Condolences to the Family of Aguer-Kuerjok Upon the Passing of Grandmother Ayendit Majok De Mangaar
Dear family, I am writing to you, who are by the grave of our great mother, conducting funeral prayers in Pawel (Kongor) Centre this Sunday, by the side of the Tomb of her great husband, Aguer-kuerjok. Though, I am not present in the funeral gathering at home today, my dear wife, the granddaughter to Ayen-dit, is representing our family, yet I have to send in my condolences to the family electronically.
I have mentioned the word ‘condolence’ just to address the feelings of the family for missing such a symbol of origin and continuity, however, Ayendit’s passing to her old generation cannot be mourned but celebrated. According to our culture, a great figure like her, who has successfully created a great family and community, is not mourned but eulogized and celebrated for all her achievements. She is a celebrity.
Therefore, a message to the family through my father-in-law, Rgt. Hon. Peter Deng Aguer, is to pass my greetings and condolences to the family: on behalf of my family, all my mothers-in-law, uncles, brothers and their families, especially the children who are still in Uganda and other places, and those who are at home to send off their family figurehead today. I appreciate them for the care they have given to our legend mother from the time of her sickness to date.
My second message is that they should assume full responsibility of the families and the community and help Hon. Peter Deng to move our family, community and the state forward in the aftermath of the death of his mother, Ayendit.
As a member of the family, my message to all the family members, especially the children now in schools, should work hard in education and excel as the gift to Kokok Ayendit. In this way, they will be responsible people in the future to bear a good name of their grandmother to the next generation.
Since, I joined the family a few years back, I have identified with the members in sharing the challenges that come with life in health, education and relationship settlement. And I hereby pledge to continue with it in this way, just because a good relation is conducted through friendship lifestyle.
TO KOKOK (GRANDMA) AYENDIT
Adieu Kokok! I am going to miss your wisdom big time! I was enriched by your words and songs when I came to a blood relation with you in Lobone (IDP) Camp in 2007. I remember all the words of advice, the song you sang during my wedding and the blessings you passed on to my family, your granddaughter, Mary Awak Deng Aguer, and myself. Now we have our three beautiful and healthy children just because you poured your heart upon us when we became one. For this and other reasons, I cannot thank you enough, Kokok!
Now that I have your words in my heart and in the tape (cassette) that I recorded those days of the marriage, you will not be gone from our side and memory.
We can’t also forget to congratulate you for the contribution you have done to this nation, the Republic of South Sudan, that you donated your blood in the bodies of your brave sons, the late Capt. Bul Aguer-kuerjok (of Shield 3), and the late Atem Aguer-kuerjok, in the war of the liberation of our land. With such losses, you still soldiered on to raise the rest to the level of Hon. Peter Deng Aguer, now mentoring the rest of the citizens in Jonglei State.
As we bid you this honourable farewell, your name will feature prominently among the past great mothers of Pan Ajang Aguer Deng, namely: Abul Kok (Man-Bior-Tongker), Awak Guot (Man-Aguer Bior), Aguet Yak (Man-Bior, Deng, Reech and Ajang), among others.
Finally, say hi to our great grandfather, Aguerdit de Kuir Ajang (Aguer-kuerjok), whom you surely have joined in the other side of life.
Your Son,
Kur Garang Deng.