She saw you make that first cry when you came into this world. She reacted to your first smile with a hearty laugh. Months down the road, you started to crawl and eventually made the first baby steps as she closely watched you.
Sometimes she spanked you out of love to make you a better child. Eventually you started school, probably went on to university, graduated and brought home a loved one to marry and start a family. That’s how far and deep a mother’s bond can stretch. But how often do you honour and celebrate your mother? Well it should be every day. But there is also a special day dedicated to mothers-Mother’s Day.
Mother’s Day is a celebration to honour mothers and motherhood and the influence of mothers in society. It is celebrated in many parts of the world.
This year’s Mothers Day will be celebrated on Sunday May 11Society Magazine’s Dean Karemera and Doreen Umutesi talked to a cross section of people on their fondest memories about their mothers and how they plan to celebrate Mother’s Day.
Aaron Mugambi, Physiotherapist at Ruhengeri Hospital
The most memorable moment with my mother was when she visited me in boarding school at Tengecha Primary School in Kericho, Kenya. She just passed by on her way for a field assignment. But she purposely left home with packed food she had prepared herself, even when she was not sure they would let her see me since it was not visitation day. She pleaded with the school administration to let her see to me so that she could give me some homemade food.
I had been in the boarding school for two years and getting to enjoy homemade food was every pupil’s dream. I remember that day like as if it was yesterday. It’s unforgettable. While sharing the food with my friends at school, I boasted around about how I had the best mother in the whole world.
I will not be with her because of the distance but of course on Mothers Day I will send her a Thank You message for her sacrifice and undying love for me.
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Genevieve Mbabazi, Personal Assistant to the Minister of Cabinets Affairs
Every moment with my mum is memorable. She is inspirational because I always run to her when I am down. But one moment stands out; when I was going through a bad situation at the university my mom came to me and said, "I don’t care what you did or why you did it but I will stand by you whether its good or bad, I know who you are and you’ll never hurt anyone.”
My message to mom is "You are a precious gift from God to me. You are the best teacher, advisor, mentor, pain reliever, problem solver, pathfinder, peace keeper, and so much more in my life. Years, which were solely under your guidance, were the most fulfilling, enjoyable and golden moments in my life. You know what suits me the best. The entire credit of all my achievements goes to you, mom. I love you and Happy Mother’s Day.
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Jane Uwimana, Journalist with Radio 10 and Secretary General at Association Rwandaise des Journalistes (ARJ)
I have several fond memories of my mother but the most memorable time was when she organised my 21st birthday party. It was on July 27, 2007. The reason why this day stands out is because it was the last birthday I ever celebrated with her.
My tribute to her on Mother’s Day is "Rest in Peace mother and I will always follow the advice you gave me.”
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Ashlee Tuttleman, Development Manager, Kigali Farms
I don’t have a single most memorable moment of my mother. But if I tell a story it would be about how my mom was so involved with me as I grew up. I’m an only child and was very active; my mom started her own company when I was very young but she could set her own schedule and at the same time be with me as much as possible. In the USA where I was raised, all school field trips require parents to volunteer as supervisors. All sports teams need "team moms” to organise gatherings and keep parents, kids and coaches informed. Girl Scout groups need leaders. As a kid, I did everything- sports, dance, horseback riding, girl scouts- you name it. My mom never missed any practice, game, recital or fieldtrip. She was my breadwinner, my caregiver and my number one fan. Recently, she left America to visit me; leaving America for the first time in her 60 years on this planet. She’s never stopped loving me, supporting me, and being my best friend.
I plan to send this article to my mom and give her a call since she’s half way around the world.
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Grace Umutoni - Entrepreneurship Specialist, Private Sector Federation (PSF)
I think there is a lot that my mother has done for me. She would go out of her comfort zone or shall I say, sacrifice a lot so make me happy. When I was growing up, my mother used to run a small business to supplement the family income. I recall she used to come back from work, very tired after a busy day but she would still sit down with me and my siblings and review our homework, have dinner with us and tuck us in bed. Her presence alone would calm me down because I was assured that everything would be just fine. The love she gave me and continues to give me is the most memorable feeling I have.
I plan to give her a gift and tell her THANK YOU because nothing can surely beat a mother’s love.
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Mark Karugarama- Director, Bridge2Rwanda Training Centre
During my high school days, I was less than an average student, to put it nicely.
But every time I brought my report card home at the end of the term, I would get a big hug from my mum instead of ridicule for dismal performance.
The hug would come with very kind and encouraging words. "You will do great in the final term…or you will do great in your national exams”. "Ntakibazo…uzabatsinda…erega bose n’abaswa. Nta numwe ukurusha ubwenge…” (You will pass your exams, you are not dense) she would say, smiling. Never a word to put me down. Her attitude towards me and her confidence in me to succeed in turn convinced and inspired me to work hard and do my best always. If she could see that potential in me then why wouldn’t I see the same in myself? With time, I began to believe in myself too. Her words inspired me and I worked hard and I did better with every coming year. I worked hard not just for me but also to prove my mum’s words right. I worked hard not to break her confidence. She thought I was the smartest kid ever and her words and reassurances made me believe her. I attribute some of my confidence, self-assurance and attitude in life to my mom. My mom is a gift straight from heaven, a true angel. She is the best ever.
On Mother’s Day I will hang out with her and chat for hours. Happy Mother’s Day!
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Arthur Nkusi – Comedian and presenter KFM
I will never forget the day my mother punished me for going to watch a movie at a local makeshift cinema hall that we used to call "Kibanda”. I had gone with my brother and we returned home at night. She punished us and even went as far as telling my classmates at La Colombiere, where she was a teacher. I was embarrassed but I guess she wanted us to never go back.
On Mother’s Day, I will take out my sisters. I know that would make my mother happy because they are still young.