Lala'ngoxolo ntombi ye'nkosi

Today I lay to rest a beautiful, beaming and singing soul that whispered words so sweet they moved me to remember my song. To hear it so vividly, so clearly that I heard the voice of God speak.

Today my heart thumped as I listened to utata'umkhulu, uMama wakhe, family, friends and lecturers speak of a spirit wise beyond her years, a proud Xhosa girl steadfast in her faith and in the thrill of being alive.

Today I witnessed love. A tangible love. An audible love. A love that touched fearlessly, comforted willingly, celebrating the connectedness of human spirit soaked in spirited love. Today I felt love.

Thembi sis wam, Thembi Soldier of love, Thembi Angel of spirit and Teacher of heart. Lala'ngoxolo ntombi ye'nkosi.

I let you go knowing that you hurried into my heart to teach and remind me of the beauty of love.

I let you go knowing that you reminded me of the importance of kindness in a world that is not always pleasant; the duty of remaining open in a world that is not always warm; and the consequence of smiling in a world that doesn't always smile back.

I let you go knowing that I have been reminded of the sheer bliss of being alive and free.

Thembi sis wam, Thembi Soldier of love, Thembi Angel of spirit and Teacher of heart. Lala'ngoxolo ntombi ye'nkosi.

We parted ways in the sacred waters of Mozambique. What a way to go... A journey befitting a soul that gleamed with the rays of the sun. It is there that I first heard it. It is in those waters that I received my instruction. I've heard it. I've heard it sisi.

With your beautiful smile ever etched in the most revered corners of my heart I offer you this:

It is my promise that I will no longer forget to smile delaying it for tomorrow.
It is my promise that I will not hesitate to love fearing the nature of a hearts journey.
It is my promise that I will continue to dream beyond my hearts conviction, continuing to converse with the child within me.
It is my promise that I won't forget to dance...
to laugh...
to sing...
or to jump into the pool with my clothes on...
It is my promise that I won't forget to cry nor to be grateful for all that I have. Oh and its oh so much.
I promise you Thembi that I won't live a life half heartedly. I will take life by the hand and chant its blessing on the mountain tops.

Thembi sis wam, Thembi Soldier of love, Thembi Angel of spirit and Teacher of heart. Lala'ngoxolo ntombi ye'nkosi. Thank you for reminding me. Thank you for loving me. I've heard you. I have heard you sisi.

"God willing I will." Thembi

I have never said this with more conviction.. Always. Aim high, Roam free...