An open letter to my mom on Mother’s Day
The adage ‘as devoted as a mother’ is not an irony, as mothers are our goddesses. If their presence is not near us there would be no continuity in life. Thumbs up to mothers.
People might take it for granted when they see mothers wear khangas, and even carrying heavy baskets full of bananas, avocados, among other goods, on market day.
But we got to give them 10 stars for that special role they play in the family. Mothers are our stronghold when it comes to bringing us up and shaping our future; they are the springs that give life.
In this day and age, being a mother is more demanding because other than raising children, one has to balance work and family. Maintaining a happy marriage, spending enough time with the children and then performing well at work calls for a certain amount of effort.
Mother’s Day is here again to be celebrated tomorrow and with it, the universal confusion about what makes an appropriate gift. What do you get for someone who literally gave you your life?
Woman Magazine has compiled hand-picked personel letters that have thoughtfully penned down by Tanzanians from different walks of life for their mothers – a caring surprise to show their appreciation and love.
MY MOTHER IN HEAVEN, THIS IS FOR YOU
Dear mother,
I have never wished you “Happy Mother’s Day” ever since you left us 10 years ago. But later I came to tumble down on the fact that I can still write to you though you are somewhere in heaven looking down on me.
To my dear mother, wherever you are, as we celebrate this important day, I thank you for teaching me moral virtues that make my life bearable and fulfilling.
Mother, when you got an annual vacation from work, you used to visit relatives and friends, assisting them with home chores and farm duties, having lived in town didn’t change you and being educated made you more humble and down to earth than ever. You treated everyone as an equal and that’s one quality I had admired.
You were my heroine, your life struggles are full of great lessons, you stood firm and you remained a responsible mother amidst grave marital challenges.
Mother, one thing that I remember as we celebrate Mother’s day is how you set an example that you cannot treat people like garbage and worship God at the same time.
Happy Mother’s Day to you in heaven. I wish you were here today to hold my hand in person and not just in spirit as we celebrate your special day.
Your son,
Lugano Wilson, Medical Doctor
Dar es Salaam
TO MY MOTHER-IN-LAW
Dear Mummy,
I know you wondered about me, and the kind of person I might be. You probably feared that I was some interesting piece of work. I’ll admit I was afraid myself.
But the first day I met you, my presumptions changed. From that day forward I felt lucky in regards to our relationship, and that feeling has never stopped.
I want to thank you for listening to me, and offering guidance whenever I need it.
You laugh at the things I tell you, and don’t judge me harshly for saying something others may think inappropriate. I can be honest with you about concerns, and complaints, because I never worry that you don’t think I’m doing my best.
I can make a snarky comment about something silly my husband has done, and you will laugh about it with me instead of getting defensive, because you know him best, know neither of us is an angel, and know I say it with love! In short, you let me be me. Through my ups and downs, I know you have always been by my side.
My boys would have never asked for a more cooler ‘dadi’ [grandmother]. You are our first to everything in life. First to feed us, first healer, first to love, first critic, first support and firsts of all firsts. You are the best mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and wife. I wish you a happy Mother’s Day.
Love,
Shireen Jivi, IT Consultant
Zanzibar
OPEN LETTER TO MY MOTHER, JANET ZEBEDAYO MBENE
Dear Janet,
I remember when I was younger, I used to call you by your first name in a cheeky way to get on your nerves, and like many African mothers, you would shout at me for doing it. Luckily shouting was as far as you went.
Now as a grown man I still call you Janet (a.k.a “Jay Zee”), less to get on your nerves but more because I have come to the realisation that you are more than my mother. More than my siblings’ mother. You are a leader, caregiver, hero and MATRIARCH to so many more people than just me or my siblings. I remember when I used to get jealous when I heard “strangers” call you “Mama” or “Mum” and how you would go out of your way to help people. I was selfish and immature. I’m now happy that I have been lucky enough to watch you work with people and for people. That is your calling, your purpose and what makes you happy.
That is what makes me happy. We have all been blessed by your deeds, your words and most importantly your PRAYERS. I don’t think there is anything we can do to repay you but to do our best to be good human beings, love one another, take care of one another and put God first.
This is just a short message to say how I and everyone else are eternally grateful for having you in our lives.
Happy Mother’s Day Janet.
From your youngest child,
Andrew Mahiga, Public Policy Consultant
Dar es Salaam
YOU ARE THE REASON I AM SUCCESSFUL
Dear Mom,
On this special day whereby all the mothers in the world are celebrated, I want to thank you for all the things you have done and are still doing for me. I feel so blessed to have you in my life, you are an epitome of unconditional love. I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your love and care towards my sons. I may not say it often but you should know that I recognise and appreciate your immense contribution towards my independence and success.
Lastly, I know it isn’t Father’s Day yet but I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for his sacrifices that allow you to be here with me while I venture on the road to a successful career by the grace of the Almighty. Happy Mother’s Day Mama! I love you so much.
Love,
Durenayab Khatry, Dermatologist
Moshi
TO THE QUEEN OF MY HEART
Dear mother,
Today I celebrate you for all the heritages, dedication, convictions, sacrifices, unconditional love, guidance and amazing belief on me. You have raised me from the very humble beginning, struggling for my basic needs, school fees, and medical issues but with all these you managed to stand firm and making sure I am pursuing my vision.
You stood still with me during my failures and success, you believed in the beauty of my efforts and courage of bringing change from the family level to the national level as well. You are the queen of the queens thus you managed to enlighten my course. You always asked about my progress and challenges that I have been facing, you managed to mould Charles Nduku of today regardless of the deadly stumbling blocks and great sense of low esteem from the surrounding and our family socio-economic situation back then.
Thank you mother, the seed you sow in me will manifest more fruits thus even neighbours will be able to harvest and feed their homes.
Charles Nduku, Business and Personal Branding Consultant
Dar es Salaam
