My Mother, My Everything
By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu
All my life, I have realised that being a mother is the only job without monthly salary. No retirement, no day off, no shift, no leave, no resign, no retreat and no surrender. But, it is a job of 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is work for life.
I have discovered that no one hides pain better than a mother who is trying to survive for her children.
Whenever I look at my mum’s beautiful face I can’t help but smile and thank GOD for the gift of her. I can’t help but hug her and never let her go.
My mother has always been my inspiration. She has always been my source of strength.
As I lay on the couch in my living room one Friday morning, I recall my mother telling me about my journey into this world.
She told me that it took GOD nine months to create me. Throughout the nine months, I was in her womb swimming like little fat worm and fish. I had caused her pain but she was glad she had me in her womb. I had kicked her while in the womb, but she never got mad, instead, she smiled and rubbed her belly gently blessing me in her womb.
She told me about her cries in the labour room, about her contractions and about how I finally landed. She held me in her hands, kissed my pink cheek as tears of joy streamed down her face. She was glad because I became her Joy of Motherhood.
During my school days, my mother became an early bird. She will wake up so early in the morning depriving herself of her beautiful sleep just to get me ready for school.
She never told me this but I knew that most times my mother went hungry for my sake. She went out very early to work and came home late looking very tired and hungry. Instead of grabbing a bite, she will feed me. Instead of taking a rest, she will bath and put me to sleep. She would walk in the rains, and in the hot scorching sun for my sake.
I might not wear luxury dresses but you never fail to clothe me. You might not have brought me to high-end restaurants but you always feed me with your best home cooked food.
I might not live in a palace, but you gave me a home filled with happiness and peace.
You saved your hard earned money for my school so I would become a better someone in the future.
Mum, I might be too many things-stubborn, naughty and even silly, but I will never risk loving you. I will never trade my love for you for anything in the world.
You are my gold and diamond. Mum, I want to say thank you for loving me unconditionally, thank you for carrying me in your womb for nine months, thank you for given me sunshine and peace, thank you for holding my hands and leading me to the right track. Thank you for being my weapon shield, thank you for feeding me always, thank you for being my mother.
I love you mum-I always love you and will never grow tired of loving you. I love your warm embrace which gives me strength. I enjoy your lovely kisses and will always want it.
I pray you grow old and become a healthy grandmother of my grandchildren.
Mum, always know that no matter how old I become you’ll forever remain my mother and I will forever remain your little cute baby. I love you my precious jewel. You are my best gift and my everything.
You are a blessing that no one can replace. I pray you eat the fruit of your labour.
