Rita Tinina: A Daughter's Tribute to a Mother's Unstoppable Spirit

Igi oògùn la fi ń gbà Ilé, a kì í fi àgbàdo gbà Ilé (It is with herbal medicine that one heals a house; one does not use corn.)
My mother, Rita Tinina, was a force of nature. Her spirit was unyielding, her love unwavering, and her determination indomitable. Like the herbs used to heal a house, her presence brought comfort and strength to our home.
Growing up, I marveled at her resilience. Life had dealt her its fair share of challenges, but she never allowed them to break her. She had a gift for turning adversity into an opportunity. One of her favorite sayings was, "Eni to ba f'iwe lo máa fi 'yán padà" (He who goes with firewood will return with dried meat). She saw challenges as a chance to grow stronger and better.
Her unwavering determination was an inspiration to me. She had a dream of starting her own business, and she worked tirelessly to make it a reality. She sacrificed countless hours, but she never gave up. Finally, her dream came true when she opened a small shop in our town.
I remember the day she opened her shop. I was so proud of her. She beamed with joy and satisfaction. Her shop became a symbol of her resilience and the triumph of her spirit. It was a place where people from all walks of life came to find what they needed.
My mother was more than a businesswoman. She was a pillar of our community. She had a heart for the less fortunate and always went out of her way to help those in need. She would often give food and money to those who were struggling. She also organized local events to bring people together.
Her love for her family was boundless. She was always there for us, through thick and thin. She never missed a school play, a sporting event, or a family gathering. She was our rock, our anchor in the storm.
I remember when I was a young girl, I got into trouble at school. I was sent home, and I was terrified. But my mother didn't scold me. Instead, she hugged me and told me that she still loved me, no matter what. She made me feel safe and secure.
My mother was also a source of wisdom and guidance. She had a deep understanding of life and always knew the right thing to say. She was my confidante, my mentor, and my best friend.
I am forever grateful for the lessons my mother taught me. Her spirit will continue to live on in my heart and in the lives of all who knew her. She was a true example of strength, resilience, and love.
Omo a jóná, omo a pòsí o. E má wà jé kí ayé burú dé, àgbà má jè kí ọmọ burú dé. (A child is born to be great, a child is born to be successful. Don't let the world corrupt you, and don't let your elders corrupt you.)