Mmom Ugbalu, 1995

This image is a personal one as well. This woman is from my mother's

side of the family. When my mother, as a young bride, ran into the

forest with the rest of the war refugees during our Civil War, it

was her more than most people who was there for my mother. My father

worked in the Red Cross in those days, and my uncle fought as an

infantryman on the Biafran side. I was a baby then, and my mother

tells me she used to spread a cloth for me to walk on so I don't

hurt my feet in the treacherous terrain. Yet, it was the kindness

and sense of humor of people like Mmom Ugbalu that helped my mother

and I survive the war. After the war, I used to frequent her house,

where she would tell me stories and give me baked goods. Ah, the

memories of a happy childhood! Mmmom Ugbalu retained her humility,

her kindness, and her sense of humor until the day she died. I guess

she had the last laugh, after all.

A colorful, friendly image. I like it and instinctively like her. Your prose is as good as your photography!

Perfect composition, mood and colors!

Both she and the photo are beautiful, emmanuel, I envy your ability to capture such revealing moments on film.

Thanks for the story Emmanuel, she looks a real character, and her smile in the photo reveals some of it. Interesting portrait of a woman in writing, in memories and in photograph!

Thank You for sharing your story of this lady and how special she was. This is a beautiful tribute to her! I can tell by looking at this photo that she had a lively spirit. Excellent Work, Kim

Excellent!