All of my life I can hardly remember ever watching news and not seeing her from time to time. She was and still is (to me) one of the strongest women I've ever known. The first African woman to ever win a Nobel Peace Prize. She was passionate. She could fight men and literally shed honest tears to fight for what's right; to protect our forests.
Actually, to me, her passing came as a great shock. She's the kind of people you'd consider that they might live forever, immortal beings, just
the same way I would think of Nelson Mandela. She was the type that was tough enough to cheat death and win. Right? A part of me never believed she really passed away. I remember telling my sister that I felt like she wouldn't ever surrender to death just that way. It never hit me until pretty recently.
We were on a school trip to Lake Nakuru National Park. We were received with an odd sight.
At first, I thought I just couldn't remember clearly how it was back then in 2005 when I last visited -I was pretty young then.
But then, my memory couldn't be that off. What I saw was quite evident. There weren't any flamingos at sight. These are the 'trademark' stamp for the lake. It was the first sign that things were different now.
Another thing, the lake had come just next to the park's main entrance and partly submerged one of the office buildings.
In sight were also dried out acacia trees partly submerged in water receding into the lake. They even had had to change the course of the game drive trail. I have to say it was an interesting sight.
We had to enquire because no one could possibly guess what was happening.
The explanation we got - Lake Nakuru had expanded its radius by 4km.
It was a result of the reforestation of the Mau forest. Most of the flamingos had migrated to Lake Bogoria 'cause saline waters are their preferable habitat for them.
The waters had been diluted by the refill.
Oh My God!! The feeling I got at the moment was unfathomable. It was extreme pride and joy. In the works of a woman who fought tirelessly on end for the protection of our forests.
It was tears and laughter at the same time. I could feel her smile at this sight, I could see her rejoicing endlessly. SHE WAS ALIVE AGAIN. She lives again through the fruits of her work. Who cares if the flamingos migrated? I don't!
As long as they didn't die or go extinct. A little change is good from time to time.
It was finally clear to me. People like her are immortal. God has a way of making them so because they leave indelible marks among us.
Unique like fingerprints, no one like them. Through their works; their passion.
We are reminded every time we see what they did. No one ever listened, but now they will! OH YES, THEY WILL!!
As a line from one of my favorite songs goes
" A penny for my thoughts, oh, no, I'll
sell 'em for a dollar
They're worth so much more after
I'm a goner
And maybe then you'll hear the
words I been singin'
Funny when you're dead how people
start listenin' "
