This Mother’s Day, I want to honour my mother who passed away in the 1980s. I was still very young then, but I remember her well because I spent most of my time with her after starting school later than other children.
We used to sing together, and some of those songs I still remember today. She also told us many stories, and some of them still stay with me even now.
One day, out of curiosity, I tried to smoke a cigarette. I was sitting in the toilet with the door unlocked, trying to light it. Suddenly, she opened the door and found me with the cigarette already in my mouth and smoke around me. She did not say a single word. She simply closed the door and walked away.
That silence spoke louder than words. I felt so ashamed because I knew I had disappointed her. From that day on, I never touched a cigarette again. Even today, I do not smoke or drink alcohol because of the impact of that moment and her quiet wisdom.
I thank her for her love, protection, and sacrifice. She used to wake up at 3 a.m. to make a fire and prepare food for my father and for us before school. She did not live long, but she gave birth to 11 children. Even today, I am amazed at how she managed to care for all of us.
Today, I also honour all mothers and grandmothers who have given their love, strength, and sacrifice to their families.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” — Proverbs 31:28
Happy Mother’s Day