A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Beloved Mother

A Daughter’s Tribute to Her Beloved Mother Mum. What a powerful, beautiful word. It holds my entire world within it: love, comfort, safety, strength, and grace. Today, as I'm trying to find the words to honour you, I realize there will never be enough to truly express what you mean to me. You were my first home, my first teacher, and my forever friend. You shaped me with your gentle hands and steady heart. You taught me how to be strong but soft, bold but kind, and fearless in the face of life’s uncertainties. Your love gave me roots, and your faith gave me wings. I remember how you used to advise me about life's upheavals. You always knew what I needed, even before I did. One of my favorite memories of you is getting to know you more when you visited Toronto when I gave birth. Seeing you be a grandmother in those 2 visits, taught me how to be a mother. There are things I learned from your stay that I carry with me to this day. I remember how you easily made friends with the neighbours and shop owners, while pushing the kids' strollers for a relaxed walk to the park. In your matching African print shorts and shirt, you were a distant cry from the ex-Principal of ISS and owner of businesses. You were just my mum. Your recipes, your love for science, your quick witted nature, your eyes when you look at things with disapproval, your wholesome laugh when you find something funny, your quiet presence as you just lived, your fierce determination and courage, your work ethic, your sense of purpose, your loyalty to family. Oh mum, you feature in my every existence. You gave so much of yourself to everyone around you. You always found time for family, even when you were tired. You somehow had the strength to carry us all, and you did it with grace and without complaint. You taught me what it means to be a woman - to stand firm in my values, to care deeply, to work hard, and to lead with kindness. I watched you face challenges with dignity and determination, especially when daddy passed. I know you missed him dearly. Even in your quiet moments, you were teaching me: how to listen, how to forgive, how to find beauty in simple things. I still hear your voice in my head. The somehow soft but firm voice, that showed intelligence, strength, courage and beauty. And I still find myself trying to live up to the woman you were, even now. Thank you, Mum. For every sacrifice you made, for every lesson you taught me, and for every time you stood by me when I didn’t even know I needed support. I carry you with me, in my choices, in my dreams, and in how I show up for others. You were truly the best part of my life. And I will spend the rest of my life honouring yours. I love you always.