Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu – [email protected]
“INTANDANE enhle ngekhothwa ngunina,” is a common Ndebele saying which depicts experiences that humans have with motherhood.
While some took to social media to celebrate their mothers yesterday, others spent the day meditating on what could have been, had their mothers lived longer to see the day.
They, together with those who were blessed with the gift of motherhood but had their babies snatched by the cruel hand of death, battle wounds that are brought by this special day.
Mother’s Day, a day characterised by bitter-sweet emotions depending on one’s station and status is celebrated on different dates across the world, ranging from the second Sunday of February in Norway to the 15th of October in Malawi.
In Zimbabwe, the United States of America, South Africa and Australia, the day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May every year.
Ms Nokulunga Nxele who lost her mother exactly four weeks ago said this was her first Mother’s Day in 38 years of her life without her pillar of strength.
“For the first time today, the early bird in me couldn’t get out of bed on time. I just couldn’t get out of bed to face the day without my mother, without anyone to spoil on this special day. Seeing these messages from all over made me realise that indeed I have lost the most valuable treasure in my life and I can only cry,” she said.
“I am a mother myself but have never really taken up that role because my mother was that ideal rock to my son while I remained her baby as old as I am. This year I can’t even buy a gift to reward myself because the very person who deserved a Mother’s Day is departed from earth.”
To Mrs Timnah Msimanga, the day brought both great and bitter moments as it always reminds her of her awesome mother and loss of a child.
“Mother’s Day indeed comes with mixed emotions; we get to celebrate the strong women who raised us while longing for what we lost along the way in our journeys trying to be mothers. My mother raised the 10 of us joyfully, she sacrificed to see us grow, attend school and hasn’t stopped doing that even until today as her youngest child is 35 years old,” she said.
“After having a stillbirth during my third delivery, motherhood became totally different to me, I’ve learnt to value the blessing in children we often take for granted. I sometimes fail to be the best mum but I pray that I raise these children to be godly, independent, confident and be able to provide for all their needs despite challenges that we face as mothers in this fast-paced world.”
Ms Lisa Masuku said the day has been the best as it was her first time celebrating Mother’s Day as a mother to her daughter.
“It’s not easy I tell you and I now understand why mothers are celebrated. It’s amazing having a cute human looking up to you for everything, those moments when her face lights up in acknowledgment of my presence melts my heart,” she said.
“Within these few weeks, I have learnt that mothers should be celebrated, and respected every day as they are warriors. The struggles that come with motherhood should not be underestimated especially labour pains and caring for a newborn.”
Ms Masuku said Mother’s Day is not just about showing off mothers and pampering them with gifts.
“It’s about appreciating them for the struggles and sacrifices they make to ensure their children are happy and have the best of the best in terms of love.”
For Mrs Ntokozo Khoza, Mother’s Day remains a testimony in her life as she had to patiently wait for her son to be born who came later than anticipated.
“Every time I look at our son; I realise that indeed there is a God in Heaven whose timelines should be respected. We have made plans in life, some have failed and his presence as my first-born will always make us remember that when we plan God decides,” she said.
“According to our plans, he should be five this year but no, he just turned two making this my second Mother’s Day as a mother to a whole human being. Waiting for him has taught me about motherhood and as I celebrated today, I could not help but pray for those women out there who are still waiting for God to bless their wombs. Today is a day to celebrate every woman, those who have birthed and those who have taken up motherhood under different circumstances, we all matter and may God bless every woman.”
Online Reporter