
Sunday with Eden | Dec 21,2019
Jul 10 , 2021
By Eden Sahle
The way we see ourselves shapes us, influencing how we invest our time and money, use our talents, and value others. For Abebech Gobena, a woman of grace and unwavering generosity, it was to put her life in the dedication of the benefit of others.
The personal story of Abebech was put to an end by the tragedy that is the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to leave a massive scar in our history. Her passing is a potent reminder of the human cost of COVID-19 and how it continues to take without mercy the best and kindest amongst us.
Abebech, endearingly known as the Mother Teresa of Ethiopia (or Africa, in some circles), is a remarkable woman whose inspiring self-giving career touched many of us. Her life was dominated by her charitable actions of giving a home to many children and young people without anyone to care for them. Her philanthropic ambition and the institution she founded, AGOHELMA, one of the oldest orphanages in Ethiopia, provides a loving home to hundreds of children.
While there is a natural generosity in each one of us, for some like Abebech, the giving runs deep. Her extraordinary life is proof that giving brings us more lasting joy than any material or career success can. Her bravery and determination, which began with adopting two children, changed thousands of lives over three decades.
Kindness is often the key to a fulfilled and stable life and personal growth. Devoting our time or resources to helping the vulnerable, rather than accumulating more and more for ourselves, brings us lasting well-being and happiness. In the little things we have done here and there, we have experienced the glimpse of this joy. Imagine how Abebech must have felt.
Abebech started giving when she had little for herself, teaching us it is not how much we give that matters but how determined and persistent we are to share. One of the noble characteristics we learn from Abebech’s incredible life is that we have it in each of us to think outside of ourselves and our own needs to help care for another person and their needs. The incredible sense of hope, strength, and creativity she instilled in many will be her lasting legacy.
We are all mortal. The difference is what we do with our time on this planet. That should lead us to try to make the most out of our lives. Indeed, there are many doing this right now. If we look closely, the country does not lack role models for anyone willing to learn. We need to continue in their footsteps to lead a meaningful life that also considers the good of others. People should be competitive and look out for their own interests, but there is always so much space left to give and care about society.
No doubt, Abebech took things a step further, a length far removed than many of us are willing to go or ever will in our lifetimes. She dedicated her life to a cause that did not manifest personal gain. She did not merely believe in doing good, like many of us do. She went out and lived her core beliefs and values – something many of us are unlikely ever to do. By the time she passed on after being hospitalised at St. Paul’s Hospital, at the age of 85, her influence ran deep enough for her name to be associated with kindness and giving.
Abebech's life was purpose-driven and spiritual as well as kind to others. Few have lived with example and endured as a symbol of hope for the vulnerable. In as far as legacies go, not many can claim to hold a candle to hers..
PUBLISHED ON
Jul 10,2021 [ VOL
22 , NO
1106]
Sunday with Eden | Dec 21,2019
Agenda | Sep 19,2020
Life Matters | May 08,2021
Sunday with Eden | Jul 01,2023
Radar | Dec 10,2022
Fortune News | Jun 22,2024
Commentaries | Feb 17,2024
Sunday with Eden | Apr 11,2020
Advertorials | May 27,2024
View From Arada | Nov 21,2020
My Opinion | 131819 Views | Aug 14,2021
My Opinion | 128203 Views | Aug 21,2021
My Opinion | 126147 Views | Sep 10,2021
My Opinion | 123767 Views | Aug 07,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Jul 5 , 2025
Six years ago, Ethiopia was the darling of international liberal commentators. A year...
Jun 28 , 2025
Meseret Damtie, the assertive auditor general, has never been shy about naming names...
Jun 21 , 2025
A well-worn adage says, “Budget is not destiny, but it is direction.” Examining t...
Jun 14 , 2025
Yet again, the Horn of Africa is bracing for trouble. A region already frayed by wars...
Jul 6 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
The federal legislature gave Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) what he wanted: a 1.9 tr...
Jul 6 , 2025 . By YITBAREK GETACHEW
In a city rising skyward at breakneck speed, a reckoning has arrived. Authorities in...
Jul 6 , 2025 . By NAHOM AYELE
A landmark directive from the Ministry of Finance signals a paradigm shift in the cou...
Jul 6 , 2025 . By NAHOM AYELE
Awash Bank has announced plans to establish a dedicated investment banking subsidiary...