GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Knysna-Plett Herald journalist Nwabisa Pondoyi spoke to a few women who briefly shared their journey to motherhood and what the day means to them.
Siphokazi Mbalo said motherhood changed her life. "It changed my life in a way I could never have imagined. I amaze myself each and every day that I have been able to transform from a carefree party animal to a responsible mother.
I was both scared and excited when I found out I was pregnant.
I named him Amani (Swahili) which means peace because that's what he represents in my life.
It's been a roller-coaster of emotions.
The daily struggles motivate me to press on. Mother's Day for me is a reminder of the amazing love I've shared and keep sharing with my son.
The unconditional love he gives me can never be compared to anything on this earth. I am a proud single mother."
Shahida and Joli Sigula.
Shahida Sigula reflected on her journey with her own mother. "Seven years ago my mother fell ill and had to be rushed to Cape Town with a helicopter for emergency surgery. Unfortunately, she experienced swelling and they had to drive her in an ambulance. I was with her when her heart stopped twice on the operation table... and beep, she came back and she is still with. us.
I am grateful for every single day I have with her." Sigula, who said she is a single mother by choice, said she did not want her child, Joli, to grow up in an unhappy and unhealthy environment. "I was a new mom and my marriage was over within a year. I had to file for divorce three days after a C-section birth and I had to put my life back together.
My biggest challenge as a mother wasn't post-natal depression, it was going through emotional turmoil while still having to focus. As I look back now, her shining smile and rosy cheeks pulled me through. Her presence gave me strength when I was losing hope.
Mothers have no boundaries, being a mother is my greatest accomplishment, I always wanted to see how my heart looked like and then God gave me Joli."
A woman who only wishes to be called Thembeka, who experienced three stillbirths and cannot carry to full term said she experienced the heartbreak of being a mother without actually having a child to care for.
"I only have my scars and the shame that comes with being a woman in her 40s without a child. I am a mother to my children that I carried for seven months, whose eyes I never saw. I'm a mother to my sister's children who worship the ground I walk on.
Mother's Day for me is a painful reminder and a beautiful day to celebrate all the mothers out there."
Phumla and Siyamthanda Mvula.
Phumla Ralo said having a daughter and being a nurturer, protector and friend was the best feeling in the world. "God has entrusted me to be her mother so I made a promise never to disappoint God in being the best one to her.
I would be lying if I said I have not had any huge challenges. I am a single mom and had dreams of taking my child to a private school because I told myself instead of investing in material things I would rather invest in her education so that she can be one of the best female leaders of our country."
Melissa-Jade Redfern with 16-month-old Mikayla-Ann and four-year-old Duncan.Melissa-Jade Redfern, a single mother of two, said her biggest challenge is trying to make ends meet, not only financially, but juggling and shuffling her household, as well as spending time with her children.
"I would not manage it if it wasn't for my dad 'Oupa' and my sister 'Tam-Tam' who are there for me 1000%. I'm always busy working, so I hardly have time for anything. Trying to juggle equal time between the two children is a struggle and sometimes my heart breaks as my 16 months old wants all my attention and won't give her four-year-old brother time with his mommy."
Redfern said while motherhood meant the world to her, growing up, she always said she didn't want to have children. "Well my tune changed the minute my little man was born and then my daughter was born.
I am now complete. Motherhood has made me mature.
I love being a single mother as I get twice the cuddles, twice the kisses, twice the love and even twice the mischief to sort out. Motherhood is not a walk in the park and I wouldn't change it for the world. Mother's Day to me means a lot, I lost my mom seven years ago and it was the worst feeling ever. My mom was my best friend. Moms are best friends for life, the person you tell your deepest secrets to."
Redfern wished all mothers a happy Mother's Day, especially single moms, quoting Nicholas Sparks: "What it's like to be a parent: it's one of the hardest things you will ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love".
'We bring you the latest Garden Route news'
