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LISTEN TO THIS THE AFRICANA VOICE ARTICLE NOW
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Paradoxically, the phrase “a face that only a mother can love” while usually said as an insult, illustrates the strength of a mother’s love.
It reinforces the unbreakable bond between mothers and children.
On this Mother’s Day, we celebrate this powerful love that always manifests itself at the right time.
Today is a special day for all mothers, godmothers, and mother figures. We celebrate the new mothers in the Kenyan diaspora community, especially those in Central Valley, California. (I would mention them by name, but I don’t have the permission, but you know who you are)
Mothers are the conscience of our community. They’re the heart of the family upon which every home thrives.
I’m confident I’m speaking for all of us when I say thank you, mother, for being the best mother I could ever seek.
Our mother took care of us and made sure her six kids never went hungry. She was never afraid to give us direction, hold us accountable, instill values in us, teach us integrity by example, protect us from harm and encourage us in difficult times.
Mom, your joyous singing always warms our hearts, and your faith in God and prayers are never in vain. We love you.
I celebrate my wife, who has been an amazing mother to our daughter in every circumstance. Your easygoing, never-too-serious fun attitude and the keep-it-simple style bring joy to our home. I love you, babe.
And to my mother-in-law, thank you for your love, pure heart, wisdom, and strength.
And to my sister and sisters-in-law, thank you for being great mothers and mother figures.
A special shout out to godmothers. You play a crucial role in shaping the lives of our children. My daughter’s godmother is an educator who never seeks seeks the limelight or a pat in the back, she is a great mother, listener and problem solver.
DEDICATED TO ALL MOTHERS
A mother is never too far; she’ll be there when everyone has abandoned you. She the motherly instinct, the magical sixth sense that tells her when you’re in trouble, often even before you tell her, and while a mother might not have the solution to every problem, she has a way to share the pain and ease your way through it.
Women of Action, a group of professional Kenyan women in California’s Central Valley stand out as unsung heroes who have kept our community together, brought smiles to grieving families, shared the burden during get togethers by each sharing cooking and hosting responsibilities. It’s from their example that our children learn first-hand how to function in a community and relate to being Kenyan.
Working mothers are the world’s uncelebrated logistical experts.
We celebrate mothers who have done the hard work of raising their children to adulthood- not an easy fete, especially in the diaspora. You have navigated the complexities of teenage years, the rigorous schedules, play dates, parent-teacher meetings, work, and sometimes the unpleasantness, indiscipline, and lack of appreciation from kids and still came out on top.
To the single mothers, who play a dual role of mother and father and still manage to raise disciplined children and successful adults.
Hats off to the homemakers, formerly known as stay-at-home moms, women who have chosen against tempting lucrative careers that could earn them money and fame and went for the most important job in the world–raising their own children.
There are many examples of great mothers who always find creative ways to bond with their children and stay close to them.
One mother shared that she signed up with Instacart to have extra bonding time with her teenage daughter. In the process, they became closer, and she taught her how to work, make money and manage her bills.
Another mother gave up life luxuries to help give her kids a head-start in life to ensure her children finished college debt-free. Such is a mother’s unconditional love.
Mothers are resilient and never give up. I salute a mother who fought to save her daughter’s life after she was attacked and left in a critical condition. Despite her debilitating injuries, she prayed and did everything in her power to save her life. A shout out goes to the young women in the Kenyan basketball fraternity, some of whom are mothers who have endured gender violence while playing the sport they love. You’re a source of inspiration to many and may you prosper in life.
And a Kenyan lawyer, a mother, who has dedicated her life to fighting pro-bono for justice. You’re a hero.
Women are also inventors who don’t seek a patent or credit. “Chama” also known as Merri-Go-Round, is a great example of a tool mothers have used to benefit their families and community. Without such women-driven groups, many kids would never have afforded school fees and many families would never have managed to own property they currently possess.
If your mother is around, make sure you celebrate her. And if she is departed, take the time to honor her memory.
Happy Mother’s Day.
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