It was with profound shock, sorrow and pain that I had to part eternal ways with my beloved mother on Saturday, September 13 at exactly 14h00. Out of habit I am not a person who visits either family or friends on a Saturday morning, but that particular morning it was like a driving force was pushing me forward towards where my mother was staying.
The pain and discomfort I had to observe that day was way more serious than what I had been used to when visiting her during the previous three weeks. I strongly believe it was in a peaceful way that Regina Klukowski (Ouma Kiena) exchanged her present life with the eternity on that Saturday afternoon.
The legacy she left behind as one of the most well known residents of Keetmanshoop can attest in all honesty and without any reservation that there are very few, if any of the living old and young persons in her lifetime, that can cast a stone of criticism or say bad things about my mother.
As common as we might have grown up as a family, I am proud to announce today that Ouma Kiena was indeed a mother to so many strangers, always keeping her door and heart open for them, if need be. She was that kind of person, who many times would have rather shared the little food she had – hardly sufficient for her own family – with those in need.
She was always willing to listen to anybody, give advice, console the unhappy and would try to bring peace and harmony where there was conflict. The wisdom that I, my brothers and sisters, family and some of the community members of Keetmanshoop, were blessed to tap from this down-to-earth, but also kind and openhearted person, can by no means be compared with all the silver and gold one may have in this temporary world of ours.
With these few words I want to say, Rest In Peace Ouma Kiena.
Steven Klukowski