IN MEMORIAM

       Remembering Charlotte Busingye

Charlotte! We have lost you and it's been a tough pill to swallow. It doesn't seem real.

Charlotte’s family and mine were close from way before I was born, with our mums carrying a very close friendship that has lasted to this day. Her family has always been present in our lives, and ours in theirs. At family gatherings - I fondly remember the bouts of laughter between her and daddy - God rest his soul in peace. They were both very happy, lively souls that brightened rooms with their presence.

She had a big heart and always wore a signature smile, made even more charming by the beautiful gap in her teeth.

When I heard last month that Charlotte had not been well, I hoped, prayed and kept the faith - like all who loved her did. I kept getting updates from family back home, but the finality of the last update on Friday night - was not one I was ready for.

You know, early this week, I told my sister that I would give Charlotte a call, to offer my support - but her state worsened and the call never happened. It's hard losing someone you love, and I hope that her husband, children, mother and siblings; and all who held her close to heart will be comforted.

This is my way of honouring your memory Charlotte - since I am far away from home. I could make phone calls to those at home, and I managed to make just one, but it is not the same as being there. There isn’t much to say in such times - where presence and silence are more useful than words.

To lose someone while away from home is a particular kind of heartbreak, because your grief knows where it belongs — and you cannot be there.

For now, I will say - thank you Charlotte - for being the person that you were, for your love and kindness - for being one of the very few who called me - months after we relocated - just to check in on how we were coping and settling in regarding very many aspects - it was a long call that showed you truly cared.

You had a heart of gold, were a devoted wife, loving mother, selfless sibling, dependable daughter and devoted friend to many.

Rest in peace beautiful, your love lives on in our hearts.

Gladys Ndyanabo Nuwagira