This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
Widowhood: A Journey of Grief and Self-Discovery ¶
It's been a year since Bob Collymore, the former CEO of Safaricom, passed away, leaving behind his wife Wambui Kamiru Collymore and their daughter Sarah. In this poignant interview, Wambui opens up about her experiences and emotions, offering a glimpse into the challenges of widowhood and the importance of preparing for death.
As we sit in the backyard garden of her new home, surrounded by palm trees and the soothing sounds of birds chirping, Wambui's eyes well up with tears. It's a moment of raw emotion, a testament to the depth of her grief. 'I know I will need these for this conversation,' she says, setting down a box of tissues.
Wambui's journey with Bob began four years ago, and their marriage was cut short by cancer. The pain of losing him is still palpable, and she struggles to come to terms with the fact that he's no longer with her. 'Two battles rage in my heart,' she says, 'one of honour, promise, and love, and the other of just being human, of a woman widowed before her 40th.'
As we delve deeper into the conversation, Wambui shares her fears and anxieties about forgetting Bob's memories. She talks about the importance of holding onto the memories of their time together, from the way he smelled to the sound of his voice. 'I'm grateful that he was a public figure,' she says, 'because I have YouTube videos where I watch him talking and hear him laugh.'
Wambui also shares the story of Bob's last days, including the conversations they had about his impending death. 'He was waiting,' she says, 'that's the sense I got.' She recalls the moments they spent together, from eating his favorite Indian curry to clearing his desk and making plans for the future. 'He was very clear about what he wanted,' she says, 'and we made sure to honor those wishes.'
As we near the end of our conversation, Wambui reflects on the lessons she's learned from Bob's death. 'Preparing for death is so important,' she says, 'because it allows you to live in the present and cherish the time you have with loved ones.' Her words are a poignant reminder of the importance of living life to the fullest and making the most of every moment.
