If there's a story I tell and tears choke me midway through it (to date), it would be this one. It's a gratitude story of one wonderful gentleman called Michael Wainaina (Mike). On 6th December 2019, my sister marked her last day of school runs at the Kenya School of Law (KSL) and the Mediation Training Institute (MTI).
On that day, I was overjoyed and of course super relieved. I remember sending out the below text to Mike because that journey would have been painful, expensive and close to impossible without him. The simple deed of re-reading this message brings tears to my eyes.Dear Mike Diary,
I would like to extend a huge thank you for the pillar of support you've been to Brenda. I'm truly and deeply glad that I met you in 2015 when I did. You were kind right from the start, you even took me to visit Brenda at the hospital sometimes and my heart will never forget it. I know it has not been easy for you but you still remained consistent. You went over and above your expectations as a driver. You took on this role in March and now Brenda has completed her exams, my heart is so full. I pray that God bless you and your family abundantly and eternally, that you may never lack and that HIS love be your portion. I am soo grateful Mike. I know we'll still need you from time to time and so our friendship continues but I still wanted to register my gratitude so far and celebrate you for this milestone we've marked. Thank you Mike, deep deep thank you
With love, D. 😊
I met Mike professionally sometime in Sep/Oct 2015. You know how birds of a feather flock together, so do kind souls. Kind souls just spot each other and keep each other close. Mike was kind from day 1. There are a few times I was a little mad when he was late (because I can be an ass with time loool) but 99% of the time, we were fam!! At the time we met, my sister was admitted at Spinal Injury Hospital for rehabilitation and he sometimes made those hospital runs with me after work. We parted ways for a bit when he progressed to become his own boss, but remained in touch.
Then came a time when my sister proudly and joyfully started her final lap to being an advocate at KSL (Advocate Trainee Program). After my usual 1week assessment, I knew she would need a driver. Mike was top of the list of potential drivers that came to mind, and so I called him. His response was a loving and resounding yes. The price was negotiated and the school runs began. He was an individual I could definitely trust my paraplegic sister with. He was also one I did not need to explain anything to - he knew my relationship with time lol. However, one thing was missing from my week 1 assessment. We needed someone that could help with wheelchair transfers. We had a few temp options but none really stuck. Guess what? Mike in all his kindness and really big heart filled in that gap. He had been watching from a distance how Brenda's caregiver and I did it. He had been listening keenly to how every small move needed to be made. He had been intently looking out for Bree's little perfectionist tendencies. By the second week or so, he was doing it all by himself. By God how I cried affectionate and heartfelt tears when I found that out. Mike did this through Bree's good and bad days. Assembled and disassembled the wheelchair and got her to class and her exam room on time. Mike was faithfully and lovingly at it for approximately 8 months. Honestly, he is my family's angel MICHAEL, because it could only take an angelic heart to do what Mike did.
Mike, I will always smile when I think of you. I will give of myself fully when I think of you. I will love and not tire from loving because God showed us a relentless kind of love through you. I will nurture the same rare breed of love that doesn't keep a record of wrongs. I will bear a love that is not easily angered, a love that always protects, always trusts, always perseveres, a love that never fails because it is always WINNING. I will keep doing that because I saw it in action through you Mike.
I am so grateful for you. I may talk to you once a year, once in two years or might call you only when I need you but your life is one of the greatest sermons ever preached to me.