Robson Sharuko
Metros Editor
SHALOM Onaja knew she was going to die and, from her hospital bed, she even decided to dictate how her funeral was going to be conducted.
She was only 13.
She was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and doctors amputated her leg.
For two years, cancer had been devouring her and her parents had taken her to India and South Africa, in a bid to try and save her life.
In the early hours of yesterday, Shalom died at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Four days ago, she had asked her parents to call her friends to come and share a special moment with her at hospital.
In a way, this was the heartbreaking moment when she said her final goodbye to her friends.
At the weekend, her mother Ndakadaishe Nyaradzo Shumba had told H-Metro that the family was still confident that she would recover and be released from hospital.
Yesterday, the family released a statement confirming her death.
“Family and friends, our precious daughter, Shalom, went to be with the Lord this morning.
“We are devastated and heartbroken. We thank everyone for your love, prayers and support during this painful time.
“In her final moments, she left us a letter with her wishes for her funeral.
“She requested that we all celebrate her life and remember her smile, not her pain.
“She left specific instructions on how she would like her funeral to be held, including that she be dressed in purple.
“As a family, we will respect and honour all of her wishes fully.
“Some of the memories we will cherish forever are her beautiful smile, her kind heart, and the joy and light she brought into our home and to everyone who knew her.
“We will remember her laughter, her love, and her spirit.
“Funeral arrangements are being finalised according to her wishes and will be shared soon. We kindly ask for continued prayers and for privacy as we grieve.”
Shalom’s death came on the day H-Metro published one of the letters which she wrote, which provided details of how her funeral should be conducted.
Today, we publish all her letters.
LETTER NUMBER ONE
“To my beloved mother and father, my grandmother, my siblings, my doctors, my nurses, my school, my friends and everyone who has been part of my journey:
“As I write this letter, I do so with a heart full of love, gratitude, faith, and hope.
“I am only 13 years old but my journey has taught me lessons that some people take a lifetime to learn.
“I have been fighting a difficult battle against Stage 4 osteosarcoma, a cancer of the femur bone.
“I have endured pain, hospital visits, treatments, and the loss of my leg through amputation.
“Through it all, I have continued to hold on to hope, faith and the love of the people around me.
“My journey has not been easy but I want you all to know that my life has mattered, my story has mattered, and every act of kindness shown to me and my family has meant more than words can ever express.
TO MY DEAREST MOTHER AND FATHER
“Mum and Dad, you are my first home, my comfort, and my greatest source of love.
“Thank you for standing beside me through every hospital visit, every painful moment, every tear, and every uncertain day.
“Thank you for fighting for me, praying for me, comforting me and doing everything within your power to give me the best chance at life.
“I know this journey has not been easy for you. I know you have cried in silence, worried when I was in pain and carried burdens that I may never fully understand.
“Please know that I love you more than words can explain.
“If the day comes when God calls me home to my Heavenly Father, please do not blame yourselves or wonder whether you could have done more.
“You have loved me, you have tried for me, and you have given me something priceless: the knowledge that I was deeply loved.
“Carry my memories in your hearts. Remember my smile, my laughter, my little ways, and the moments we shared.
“Mum and Dad, wherever my story leads, I will always be your child, and you will always be my parents.
“Thank you for loving me. I love you beyond words.
TO MY BELOVED GRANDMOTHER
“Gogo, thank you for your love, your prayers, your kindness, and the warmth you have given me.
“Thank you for being part of my life and for surrounding me with the love that only a grandmother can give.
“Please keep my memory alive through the stories you tell and the love you continue to share with our family.
“I hope that whenever you remember me, you will remember a child who was loved, who tried to be brave, and who brought something special into your life.
“I love you, Gogo, with all my heart.
TO MY DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS
“My beloved siblings, please take care of one another and continue to love each other.
“Life will not always be easy, but never allow disagreements, anger, or misunderstandings to destroy the bond you share.
“Stand together. Help one another. Forgive one another. Celebrate each other’s achievements, and be there for one another during difficult times.
“Please do not remember me only through my illness or my suffering. Remember me as your sister, your friend, and the little girl who was part of your lives.
“When you miss me, speak about me. Laugh about our memories. Keep our family united.
“Let love be stronger than sadness, and let peace always live among you.
I love you all so much.”
