Mom-ents to Remember ❤️

"Welcome to this special Mother's Day edition of Ndlalane Health newsletters! Today's article holds a dear place in my heart, as I dedicate it to the two incredible women who have shaped my life. My late mother, Melita. May her soul rest in peace, and my other mom, her young sister, who selflessly stepped in to fill the void and became a beacon of love and guidance. I am forever grateful for her love, support, and wisdom. 

I remember one particular moment in my memory, when her words of encouragement changed my perspective forever. I had come third in class and was devastated, feeling like I had failed. I came back from school and cried like someone had died, because the idea of being third best was killing me. She comforted me with wise words that still resonate today: "Uhlakaniphe kakhulu wena mfanwam, ungakhaleli intwe'zincane, uzoba yiyo yonke into ofuna kuba yiyo, naka nje ukuthi wenza njani hhayi abanye, angisho nawe uphase kahle ngama A?"  which loosely translates to "You can be anything you want to be, you have everything you need within you, focus on you doing good not others". Her guidance taught me to embrace my uniqueness and strive for excellence, rather than comparing myself to others.

 In this edition, we celebrate the selfless love and dedication of mothers everywhere and honor the impact they have on our lives. Please respond to this email, with your most memorable moments with your mother, if you are not a member of the newsletter yet, email to [email protected] 

 What Is Mother’s Day? 

Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. It mostly falls on the second Sunday of May. This year, Mother’s Day 2024 falls on Sunday, May 12. Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the Ancient Greek and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”

Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service. 

Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular celebration, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

How did it become an official holiday?

The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis. Following her mother’s 1905 death, Anna Jarvis conceived of Mother’s Day as a way of honoring the sacrifices mothers made for their children.

After gaining financial backing from a Philadelphia department store owner named John Wanamaker, in May 1908 she organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia. That same day also saw thousands of people attend a Mother’s Day event at one of Wanamaker’s retail stores in Philadelphia.

Following the success of her first Mother’s Day, Jarvis—who remained unmarried and childless her whole life—resolved to see her holiday added to the American  national calendar. Arguing that American holidays were biased toward male achievements, she started a massive letter writing campaign to newspapers and prominent politicians urging the adoption of a special day honoring motherhood.

By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday, and Jarvis had established the Mother’s Day International Association to help promote her cause. Her persistence paid off in 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

Many countries especially in Africa, are under the influence of America, Europe, UK and the Christian faith and therefore Mother’s Day is celebrated in similar fashion.

While different versions of Mother’s Day are celebrated worldwide, traditions vary depending on the country. In Thailand, for example, Mother’s Day is always celebrated in August on the birthday of the current queen, Sirikit.

Another alternate observance of Mother’s Day can be found in Ethiopia, where families gather each fall to sing songs and eat a large feast as part of Antrosht, a multi-day celebration honoring motherhood.

In the United States, Mother’s Day continues to be celebrated by presenting mothers and other women with gifts and flowers, and it has become one of the biggest holidays for consumer spending. Families also celebrate by giving mothers a day off from activities like cooking or other household chores.

It’s always good to have a background and clarity as to why we do what we do and now that we know, let’s continue to celebrate our mothers and and acknowledge the sacrifices they make for us.

It's important to acknowledge the untold stories of mothers who have been the pillars of strength for their families. Their journey is marked by unimaginable challenges, yet they continue to inspire and nurture generations with unwavering resilience.

The harsh reality of abandonment and irresponsibility of men leaving them to face the burdens of pregnancy and parenthood alone, is a painful truth for many mothers. The physical and emotional toll of carrying a child for nine months, with the risk of losing their own life in the process, is a weight they bear with courage and grace.

Despite the odds, they persevere, driven by a relentless dedication to giving their children a better life. They sacrifice their own dreams, comfort, and well-being to ensure their children's survival and success. The trauma, hardship, and turmoil they face are often unseen, yet they continue to hold their families together with unrelenting love and care.

Mothers are the unsung heroes of our society, and it's time we recognize their struggles and sacrifices. They are the backbone of their families, providing unconditional love, care, and support. Their unwavering strength and determination are the foundation upon which generations are built.

As we celebrate Mother's Day, let's go beyond the gifts and flowers and brunches. Let’s make a vow to love them back just as hard and openly and overcompensate them with our presence and gratitude every day.

Let’s not forget the unseen struggles of mothers. Let's acknowledge their unspoken hardships and unrelenting efforts to build a brighter future for their children. To all our mothers, even those who have passed on, we say thank you and your spirit lives in us and your teachings will be passed down from generations to generations. Thank you for your courage, your boundless love, and your unrelenting dedication.

Thank you, a million times, I have summarized 24 of the million reasons to align with the year 2024

1. Unconditional love and acceptance

2. Selfless care and nurturing

3. Sacrificing sleep and comfort for our needs

4. Patiently teaching us the basics of life

5. Providing comfort and reassurance

6. Endless cuddles and snuggles

7. Encouraging our first steps and milestones

8. Guiding us through tantrums and meltdowns

9. Creating a sense of security and trust

10. Supporting our curiosity and exploration

11. Helping us develop social and emotional skills

12. Being a constant presence in our lives

13. Navigating the challenges of adolescence with us

14. Offering guidance and wisdom

15. Being a role model for positive values and behavior

16. Supporting our independence and individuality

17. Providing a safe and loving environment

18. Encouraging our passions and interests

19. Continuing to offer love and support

20. Being a source of wisdom and guidance

21. Being proud of the person we've become

22. Trusting us with your feelings and sharing

23. Believing that we can take care of you with the teachings you have given.

24. Never giving up on us even when we become hopeless.

In conclusion as we close this special edition of Ndlalane Health newsletters, remember that the power of a mother's love can change the world. Let us keep celebrating, appreciating, and supporting our mothers, not just today, but every day."