Sophia Ngugi

A Cow, a Feast, and a Decision she never made

A certain event remains vivid in my mind, even decades later. One morning, my paternal grandmother woke as she always did—before the sun had fully risen, before the day had announced itself. Her routine was steady and unremarkable, as most women’s labour often is: necessary, repetitive, and rarely acknowledged. Her day revolved around farming onContinue reading “A Cow, a Feast, and a Decision she never made”

When school fees stand in the way of a dream

I often say that if I had a magic wand, I would ensure that every child could access the education they desire, and that school fees would never be a barrier. That wish is deeply personal to me. It comes from lived experience, from memories of struggle, and from the quiet determination of my parents—whoContinue reading “When school fees stand in the way of a dream”

Losing mum over and over again: the grief of dementia and death.

Today, I read this article, “The never-ending grief of dementia,” which brought back many memories and experiences in the never-ending grief of dementia. This article really resonates with me, especially in light of my own experience of losing my mother—not once, but twice. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when Mum started losing her memory, butContinue reading “Losing mum over and over again: the grief of dementia and death.”

When it is time, you can say goodbye.

The Weight of Unspoken Words I don’t want to talk about it anymore. I don’t feel like writing about it. Yet, it still matters. Those were the words swirling in my head over the past few months. Writing has always been therapeutic for me, yet I have felt stuck—unsure of where to begin or howContinue reading “When it is time, you can say goodbye.”

I am my father’s daughter- Happy father’s day

The year was 2000. The location was Moi University Eldoret. Finally, I was given the power to “read” by President Moi. Yes, the millennium found me here, an adult. That is not the point… but the people in this photo. Mum and Dad. My dear parents. But more so, my dad, on this fathers’ day.Continue reading “I am my father’s daughter- Happy father’s day”

Two years later, you live on

November 7, 2023 Two Years Without You Two years ago, a chain broke. In your sleep, you quietly departed from this life. It has been two years since you left us. Sometimes, it still does not feel real. I fondly remember you and thank God for the time we had together. In life, you madeContinue reading “Two years later, you live on”