By Veronica Chishi Sanglir (EMN)
A Letter from a Mother has been on my mind for a long time and this month seemed to be the perfect month for me to write, since my son has just completed a year. A letter seems to me the perfect way to let my loved ones know how I feel about them. Through this letter, I want to tell my dear husband, my mother, my child and the other mothers about the joy of being a Mother and what an important and lovely part they play in my life.
Firstly I address this letter to the most beautiful part of my life, my better half, my soul mate and my best friend. Rarely do I tell you how I enjoy this journey with you and so I want to tell you that over the years our friendship has developed beautiful strands of strength, grace and love which we will cherish as the years roll by. Everything may not be perfect, but let us remind each other of the moments that took our breath away and accommodate and give each other the space and love we can as we grow old together.
As a mother today, I understand how it is so essential to have the love respect and understanding of our husband, because when our days are blue you give us a reason to smile, through your gentle words and touch. We feel loved by your gaze and are comforted by your assurances and reassurances that you are always there. You are our life support system, by your confidence in us we are able to overcome all odds. Your fatherly figure is very vital and important for the well being of the family, so cheers to you my dear!!
My dear Mom and all the Mothers around, when we first held our babies in our arms, the joy is unspeakable and something we can only experience as we walk in the shoes of a mother. I write this letter to show my appreciation and pay my respect to my mother and all the mothers and commend each and every one of you for the work that you have done which cannot be measured or rewarded. We give love that is unconditional, we hurt but we mask ourselves and try to put our best foot forward, we may not want to be in the driver’s seat but sometimes time and circumstances compel us to and we are bound to play our role.
Mothers, as I address you, I speak to myself too, we have a vital and important role to play. My son just turned one and I am amazed at how quickly he learns things though one step at a time. A powerful lesson that we are taught here is that, it is in our hands how we nurture him and give him values and lessons for life . Spending quality time with your child, enjoying family meals and teaching and guiding him or her will never go to waste but they are the real investments that we make.
Motherhood is hard work without a pay, alas it is the toughest job to excel in as we are never the best since we keep on learning till the end. It is a lot of work and we may not always be appreciated, however we do because we care and want the best. All we ask of our spouse and others is to appreciate us and empathise with us. I don’t want you or the other mothers to sympathise with each other as it leads to self pity which is detrimental to our overall well being but yes encouragement and empathy is something that will be welcomed with wide open arms.
Motherhood is patience and I realised how much I have toned down or how I have become patient since I had my first baby. It changes you and one is amazed at the transformation it has on you. Being a mother is a blessing as well as a responsibility that should not be taken lightly, as we are placed to raise up a child in the way God intended us to raise him or her. We give him horizons to dream and we teach them to value things that are beyond value. So mothers, as I remind myself, I would also like to take the opportunity to remind you not to take your role for granted but to strive to bring out the best in your children.
Lastly, my dear child.. oh my precious one!! everyday spent with you is so beautiful and I don’t know whether you would remember any of this but the journey of growing up with you is so beautiful that it fills my heart with awe and wonder. Sometimes I wish that you never grow up and be as pure as you are. From your first babblings to your trying to being an adult to trying to be a hero and your curiosity just makes me so happy to be your mother. I confess at times I am angry, irritated and frustrated but when you smile at me and touch me with your little hands I forget all my pains and I just want to hold you in my arms. Dear child, as you grow up and become what God had placed you in this world to be, I want to remind you to love and give, learn all that you can, love with an open heart and be the best you can in whatever field you are placed in.
Life is a collection of moments, my dear husband, my dear mother , my fellow mothers and my dear child, we live our life once, so let us learn to appreciate the little things in life and love the life God has blessed us with and give the best we can in the little time that we are here.
