An open letter to the mother of my children

 Mother’s day means a lot of things to different people. In many cases, we usually take this as an opportunity to give our moms their flowers and shower them with appreciation. While this is oftentimes taken as a child’s duty, the reality is moms are surrounded by more than just those they birthed or cared for.

As I spoke to people around me about what this day meant to them, it dawned on me that there is a group of people who silently give moms the recognition they deserve and while for them it may simply be a case of wanting to fly under the radar, I met a few who were all too eager to scream from the rooftops and let the world know just how important this day is for them.

Dads are often in the background, silently supporting, encouraging, uplifting and making sure the mothers of their children are well provided for. They take pleasure in knowing that they are doing the best they can and will gladly stand solid for their partners.

These dads, from different parts of Tanzania and equally different generations, have taken the time to draft these open letters to their partners to remind them that just because they may not always be as vocal about their appreciation, they are always going to be the solid rock that keeps their partners safe.

Timothy Sambwe; husband to Bwanje and first time dad

To the love of my life,

My dearest and most beloved wife, my heart overflows with love and admiration as I congratulate you on becoming a mother. You have accomplished an incredible feat, carrying and nurturing our precious baby for nine months with nothing but pure love, unwavering patience, and an inner strength that leaves me in awe. The miracle of our child is a testament to your unwavering devotion, selflessness, and bravery; and for that, I am eternally grateful.

As I watched you with wonder and admiration throughout the pregnancy, I knew in my heart that I had found the most remarkable woman in the world. And now, as we embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood together, I promise to stand by your side every step of the way. I vow to support you, cherish you, and love you more deeply with each passing day, for you are not just the mother of our child, but the love of my life.

My dearest wife, you are my everything. You are the sunshine that brightens my day, the wind that carries me forward, and the anchor that keeps me grounded. I am endlessly grateful for the life we share, and for the family we have created together.

As we celebrate your first Mother's Day, know that you are cherished beyond words. May this day be filled with joy, laughter, and the knowledge that you are loved more than you could ever imagine. I thank God every day for the gift of you, my beautiful wife and mother to our child.

Your beloved

Joseph Ruga; Husband and father of 3

My beloved wife,

When we started this life journey over 30 years ago, I knew there was no better woman to embark on this journey with. Throughout your first pregnancy and watching you nurture growing life, I grew more resilient to want to be with you every step of the way.

It was made even more special when we started suspecting twins to when we received confirmation. I remember wanting to be present with you as you brought our babies to life was a dream I was ready to do anything, so much so that your doctors were willing to bend the rules to accommodate me, but alas, a lack of fast communication meant that I wasn’t able to be with you.

Watching you nurture, feed and care for our twin boys and our daughter humbled me because I understood and saw first-hand the kind of graceful strength a woman possessed.

I remember being scared at first but you held me up, showed me the ropes and helped me become a better hands-on father. I remember that while you were a working mother, you still held down the motherhood fort.

Over the years, you grew as a caring mother and somehow, you were a mother to everyone beyond our biological kids, myself included. I saw first-hand how demanding motherhood was yet you were gracious through it all.

Now that our children are grown and have moved on to begin lives and families of their own, once again, it is just me and you and as I look back on the life we built together, I am proud to say I have been the luckiest man to have a woman like you.

You were my rock, my anchor and the best partner I could have hoped for. Thank you for taking the little that I could have offered and given me the home I never dreamt of.

On this mother’s day, I wish you all the joy and happiness that being a mother has to bring and always remember that your husband loves you.

Your loving husband

Brian Akida: Husband and father of 3

To my beautiful wife, Elizabeth,

This is my open letter to you just to show how grateful I am to be sharing parenthood with you. Thank you for being such a wonderful wife and mother to our children, and I sincerely appreciate everything you do for our family.

I call you MOTA (Mother Of them All) because your love for our family and everyone around you is commendable. You show us how to love and be loved, you are the greatest role model ever.

As I’m sitting here trying to think of the best words to say to you, I am thinking of one major thing; the love I have for you. It is a love that has grown and flourished through the unique journey of your uneasy pregnancy of our second baby, Brianna who was born prematurely. I watched as you faced many health challenges that at some point you were ready to sacrifice your life to save our baby. Through your uneasy pregnancy, I discovered a new level of admiration and respect for you as a mother and wife.

I know our children are raised up in a loving home and seeing you interact with them is a sight to behold. You’re always there for them, offering support and an unwavering shoulder to lean on.

I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know without a doubt, that we will continue to be the kind of parents that lead by example; teaching our children to be compassionate and strong individuals who treat others with love, kindness and respect.

Thank you for everything, and for being an amazing mother to our children

With all my love,

Mchuchu