Wise Words From My Mother

There’s absolutely nothing like a mother’s love. They are there to care for you, nurture you and groom you so that you can be the best that you can be.

Whenever you are wrong, they guide you on the right path. Some people had to be guided through several beatings out of love, while others were simply scolded and warned not to stir trouble. There’s definitely something about mothers, and it’s only right to celebrate them. This kind of celebration will take place this weekend thanks to Mother’s Day on Sunday.

Said to originate in the times of ancient Greece and Rome in celebration of goddesses who symbolised motherhood, it has since transformed into a day of appreciation and thanks for the mother figures in our lives.

The Weekender asked readers what kind of life lessons they learnt from their mothers.

“You can never be happy unless you love what you have,” John Cloete said of the advice his mother gave him. “Always be punctual and be humble at all times.”

Whether it’s tucking in your shirt or staying neat at school, mothers are there to look after you, so it’s only right to assist others, as Pandeni Ipinge shared. “Help others if you are in a position to do so. You never know what tomorrow has in store.” This advice was also given to Ruben Shapiro Paulinus. “Share even the tiniest of what I have with whoever is in need,” he said, also adding that his mother taught him he should not believe in vengeance and always offer others a warm smile.

Poet Cecilia Oletu’s mom imparted some solid biblical principals. “Do unto others what you want done unto you.” Religious values instruct us to ‘honour thy mother and father’. And Hanayi Shakes Bantwini takes this to heart. “Always listen to mom. Be that loving son/daughter that she always sends to grab something for her. The reason I respect women today is thanks to her, that’s why the little I get, I share with her. I want to her to live a wonderful life with no money problems.”

Mothers are usually very loving and nurturing. Blesser Malkah says her mother taught her “how to love and be loved”. Children often learn about relationships based on how their parents treat each other. And this can leave them with a certain mentality unless they grow out of it. Frieda Kondjila’s mother taught her independence.

“Grow into a rightful woman who can stand on her own in the mother’s absentia and be honest and frank at all times to avoid situations.”

Ilona Shivute learnt about charity and faith from her mother: “Assist your neighbours whenever possible. More importantly, recognise their needs and assist them. Attend church. Worship has always been important to my family. Then and now. Although Mom or Dad weren’t going to church that Sunday, they would always tell me to go. Be a good friend to find a good friend. Healthy friends cultivate healthy friendships. And my parents taught and modelled what it means to be a good friend to others.”

She also learnt to be grateful in life and to love others. “Be content with little. There were numerous times growing up when money was tight. Nevertheless, my parents were content. Respect everyone who is older than you, even if they are older by a year. Respect also the rights of those who are younger than you because in order to gain respect you must also respect.”

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