A friend lost

He’d just come round to say hie. Gradually he became a family friend. This was over two tears. At some time I remember saying Tsitsi found a friend called Chris just becoz I had one called Chris. Blessing on the other hand had a friend Fortunate and Tsitsi also had a friend called Fortunate.

He was a humble person, always friendly even to a stranger. In the neighbourhood, he’d associate with all types and he wouldn’t change his gentle character. He played chess at school and went on trips playing. I don’t remember any sport he played- only chess. This year with passes at O level he’d have gone on to wear a cream blazer becoz of his excellence in chess- Colours for chess.

On Saturday 23 Feb All Tsitsi could say was “Aggie, Chris afa”. Then she started crying. I couldn’t just take it all in at once. Only later did I know the full story. She’d visited him in hospital that afternoon and he passed on during their visit. They were told to exit to the waiting room and were told that he’d passed away. He had fought for his life and still smiled whilst he was in pain. He was a fighter and never was forlorn about his condition. The two months he was in and out hospital were long months for our family. We’d take turns to visit him and I even started a prayer chain for him. His time had come and he was taken gradually. I think this is what makes it more painful for us the remaining. He’d spend the day at our house with my mum and sometimes we’d have supper with him. We will miss him a lot.

He was buried this morning and saying goodbye was still painful. Over time the wound will heal and tears will stop falling. He remained a friend to his dying breath. He had asked to see Tsitsi on Thursday and he waited to say goodbye when she finally went on Saturday. For her it’s a painful memory, but I know he meant well. He just wanted to bid his best friend goodbye.

Rest in peace Crispen Mutandwa. Taken away early from his family. Dearly missed by all his friends. 28/05/90-23/02/08

For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14