Mother Gold: The woman who walked through fire with faith

This is the story of Julie, fondly known as Mother Gold, a dedicated nurse, devoted Christian, and tireless mother, who gave everything she had for her family.

Mother Gold lived a life of service. By day she worked as a nurse, and in her spare time, she ran a small drugstore to support her home.

Her husband, Emenike, was not always supportive, but she never allowed that to slow her down. She was the family’s strength, their provider, and the light in dark times. Her children adored her, knowing she carried the weight of their future on her shoulders.

Life was not easy. During difficult times in the university community where they lived when salaries were unpaid, and basic amenities were lacking Mother Gold never stopped working.

She walked long distances daily, never missing a shift, and still found time to take care of her family and nurture her faith.

She pushed her children through school and celebrated every milestone with prayers and love.

Whenever any of them left for NYSC, she gave them a Bible and words of caution, reminding them to walk in God’s light and to beware of life’s dangers.

But in 2011, tragedy struck. Mother Gold was diagnosed with cancer. Her youngest child, Kelvin, a young doctor, paused his internship to care for her. Watching his mother suffer broke him.

He sank into depression and battled severe health issues himself, including GERD, a condition that gave him painful heartburn and fear of cancer. Even with medical knowledge and support, he felt helpless.

Mother Gold, despite her illness, remained strong in spirit. She was flown to London for treatment, where doctors told her she had only six weeks to live.

She boldly rejected the prognosis, insisting only God could decide her fate. But after several chemotherapy sessions, her condition worsened. Still, she fought.

Eventually, she returned home. Despite being critically ill, she insisted on attending a religious service before her own mother’s burial. At the funeral, she collapsed but was revived through fervent prayer. Her faith remained unshaken.

Later that day, on her way to her son’s home, she asked for groundnuts and gave her daughter a gentle kiss. Moments later, she passed away peacefully in her daughter’s arms at 5:20 pm. She died surrounded by love and with grace, like a saint ready to rest.

Kelvin later dreamt of her. She appeared smiling, wearing a gold anklet, asking if the family was okay. He woke up crawling toward the door, tears in his eyes, but peace in his heart. He knew she had made it to heaven.

Two years later, Emenike, her husband, also passed away quietly. And so ended the story of a woman who lived for others and walked through life’s fire without losing her faith.