In a deeply emotional post, Dr. Ekrah Ndungu shared a poignant reminder about the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, especially parents, during this holiday season. Reflecting on her personal loss, Dr. Ndungu recounts the moment when she had to bid farewell to her mother in 2020, an experience that forever changed her perspective on family and time.
"2020 marked a profound chapter in my life," she writes. "We laid my mother to rest in a beautiful casket, covering her with soil so that she could sleep peacefully for eternity. If you've never sat in the front row at a funeral, you'll never truly understand the emotional rollercoaster that comes with saying goodbye to a loved one."
Dr. Ndungu emphasizes the importance of cherishing every moment with parents, especially during the Christmas season. “This post is for those whose parents are still alive. Make sure to spend quality time with them. You never know how much time you have left,” she urges, stressing that the holiday season means the world to aging parents.
Drawing from her own experience, Dr. Ndungu encourages readers to prioritize family over other distractions. "Cancel that road trip or the fun trip with friends. Go home and spend time with your parents," she writes. "Do not let those who have not contributed to who you are enjoy your blessings. The world may be interested in your gifts, but it is your parents who have been the foundation of your journey."
She also highlights the rare wisdom that parents possess, wisdom that cannot be matched by any other source. "No matter how high you climb in your academic or professional life, no matter how wealthy or well-travelled you become, the wisdom of your parents is irreplaceable. Sit down, listen, and learn from them this Christmas," Dr. Ndungu advises.
Reflecting on her final Christmas with her mother in 2019, Dr. Ndungu recalls how, despite the distractions of work and the busy holiday season, she chose to spend a full month at home with her mother. "Had anyone told me 2019 would be my last Christmas with her, I wouldn't have believed it," she confides. "But I was given that precious time with her, and now, I am eternally grateful."
The post also serves as a reminder to those who have lost their parents to treasure the memories they shared. "If your parents are no longer with you, hold on to the beautiful memories," Dr. Ndungu writes. "There are people who never had the chance to know their parents, so be thankful for the time you had."
In closing, Dr. Ndungu offers a heartfelt tribute to her mother, expressing gratitude for the love, wisdom, and guidance she received. "I celebrate this woman of God, and I am eternally grateful for the years she raised me," she writes. "Though she didn’t live to see the woman I’m becoming, her wishes and prophecies live on in my life. Keep resting well, Mama. You were a blessing."
Dr. Ndungu’s message serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize family, cherish the time spent with loved ones, and create lasting memories while we still can. The holiday season is an opportunity to reflect, reconnect, and honor those who have shaped our lives.