I spent Women’s Day with
all the mothers in my bloodline - my
grandmother who moulded my faith and beliefs, my mother who has always been a
fountain of love and a safe nest and my aunts who are an extension of my mother
through their love and care.
Although we had gathered
for a funeral of our beloved Mkhulu, it was very significant to spend such a
day with women who have contributed
in my upbringing.
In my life these women represent inkatha
– the woven grass coil used by Zulu women to carry heavy loads on their heads.
This coil is placed at the centre of the head to provide stability and strength.
It makes a load easier to carry and provides support through the journey.
I appreciate the sisterhood chain
that holds these women together. Each of
them has had many mountains to climb and yet none of them conquered alone. They’ve
always supported each other without judgement. They continue to face life’s challenges
and yet this chain remains intact, bound by love.
I thought about how they’ve
played an active role in raising each other’s children. They’ve even welcomed
strangers into their homes and made them family. This came naturally to them.
They didn’t consider how much money they had or worried about how their
lifestyles would be changed by an extra person in their care. When the need
presented itself, they simply provided without seeing this as a challenge.
Strength and resilience truly
run in my family.
It’s my turn now to nurture,
support and be an example to the ones that are looking up to me. I still have a
lot to learn about selflessness, so help me God.
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