Thread by @GebrekirstosG

Thank yo all for your messages of condolences on the passing of my grandmother, Abrehet Gidey. In a time of chance for contact with grieving family members, your messages are comforting. 1/2

https://twitter.com/GebrekirstosG/status/1395348519754608642

My grandmother was old, and I was hoping to have a last chance to sit down with her and hear her story, and her blessings. When I was about to go about a year ago, Covid-19 came followed by the genocidal war. That she passed away like this makes me sad.

She started feeling sick when the invading forces shelled the area and family members had to carry her and flee. After that, there was no chance to take her to a hospital for a check since all health facilities were looted and destroyed. Traveling was also not possible ... 3

as roads are blocked. She was not properly cared as people had to flee leaving her alone. So while my grandmothers death seems natural, it is certainly facilitated by the war on Tigray. But what is sadder is that her loved ones, her extended family could not bury her.

She was buried by a couple of people hurriedly as the invading forces do not allow burials and family members could not come for her burial. This is a painful thing for a loving grandmother who have children, grandchildren and grand-grandchildren.

Adding to the pain is another bad news. My aunt Letay who lives some 20 kilometers away was grieving at home (unable to go to the burial) when she heard her son was hit by shrapnels cutting his hand and severely damaging his legs. She fainted and we are worried.

I was able to talk to my family only once in six months since the start of the war. Now in this time of grieving, I cannot call and be with them. It is painful not to be able to even call and comfort them.

* in a time of no chance