Why now? Why so soon?” Those were the only words that could come out of my mouth the day I heard about your death. It felt like the world stopped for a moment. I could not believe what I was hearing. Even now, months later, I still see your face every day, in my gallery, in my mind, and each time I pass by your shop. The memories are still so fresh, like it all happened just yesterday.
You were more than a boss to me; you were a teacher, a sister, and a light in human form. You were always smiling, always cheerful, and no matter how stressful the day was, you never allowed anger to take over. You had this calm way of correcting mistakes, not with harsh words, but with kindness. I used to admire that a lot.
I remember clearly the day I decided I wanted to learn baking after school. I had always loved cakes, but I never thought I could actually make them until I met you. I walked into your shop that morning with excitement mixed with fear. You looked up from what you were doing, smiled, and said, “How can I help you?” I told you I wanted to learn, and without hesitation, you accepted me. You told me your price, I agreed, and that was the beginning of a sweet learning journey that I will never forget.
You taught me everything patiently, from measuring ingredients to decorating cakes beautifully. You would always say, “Don’t rush; good cakes take time and love.” And every time my cake didn’t come out perfect, you would laugh and tell me to try again. You made learning fun and made me believe in myself. Even after I completed my training, you still checked on me, asking how business was going, giving me tips, and encouraging me to keep practicing.
I had a plan in my heart. One day, I wanted to surprise you by walking into your shop and saying, “Ma, I’ve opened my own place now. Please come and pray over it.” I could already imagine the smile that would light up your face. I thought I had time. But death came too early and took you away before I could fulfil that dream.
I can never forget the cold evening I saw your picture on someone’s status with the words “Rest in Peace.” I froze immediately. My heart skipped. I thought it was one of those social media jokes people post for fun. I quickly sent a message to ask what happened, and that was when I heard that you had been sick and didn’t make it. My body went weak. I didn’t know what to say.
I opened our old chats, scrolled up and down, looking at our last conversation. I saw the message I sent to you some days before your death, the one you didn’t reply to. I thought maybe you were busy or traveled. I even told myself I would come by the shop soon to check on you. I didn’t know I would never get that chance again.
I used to always see your apprentices working in the shop before your death, not knowing you were sick at that time. But now, whenever I pass by, the shop is closed, silent and empty. No one calls out, “Sis Tolu!” and no voice answers back, “My boss.” The place feels different without you.
You were not just a baker; you were a giver of joy. You baked cakes that carried love, and you taught me to do the same. You treated everyone around you with respect and warmth. You had a way of making everyone feel special, and that is something I will always admire.
There are days when I bake, and I hear your voice in my head saying, “Add more love to it; that’s the secret ingredient.” You live on in every recipe you taught me, every design I make, and every sweet aroma that fills my kitchen. You might be gone, but your lessons and love are forever written in my heart.
Thank you for believing in me when I didn’t fully believe in myself. Thank you for every laughter, every correction, every encouragement, and every sweet moment we shared. Thank you for the memories that time can never erase.
You left too soon, but your light remains. Every time I whisk, mix, or decorate a cake, I whisper a silent prayer for you and say in my heart, thank you for the memories.
Posted Using INLEO
Oh! Sorry for your loss. Good teachers sometimes become a sweet part of our lives. More than a teacher or mentor she was like a morher. I understand that, and her sudden dead is very sad.
Thank you.
They are people who will always remain in our hearts because they filled life with light and love. It was a very sad experience you had to go through.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Good day.