he came back to Kenya as he followed his roots, and her stories helped fill a void in his heart.
From humble beginnings, Mama Sarah would live to witness her grandson elected as president of the world's superpower, become the centre of attention for many across the globe, and fly around the world.
According to Obama, her essential spirit, words full of common sense, and good humour never changed.
"We will miss her dearly, but celebrate with gratitude her long and remarkable life," he concluded.
Sarah, who died aged 99, will be buried on Tuesday, March 30, according to Muslim traditions at her home in Kogelo.
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Mohammed Awal Mohammed Awal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Journalism) at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He has worked in print and online media with Ghanaian-based The Chronicle newspaper, Starr FM and US-based online portable, Face2faceAfrica.com. He also had brief stints with Africafeeds.
Aba Afful (Copyeditor) Maame Aba serves as a copy editor at YEN.com.gh. She naturally enjoys working with words and has an eye for quality content. She has a keen interest in cyberspace and wants to see YEN.com.gh produce more impactful, thought-provoking, and error-free content. Aba has five years of experience as a content writer, blogger, author, and proofreader. She graduated from the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 2017. She joined the team in 2021.
