By Anne Mukei
I had promised myself that I would not write yet another story on Mother’s Day, for I have written many before, but here I am. It seems one can never write enough about this very special woman.
She is special not because she is perfect, or more superior to a father — a number of mothers have done the unnatural by rejecting their offspring — but because she is the very source of life.
Not because she is a magician and knows where to find life, but because giving birth is a sacrifice and a lifetime commitment. An honour bestowed on her. A guarantee to an endless source of love — why, even hard core criminals and death row victims remain unconditionally loved by their dear mothers.
It should not be surprising that a child’s first word is often ‘Mama’, and probably his last too, for grown men have been known to call out to their mother’s when in danger.
A mother’s touch reverberates. I may not always recall what my father has told me over the years, but my mother’s words stick with me for days, months and even years to come.
Motherhood is a fulfilling job, yet it is also thankless. As a mother of two boys, I know the inadequacies that accompany this full-time job. I have to be on my toes, even when all I want is to be that little girl with no care in the world; to do my girly stuff and not be overwhelmed by things.
But my children growing up fast reminds me that I cannot deny that I have evolved to become my mother’s spitting image. That I have picked up her best and strongest traits; and sadly, her worst and weakest ones, too.
It brings a mixture of emotions when I see my children take up some ideologies and actions that I hold dear. I once went home to find my older son having a Zen moment. He had lit one of those candles I so love and was enjoying his quiet time. I smiled. I realised he had been taking note of my actions.
A friend who lost his mother when he was just a teenager says a mother is the gateway from and to eternity, and for this reason God should never allow mothers to die. When they are not here, the world is such a cold, dreary and lonely place.
True as his words are, the reality is that mothers do die, and for this reason we must celebrate them whenever we can. Happy Mother’s Day to you all.
