Zimbabweans Mourn Cancer-Stricken 14-Year-Old Shalom Onoja Who Wrote Letters About Her Death
Zimbabwe is mourning 14-year-old Shalom Onoja, the cancer-stricken girl whose heartfelt letters included instructions on how she wanted her funeral conducted, following her death at Parirenyatwa Hospital early Wednesday morning.
Shalom, a former Nettleton Junior School pupil, had been battling a rare form of bone cancer that led to the amputation of her right leg in South Africa.
Her death was announced by her stepfather, Joe Phiri, who said the family was devastated by the loss but would honour her final wishes.
Shalom Asked Family To Celebrate Her Life
Before her death, Shalom wrote three letters, including one outlining how she wanted her funeral to be conducted. She reportedly requested to be dressed in either a purple dress or an all-white outfit and expressed a wish for a colourful ceremony.
She also asked those close to her to remember the time they shared with her rather than focus on the suffering she endured during her illness.
In another letter, Shalom expressed gratitude to the people who had supported her during treatment, including nurses from the A4 special ward at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
Her family has pledged to respect her wishes as they prepare to lay her to rest.
In a message announcing her death, Phiri said the family was heartbroken but grateful for the support they had received throughout her cancer journey.
“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.
“As a family, we will respect and honour all of her wishes fully.”
Family Remembers Her Smile And Kind Heart
Phiri said the family would hold on to memories of Shalom’s personality and the happiness she brought to those around her.
“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,” he said.
Mother Thanks Those Who Supported The Family
Shalom’s mother, Ndakadaishe Nyaradzo Shumba, also thanked everyone who stood by the family during the difficult period.
The teenager’s letters had offered a glimpse into her thoughts as she faced a prolonged battle with cancer, with her funeral wishes reflecting her desire for loved ones to celebrate her life rather than dwell on her suffering.
Her death comes after a long medical journey that included treatment in South Africa and the amputation of her right leg.
Zimbabweans Pay Tribute To Shalom
Zimbabweans have paid emotional tribute to Shalom Onoja, describing the 14-year-old as a brave soul who endured her cancer battle with courage. Many expressed sorrow over her death, offered condolences to her family, friends and schoolmates, and wished her eternal peace, with some praying for her to be received into God’s kingdom.
Here are some of the comments;
@Jaki Mabuka;
A brave soul. Go well. Nothing to miss in this cruel world.
@Diana Mabeza;
Rest well Shalom, you fought a good fight baby girl 
@Rumbidzayi Makomeke;
Go well sweet bravest girl
@Dolly Evans;
Farewell beautiful girl no more pain you are free now
My sincere condolences to the family
I feel your pain as ive been through it myself .. hold onto memories of happier times
@Tendayi Chakanyuka;
I have no doubt you fought your battle bravely dear angel, my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, schoolmates 
,my heart is broken for you all. May God receive this beautiful soul into His kingdom
@Noel Mwendas;
Her letters where indeed touching particularly the thank you letter to the nurses how does it feel to be thanked by one who is aware she is passing on and yet she gives the courage you who is not sick in the flesh to soldier on I am in tears for this sweet angel
The post Zimbabweans Mourn Cancer-Stricken 14-Year-Old Shalom Onoja Who Wrote Letters About Her Death appeared first on iHarare News.
