No one like you Mum

As I reflect on the many experiences that have shaped my motivations, perspectives,

decision making, values and navigating challenges in life, I realize that these profound
experiences are a reflection of something that was instilled in me from an early age.
Each decision I make is based upon the basic and simple teachings of right from
wrong, just from unjust, pragmatic versus dogmatic. or this simple, yet often
overlooked and ignored education, I owe my mother. !ur relationship has not been a
planned out, well executed lesson, but a time consuming, trial and error, lifetime
journey that she takes with me as a mother. In every experience, every choice I make,
the impact of our relationship and her parenting is evident. "he teaches me to stand
strong for what I believe in and have the courage to do what is right.
As I contemplate what to write in her honor, I am reminded of the human life cycle as
espoused by the twentieth century philosopher #udolf "teiner who posits that human
beings have $ year cycles linked to astrology with the first $ years of life being the
%oon, the next $ are %ercury, followed by &enus, then the "un which is the longest
period spanning '()*' segmented into sentient soul, intellectual soul, and
consciousness soul respectively. +hen comes %ars at *')*, followed by -upiter at *,)
./ with "aturn being the final stage ./ 0 /1 when "aturn completes its second
2return2 and comes back to the position it had at one3s birth.
%y mother has defied this $ year cycle and is now basking in her ,th cycle. I can4t
help but marvel at how much I have relied on her wisdom as I go through the various
cycles. As a mother jealously guards her young ones from any harm, she watched me
as the forces worked to transform me from the cradle to a body that represents the full
personality of a child. "he watched me navigate through the go) go and the adolescent
stages while allowing my wild imagination and feelings takes centre stage. 5nowing
very well that my development could be disturbed by the strong impulses of puberty,
she with mother like precision guided me through the turbulent waters allowing me to
grow confident, form an independent mind while moulding me to have character and
channelling me towards leading a purpose driven life.
As I struggle with issues of soul food for my consciousness, I more and more find
myself returning to her for counsel, connecting better in ways I have never done
before, understanding her more, becoming more like her and gaining a whole new
respect for her.
I can4t help but remember the happy and glorious times when she stood tall by my
side and shed a joyful tear in celebrating my major and minor achievements, be it my
first day of nursery school, my first job, my examination results, my first degree, the
birth of my children. I am reminded of the sad moments like mourning the loss of my
dad, her husband and partner and the courage she showed in the face of adversity.
ore going her needs to be there for others. +he angry and charged moments, oh yes
when tempers flare and heated and sometimes bitter arguments erupt, yet she will
never let anger cloud her judgement, not one to lose control, never one to give up on
her argument, she will always take charge and be 6uick to remind you of her role) that
of keeping you on the straight and narrow path as a mother. I remember times of
consensus and times of differing opinions, controversial issues and sometimes e6ually
controversial decisions, sober moments, intense debates, the momentary loss of
(
energy, the experience of burnout yet she knows when its time to let me be and when
its time to caution me, time to express solidarity and a moment to let go, a time to
release you and a time to reach out and hold you.
7ever one to loose a sense of purpose and commitment to the ideals she believes in.
"he has impacted my life in a most significant manner by giving me lessons in life
that no school, teacher or friends would have taught me. "he taught me to respect
myself and my body, the importance of discipline, perseverance and tolerance. I know
when I begin a task, I must see it through to the end with honest, hard work to
complete it to the best of my ability, even if it is not something I originally desired to
do. +hrough her I have leant the importance of family and friends, and the love and
support these relationships provide. 8er teachings are carried with me in my
experiences. Above all, she made me realize the power that lies within each one of us
and the need to inculcate a sense of believe in one self and the importance of being
able to make the right choices especially for women. or who I am today, I owe it to
my %other. +hank you for taking this journey with me.
'