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M A G A Z I N E

AIM Magazine August 2011

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Page 1: AIM Magazine August 2011

M A G A Z I N E

Page 3: AIM Magazine August 2011

Wangechi Ruguaru AIM Network

Graphic Designer

Eva Githina AIM Network

Editor

Linda Obel AIM Network

Editor

Gerald Montgomery AIM Contributor

G-Spot

Alita Watson AIM Contributor

Alita’s Travels

Rebecca Taiti AIM Contributor

A third year student at Moi University in Eldoret- Kenya,

majoring in Economics. She is an ardent reader of all

types of books and developed a passion for

writing a few years back. She helped and actively

participated in writing various articles for her high

school magazine. Rebecca Taiti is currently the Assistant Brand Manager of

her school club, Business Management Students Association, where she

continues writing articles for the club.

Nyandia Kamawe AIM Contributor

Read her blog about her summer adventures.

http://enkaydesigns.wordpress.com/

Contributors

Page 4: AIM Magazine August 2011

Hairitage Creations Phone: 763.566.2155| 6001 78

th Ave. N. Suite 103, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 | Facebook: Hairitage Creations

Phone: 763.566.2155| 6001 78th

Ave. N. Suite 103, Brooklyn Park, MN 55443 | Facebook: Hairitage Creations

Call 763-566-2155 for an appointment. Specialize in dreadlocks, twists, perm, haircuts, weaves,

bridal services and many more.

WE GUARANTEE YOU WON”T BE DISAPPOINTED!

Page 5: AIM Magazine August 2011

By

Time to try a new

approach! It is time to admit that despite all the posivity, wisdom, and the

endless platitudes, this year has rained crap every which way on my

parade. Every time my glass was half-full, the fates or karma or life

such as it is took it down back to empty. I recently read somewhere

that there was a movement that was encouraging the expression of

radical honesty. The re-inventors of this theory (I call them re-

inventors because there is nothing new under the sun, and I believe

that this is a re-incarnation of an older more ancient philosophy)

believe that it is crucial to be brutally honest with our friends and

family and even co-workers despite the hurt this will cause or the

financial and career loss that would of course result.

Would this be radical honesty- or an opportunity to say every

random thought that passes through our heads?

Since this a radical philosophy, I would advise that you reflect

seriously (or evaluate the amount in your savings account) before

undertaking such a radical lifestyle change. Being the more

cautious sort, I decided to start with myself, especially because of

all the setbacks I have endured.

One of the things I strongly believe is that we all have some

delusions about ourselves. Regardless of who you are, there is an

aspect of your life that you either ignore or that you are not honest

with yourself about. It could be your job, your financial situation,

your relationships or even the size or lack thereof of your ego.

Whatever it is, you need to evaluate it honestly for your own

benefit. I believe that if I had done this earlier, I would have fared

much better when crap was raining down on me. I also believe that

it would also be good practice to remove the speck in our eyes

before we dare to point it out in others.

So, dear friends, I challenge you to start being radically honest with

yourselves because that is the first step towards understanding who

you really are.

In the words of Clark Moustakas - 'Accept everything about yourself- I mean

everything. You are you and that is the beginning and the end- no apologies,

no regrets.

AIM (Africans In Motion) Magazine is a subsidiary of AIM Network. AIM

Magazine is a monthly publication which highlights fellow Africans that

are inspiring, driven and successful in their various fields. Our AIM

is to celebrate and share our differences. Please subscribe to AIM

Magazine and feel free to contact us with any questions or suggestions

at [email protected]

By

Eva Githina

Eva

Page 6: AIM Magazine August 2011

Simphiwe Dana came to my attention after I stumbled upon her video of Ndirendi on

YouTube. She has an ethereal way of singing that blends the old and the new and then some. Born in rural Gcuwa, and then raised in the town of Lusikisiki. Simphiwe went on to study graphic design, and IT at the Wits Technikon, Johannesburg. She is well respected in the music industry and has received 6 SAMA Awards, including Best New Comer in 2004 and Album of The Year in 2007 for The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street. Her third album Kulture Noir comprises of thirteen new songs and builds on the fusion of deep African musical roots, inspired melodies and a stunningly unique contemporary voice. The result is another beautifully crafted collection to add to the South African songbook. Kulture Noir was recorded alongside acclaimed producers from the African continent and Diaspora including Thapelo Khomo, producer of her debut Zandisile; Nigeria's 'Afro Juju' and jazz guitar maestro Kunle Ayo; and the SAMA Award winning Mozambican artist and producer Moreira Chonguica. Ndirendi is my favorite track by Dana. It is simply done with subtle harmonies that lead you to sway without realizing it. The video has hints of futuristic and traditional African elements intermixed. The first single from Kulture Noir, Ndimi Nawe, is a track that, like so much of Simphiwe’s work, defies genre. Simphiwe describes her music as "meditative and celebratory," the haunting Ndimi Nawe is a textured blend of light and dark over which Dana invokes the spirits and finds strength. Simphiwe challenges those that have come before her and those with much more tenure as artists, because she does her thing so well. She has a truly unique view as far as jazzy style is concerned and she is not afraid to be mellow in a way that resounds harder than some of the harder beats we hear coming from South Africa. There is a confidence that she portrays about where she wants to lead her listener, and I think it would be wise of us to take a moment to listen.

By Eva Githina

Page 7: AIM Magazine August 2011

AIM followed up with Simphiwe and this is what she had to say….

What is your full name and where are you from?

My name is Simphiwe Dana and I come from South Africa in the Eastern Cape.

How does your family feel about your music? My family is very happy with the path I've chosen musically. My mother is especially proud.

What was the hardest adjustment to making a career out of music? The fact that I wasn't guaranteed a pay check every month like a nine to fiver. Nothing else besides that as I'd psyched myself all my life for a career in music.

What inspired you to become a music artist? The art of singing itself, which my mother excelled in. I never could get over how she sang and how singing made her feel. There was always so much calm on her face when she sang. Like she was connected to something beyond mundane everyday life.

How did you get into the music industry? Because of my IT background I was quite techno savvy. I put together my own home studio very cheaply and went on to write my songs a cappella. One day I was doing a collaboration of my songs with a poet friend of mine Zee. A music festival organiser, Roshnie Moonsamy happened to be there. As she wanted to book me for her festival, Urban Voices, she offered to help me get organised. I gave her a demo which she shopped around. I later got a call from Gallo Record Company and went on to launch my debut album on her stage at Urban Voices alongside Angelique Kidjo.

“As I am an African

my main concern is

the condition of

African people”””

Page 8: AIM Magazine August 2011

● ● ●

“Your passions

are what will

change the

world, not your

fears”

● ● ●

Page 9: AIM Magazine August 2011

What is the main inspiration behind your music? The One Love Movement of Bantu Biko Street and Kulture Noir also what was similar or different in the artistic approach or your life perspectives as you worked on compiling those albums? The main inspiration behind my music is the human condition. I believe that as an artist you are the measure of where society is spiritually, culturally. As I am an African my main concern is the condition of African people. When I wrote The One Love Movement on Bantu Biko Street I had just gone through a traumatic period in my personal life. I had just been involved in a car accident that left me with a big scar on my face. I really threw myself into trying to fix my society. I think in part because I wasn't ready to fix myself yet. With Kulture Noir, though it is a celebration, in the somberest of manners, of African Kulture, it was my celebration. I saw Africa in my own image, I was Africa. So it is a personal album, where every song stemmed from how I feel. So it was therapy for me. I felt cleansed and empowered after Kulture Noir. What advice would you give to young and upcoming music artists? Your passions are what will change the world, not your fears. What causes or issues are you passionate about? I'm passionate about education and children; I'm passionate about creating a better tomorrow. I realise that in Africa it is easier to fix the future than to fix today.

Who are your top 5 favourite African Musicians? Fela Kuti, Salif Keita, Buika, Toumane Diabate, Miriam Makeba, (please note this list could change at a moment's notice).

You have a very unique sense of style, what inspires your fashion choices and which African designers do you favour? I'm intrigued a lot by the future whilst being an old soul. That is reflected in my fashion choices. I like Palesa Mokubung of Mantsho, Stoned Cherrie, David Tlale. My new favourite, though not African, is Clive Rundle. I think he gets where I'm at right now. I mostly wear his clothes these days.

www.simphiwedana.blogspot.com

Page 10: AIM Magazine August 2011
Page 11: AIM Magazine August 2011

56

678.570.7174

AIM MAGAZINE 2010 DEC

Page 12: AIM Magazine August 2011

Fashion

4 inch platform wedge covered in fabric.

Heel is painstakingly hand painted.

$81.24

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SouthOfAfrica/rss

Page 13: AIM Magazine August 2011

$75.00

4 inch platform wedge covered in fabric.

Page 14: AIM Magazine August 2011

Alita is blessed to be able to travel

for work; these travels take her to

countries in Africa and South America.

She pens her experiences in the most

amazing way and has agreed to share her

stories with AIM Magazine.

Enjoy!

Page 15: AIM Magazine August 2011

Alita Watson has always had a passion for helping those who don't have the resources or capabilities to access health care and education in the U.S and developing countries around the world. She has spent extensive time traveling through South/Central America, and Africa, volunteering her time to develop projects that empower the impoverished populations.

http://www.smilenetwork.org/Smile_Network/Volunteer_for_a_Mission.html

Page 16: AIM Magazine August 2011

Sitting on Flamingo Hill

April 14, 2011

I write from Lake Nakuru, Kenya sitting underneath my bamboo-thatched

patio at Flamingo Hill. I am surrounded by plush green in leaves, shoots, and

blossoms with views that stretch beyond the Great Rift Valley. When I close

my eyes I can sense the hundreds of species of birds, flowers and wild

animals that surround me with songs, screeches and smells of lion poop and

honeydew.

This is the meeting point of two Smile teams, one traveling from Mbale

Uganda after an 8-day mission, the other having just arrived for the mission

taking place in Kijabe, Kenya this week.

I am eager to greet my Mbale team, who will travel over ten hours by

bumpy road with a touch of border harassment to reach us tonight. I know

they have seen a lot and done some amazing work this past week, I can’t wait

to celebrate them with gratitude and splendid new company.

Africa has greeted us in its entire splendor and the beginning of the rainy

season gave way for a spectacularly beautiful road-trip today through the Rift

Valley, towns and villages leading to Nakuru.

I love bringing people to Africa for the first time, watching their eyes widen

at the curiosity and beauty of this continent, culture, and people. Especially

young Caroline, who is only 15 years old. Her father Rick gave her the best

Christmas present I could ever wish for at her age; not only a trip to Africa

with her dad, but a journey that will expose her to the gift of giving. This is a

journey that will undoubtedly change her life, forever.

We have a fabulous cast of characters joining the long and spectacularly

decorated dining room table this evening; some well-seasoned volunteers of

Smile, and some newbie’s who have no idea just what they signed up for!

I couldn’t have picked a finer group or place to begin Smiles first mission in

Kenya. I will surely take a moment to toast all of them, and all of YOU who

have supported our efforts to get here, and bring even more bright glowing

smiles to Kenya!

Alita Watson

Page 17: AIM Magazine August 2011

“I love bringing people to Africa

for the first time, watching their

eyes widen at the curiosity and

beauty of this continent, culture

and people” Alita

Page 18: AIM Magazine August 2011
Page 19: AIM Magazine August 2011
Page 20: AIM Magazine August 2011

[Type text]

● ● ●

The Caipirinha Recipe You will need:

Cachaca/Barcadi Lemon

Limes

Superfine sugar

Crushed ice

A "lowball", "rocks" or "Old-Fashioned"

glass

A pestle (from a mortar and pestle -- or

something similar) for the muddling

Preparation:

1. Cut the ends off of the lime and discard.

2. Cut the lime in half lengthwise and cut

out the white pith in the middle.

3. Cut the lime in half, and cut one half of

the lime into four wedges and place in the

glass. If your lime is small, you will need to

add more lime to the glass.

4. Add one to three tablespoons of sugar.

The amount of sugar depends on your

personal taste as well as the size of the lime

you are using.

5. Use the pestle to "muddle" the limes and

sugar together. Basically, you want to crush

the limes so that they mix in well with the

sugar. Be careful not to break the skin of

the lime. When you've gotten all of the juice

out of the lime, you're done.

6. Pack crushed ice in the glass all the way

to the top.

7. Add Cachaca or Barcadi lemon all the way

to the top of the glass. (It's really only

about 2 oz.)

8. Use a larger glass or bottom of a cocktail

shaker and put it over the top of your

drink. Pick up with two hands and shake

very well for at least 15 seconds.

9. Garnish with a wedge or slice of lime.

10. Drink...and enjoy the best Caipirinha!

● ● ●

Drink

Page 21: AIM Magazine August 2011
Page 22: AIM Magazine August 2011

See No Evil

There is nothing better than sitting

under a shady tree in the summer,

engrossed in a good book. This summer,

I would recommend you take a look at

the list of Africa’s best books as defined

by the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize which

is one of the world’s most important

literary awards.

It is presented annually by the Commonwealth Foundation with support from the Macquarie Group Foundation. Established in 1987, the prize aims to recognize the best fiction by both established and new writers from Commonwealth countries and ensure these works reach a wider audience outside their countries of origin. The 2011 list for Africa’s Best Books are as follows:

-The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna (Sierra Leone) - Men of the South by Sukiswa Wanner (South Africa) - The Unseen Leopard by Bridget Pitt (South Africa - Oil on Water by Helon Habila (Nigeria) - Blood at Bay by Sue Rabie (South Africa) - Banquet at Brabazan by Patricia Schonstein (South Africa)

Hear No Evil Simphiwe Dana, featured in this issue of AIM Magazine is a

bright vocal talent whose music is a fusion of traditional African

music and Jazz. She has three amazing albums for you to pick

from, and we recommend that you listen to all three: Zandisile

(2004), The One Love Movement of Bantu Biko Street (2006)

and Kulture Noir (2010). http://www.simphiwedana.com/

Please spread the word on AIM to all all your friends, family and

even to strangers. Please subscribe to AIM Magazine by

going to www.issuu.com/aimminnesota selecting the latest issue clicking on the Subscribe button and follow instructions

Speak No Evil

By Eva Githina

Page 23: AIM Magazine August 2011

By Eva Githina

Hot Weather Work out Tips

You would think that with warm weather, we are apt to work out more. However, the disadvantage of hot weather is that

it has a tendency to make us want to lounge or if we push ourselves too hard, we could reduce the effectiveness of our

summertime workouts and or even harm ourselves.

To prevent that from happening, here are a few guidelines I put to use for this time of the year.

1. Adjust your body temperature

Although this feels like a waste of water, since you will be hopping into the shower after your workout anyway, cooling

your body temperature is a way to get you in the right frame of mind and body for a sun time work out. If you are like

some people I know and you do not do cold showers, try cooling your neck or head with an ice pack.

2. Find the Shade

To maximize your summertime workouts, avoid working out when the Sun is at

its highest. It is better to work out at sunrise or sunset, than at noon. If you

cannot avoid the hottest hours of the day, make sure you wear a hat; sunglasses

and that you have adequate sunscreen to protect your skin.

3. Watch your heart rate

The hotter it is, the harder your body has to work. There are a hundred and one

gadgets out there that are meant to help you keep track of your heart rate, but for

me the talk test is a true and cheap way of keeping track of my heart rate to

ensure that I do not over do it. You can sing as you run or you can recite a

poem. You should be able to complete a full sentence. If not, you need to ease

up on the pace, speedy Gonzalez!

4. Watch what you step on

If you are running, cycling or walking, choose the dirt path over the gravel paths

which radiate more heat back to the atmosphere. The dirt is also more forgiving

on the poor old joints. If you workout near a body of water such as a lake or

pool, you will have a cooler workout since the water helps to keep the

temperature down.

5. Focus on your intervals

Do your regular cardio (be it walking, running or biking) at a slightly slower pace,

then add in 30-second speed bursts every five to 10 minutes. This will improve

your conditioning and allow you to burn more calories.

6. Maximize with your sun-friendly workouts

Maximize your higher body temperature by doing more yoga and Pilates. When your body temperature is up, you can

go deeper into a pose. So take the time to work on your practice.

7. Mix it up

Sneak in little bits of exercise with some summer-friendly activities e.g. washing the car, gardening, playing tennis,

walking the dog, mowing the lawn, biking around the neighborhood, skipping rope or hula-hooping. All these will burn

calories and keep you entertained.

8. Be Fruity

Fruits are made up mostly of water, and with the summer, your local farmer’s market will offer great options at

affordable prices. Fruits such as grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, papaya and honeydew are a tasty way to replenish fluids

and boost your energy after your workout. For a cool and refreshing treat, throw them in the freezer and eat them cold,

or make a lush fruit smoothie.

HEALTH

Page 25: AIM Magazine August 2011

MORALITY

RECENTLY I FOUND MYSELF NEEDING TO EXPLAIN THE

IDEA OF MORALITY, THE IMPORTANCE OF DOING

GOOD EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS LOOKING AND THE

DAMAGE DOING THE WRONG THING ULTIMATELY

DOES TO OUR BEING, TO MY 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER. BELIEVE IT OR NOT WE WERE HAVING A TEA PARTY

(YES, I SAID TEA PARTY; A DAD'S GOTTA DO WHAT A

DAD'S GOTTA DO). I WAS, INITIALLY TRYING TO

EXPLAIN (BUSINESS) ETHICS TO HER BECAUSE WE

WERE PRETENDING TO START OUR OWN COMPANY. TRUST ME; IT WAS MUCH LESS COMPLEX THAN IT

SOUNDS.

ANYWAY, THE FOLLOWING IS THE PARABLE I CAME UP

WITH, USING A GLASS OF WATER AS A VISUAL AID. TO

MY SATISFACTION SHE WAS VERY RESPONSIVE TO THIS

ANALOGY. SO I WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH ALL OF

YOU, MY FELLOW G SPOT READERS. I HOPE YOU FIND

THIS ALLEGORY AS USEFUL AS I DO. THIS IS THE

SLIGHTLY MORE INTELLECTUAL VERSION.

“MINE IS ONLY TO

BE THE BEST ME

ANYONE CAN BE”

WE ARE ALL LIKE GLASSES OF WATER; TRANSPARENT

AND FRAGILE YET REDEEMING TO OUR MAKER. REDEEMING BECAUSE WE ARE THE ONLY CREATURE

FOR WHICH HIS GRACE AND MERCY ARE AS ESSENTIAL

TO OUR EXISTENCE AS HIS BLESSINGS AND OUR

LABOR. WE WERE ALL “CREATED” WITH OUR GLASSES

HALF FULL, OR HALF EMPTY DEPENDING ON YOUR

PERSPECTIVE. FROM THE START THIS AMOUNT WAS

SUFFICIENT TO QUENCH OUR “CREATOR’S” THIRST, IF

HE SO CHOOSES, BUT HE DESIGNED US WITH ROOM

FOR IMPROVEMENT; TO QUENCH HIS THIRST AT THE

APPOINTED TIME. THE CREATOR, WE WILL CALL HIM

“KING”.

THE WATER IN THE GLASS IS IN ESSENCE OUR “SPIRIT” AND THE

GLASS, OUR “SOUL”. EACH UNRIGHTEOUS THING WE DO ROBS

OUR CONTENTS OF A SIP, DEPLETING THE SOUL OF ITS SPIRIT. IN

CONTRAST, EVERY RIGHTEOUS ACT ADDS HALF A SIP. THUS WE

NEVER REALLY GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING WE DO; BE IT GOOD

OR EVIL, NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED. EVERY GLASS IS

NOT THE SAME SIZE AND THE QUANTITY OF EACH SIP, LOST OR

GAINED, VARIES. THEREFORE THE AMOUNT OF SIPS EACH CUP

STARTS WITH IS KNOWN ONLY TO OUR MAKER, THE KING, AS IS

THE WEIGHT OF EVERY DEED ON ITS EVER-CHANGING BALANCE.

THE KING WILL COME TO EACH OF US IN DUE SEASON TO

QUENCH HIS THIRST. A THIRST THAT MATCHES HIS

EXPECTATION OF HOW MUCH WATER WE SHOULD HAVE IN OUR

GLASS. IT IS FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE WE HAVE ALL BEEN

CREATED. IF THE AMOUNT OF WATER IN OUR GLASS THEN IS

NOT SUFFICIENT TO QUENCH THE KING’S THIRST HE WILL

DECLARE US “A WASTE OF HIS TIME” AND “DISCARD” US. OUR

LOWEST LOWS AND HIGHEST HIGHS IN LIFE DO NOT MATTER. ONLY THE BALANCE OF WATER IN OUR GLASS AT THE TIME OF

RECKONING IS WHAT MATTERS. BUT IF WE ARE SUFFICIENT TO

QUENCH HIS THIRST HE WILL “SPARE” US.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE DISCARDED OR SPARED IS LEFT ONLY FOR

THE KING TO DETERMINE. MINE IS ONLY TO BE THE BEST ME

ANYONE CAN BE. YOURS IS TO BE THE BEST YOU ANYONE CAN

BE. HIS IS TO, THROUGH GRACE; PASS US OVER UNTIL WE ARE

FIT TO QUENCH HIS THIRST.

WHEN THE KING COMES TO QUENCH HIS THIRST WILL YOUR

CUP RUNNETH OVER OR WILL IT’S WELL RUN DRY? WILL YOU

BE SPARED OR DISCARDED?

IRON SHARPENS IRON, SO LET’S BE BETTER BECAUSE OF IT!

BY

GERALD MONTGOMERY

Page 26: AIM Magazine August 2011

When I was a young girl, I prayed for life and

vehemently feared death. As the years passed, I

grew up. Became more sure of myself and confident

in my prayers and petition to God. I loved life, looked

forward to beautiful summers and springs and longed

for the autumns and winters. I feared death less.

Then, I lost my mother. Fear was not a word enough

to describe death. I was mortified. The world as I saw

it was no longer filled with daisies. It was a sad place.

Unbearable. All those many prayers I had said over

the years seemed to vanish into oblivion. Absolutely

vain. My faith was shaken. Everything I believed in-

damaged.

I wanted to sue God for tearing my heart into tiny

pieces. I felt betrayed by a God who had promised

life to those who trusted and loved him. I questioned

everything I believed in. Everything became void.

I can vividly remember just like it was yesterday. I

was sobbing quietly in my grandmother’s bedroom

when my cousin came in carrying a sealed box.

Incoherently, amid sobs, I asked him, “Daniel, what is

contained in the box?”

“You probably should not open that until tomorrow.”

He tried to pick his words carefully.

“Tomorrow.” The word resounded in my mind.

It was the day of the burial.

My brother, Timothy, who all along was lying

silently in the opposite bed, looked up into my

eyes. Waiting.

As Daniel respectfully exited the room, I moved

closer to the box and tore it open to reveal its

content.

It was at that moment when I realized what was

held inside. It was my mother’s eulogy, printed in

small booklets with a photo of her at the cover of

each duplicate copy.

Timothy looked at me grimly. I had never seen this

side of him. He seemed benumbed. Suddenly, he

stuttered, his tears clearly visible, “Anita, is that

mum on the cover?”

I could not hold my tears any longer. Every muscle

in me was tearing apart. I wept. Bitterly. Somberly.

Rebecca, my aunt, who was in the other room,

came to my side to console me. Timothy on the

other hand, wanting to conceal his anguish, turned

his face to the wall. The poor boy was grief

stricken.

I could not bring myself to tell him that everything

was going to get better. Not with the reality of

By Rebecca Taiti

Page 27: AIM Magazine August 2011

knowing that my mother was really gone. That she had not gone on a long journey and was going to come

back. This was the acme of pain.

Rebecca, knelt by the bedside and whispering she blurted out,

“You should not let Timothy see you like this. You are the first born Anita. The least you should do is to try and

be strong for him.”

I did not blame her for that uncalled for “callousness.” She was not in my shoes. How could she possibly know

the hell I was going through!

All along, my father was standing beside me with his brother-whispering in hushed tones. I could tell he was

shaken. That he too, was questioning, just like I was. He seemed to be in stupor. I could not console him. He

did not either. We looked at each other, not certain of anything.

My mind raced back to some of the plans I had for the future. In particular, my wedding day. I had pictured

both my parents walk me down the aisle. My mother, vibrant and full of life just like always, making merry. The

grim reality was, she would never be there. Life truly, had dealt us a hard blow.

I could not stop blaming myself and everyone who I deemed fit and who apparently, played a role in my

mother’s demise.

“Why did my uncle have to die?” I questioned myself.

Had he not passed on, my mother would have never had to travel to his burial and heavens knew she would

still be with us.

I wanted the reckless driver, who had caused the accident to pay dearly. He should instead, have taken my

mother’s place. The world would be a safer place without him.

My father told me that witnesses at the accident scene confessed of my mother’s courage. That she was a

strong woman despite the unbearable pain she was in. That she screamt and cried for help but everyone was

helpless. They just stood by and watched as she lay trapped in the mangled wreck of a car. She was in pain

for two hours before she finally died.

“God could surely have come to her rescue. He had two hours to do it. My mother was too young and too

loved to die!” I argued. “What part of religion had I neglected to deserve this?”

“Had I not been pious or piety enough?”

“Hadn’t we, as a family, dedicated our lives to God and wholly relied on his love?”

And as it poured heavily on that fateful night, I knew in my heart that with time I would learn to forgive myself,

others and most importantly God-if only for the sake of my father and brother.

I know now why my mother had told me that our ways were not Gods ways and that our reason could not

comprehend everything that happened to us.

As days unfold into weeks, weeks into months and months into years, I learn to remember my mother not by

how she left but by how she lived.

Page 28: AIM Magazine August 2011

UTAMADUNI WEAR

RESORT 2011: DOLLS COLLECTION

Page 29: AIM Magazine August 2011

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Page 30: AIM Magazine August 2011

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Page 31: AIM Magazine August 2011

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Page 32: AIM Magazine August 2011

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Page 33: AIM Magazine August 2011

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[email protected]