Three years. Nine visits. A lifetime of lessons and love.
Some visits come with cake. Others come with closure. Ours came with shopping bags, laughter, and the occasional lump in the throat.
Over the last three years, we set out to reconnect with nine families who helped raise us.
They weren’t just teachers, neighbors, or parents of our friends. They were our village. The ones who shaped our worldview. Bandaged our knees. Fed our bellies, and cheered us on when the road got rough.
As we wrapped up this chapter on 31st December 2021, we realized this wasn’t just a series of visits. It was a pilgrimage of honor.
Why We Went
We wanted to say “thank you” while they could still hear it.
We brought shopping, cash envelopes, and fellowship—but what we received? That’s where the real gift lies.
These nine parents have faced it all: COVID, retirement, loneliness, the passing of spouses, financial struggles, and long seasons of silence. Still, they remain standing—brilliant in memory, steadfast in wisdom, and absolutely unbeatable at storytelling.
The Visits – Then & Now
Each visit came with stories, old photos, and those “you’ve grown so tall!” moments. Here’s a glimpse into what each encounter meant.
1. Mrs. Sikuku – Kiswahili Queen & Culinary Coach
She gave us language and snacks. Truly a woman of letters and lentils.
We visited her on 28th November 2020.
📚Read more about Mwalimu wa Roho na Mwili — Celebrating Mrs. Sikuku
2. Mrs. Mwirigi – English & CRE with a Twist of Grace
Retired in 2003, but never from grace. A living example of dignity in retirement.
We visited her on 21st February 2021.
📚Read more about Of Pinches and Psalms: Celebrating Mrs. Mwirigi
3. Baba Macharia: The Man Who Quit His Job to Sell Cabbages and Never Looked Back
Baba Macharia quit a steady job to sell cabbages in Mombasa. A bold leap that built business, family, and legacy
We visited them on 13th March 2021.
📚Read more about Baba Macharia: The Man Who Quit His Job to Sell Cabbages and Never Looked Back
4. Mr. Githinji – The Math Mastermind & Head Teacher
Firm, fair, and feared during math tests. But, we now recognize the gold in his discipline.
We visited him on 23rd May 2021.
📚Read more about Mr. Githinji: The Head Teacher Who Walks Like Time Never Moved
5. Mr. & Mrs. Machogu – The Dynamic Duo
An Accountant and a Teacher. Proof that numbers and nurturing do mix.
We visited them on 21st June 2021.
📚Read more about The Machogus: Multiplication, Patience & Chicken Money
6. Mrs. Karanja – The Artist of Our Early Years
She taught us to spell compassion and commitment. Long before we could spell our names right. She also taught us English, CRE, Home Science & Art.
We visited her on 26th September 2021.
📚Read more about The Queen’s English & God’s Grace: A Visit to Mrs. Karanja
7. Mr. Kabúnyi (Baba Kahúra) – The Fireworks Dad
Our neighborhood spark. Passionate, loud, and deeply loving. He was the community glue.
We visited him on 21st October 2021.
📚Read more about Celebrating Baba Kahúra: The Man Who Lit Fires and Shaped Lives
8. Mr. Muhia – Simba No More, But Still Roars in Wisdom
Our former Deputy and Disciplinarian. His legacy walks with us in every choice we make.
We visited him on 21st November 2021.
📚Read more about Simba No More: Mr. Muhia, the Deputy Who Disciplined and Defined Us
9. Mr. & Mrs. Kimani – Baba na Mama Jane
Over 40 years of marriage, friendship, and mentorship. Salt-of-the-earth kind of people.
We visited them on 13th December 2021.
📚Read more about The Kimani’s: Our Village, Their Legacy
December 2021 Group Reunion
We ended our journey with prayer, reflection, and that bittersweet sense of time well spent.
We hadn’t seen each other in a long time. It was a great feast. We had food, fun and fellowship.
Lessons They Gave Us (Again)
- 🧓🏾 Aging is inevitable. Wisdom is optional. Choose wisely.
- 🛍 It’s not about the shopping. It’s about showing up.
- 👶🏾 Parent your children like someone is watching. Because one day, they’ll return.
- 🕰 Legacy isn’t loud. It’s in the quiet love over decades.
What Now?
We stepped into new chapters in 2022. Carrying not just memories, but responsibility.
- To raise our own kids with intention.
- To visit others not just with things, but with time.
- To keep showing up, while we still can.
Because, say it with us: Be wise. You won’t be young forever.
📚Read other inspiring legacy stories:
- 2024: The Bell Rang, We Came Back: Honoring Ruai Primary Teachers
- 2023: Laughter, Chalk & Legacy: Honoring Our Ruai Primary Teachers – Year 3!
- 2022: When the Students Give Back: Ruai Primary Reunited, Retired, and Remembered
- 2021: Nine Families, Countless Blessings: A Journey Back to Those Who Raised Us
#HappyNewYear #AgingWithGrace #LegacyMatters #VisitWhileTheyLive #GiftOfPresence #GratitudeVisits #ParentsArePriceless
Joseph Ngaara is inspired by people’s life experiences. Do you have an intriguing life story and need to share your triumph or tragedy? Email: j.mungai@hotmail.co.uk
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