Mothers Day 2013: My Mother Told Me – “Be the Best You Can Be”

As I pulled back the curtain to let in the bright orange glow of the Durban sunrise, the first thing I thought of was the immense awesomeness of God. The sight of the waves as they gently grazed the sandy shore tugged at my heart and I yearned to run downstairs just to feel the wet sand between my toes and in the arch of my feet. If wishes were horses indeed… So I turned around and just plunked right back into bed. Omawumi’s song “The Best You Can Be” has been looping in my head since.

My mind was at rest and I was really able to think about the chorus of that song which was an ode to the amazing qualities of a mother and how they are misunderstood.

Kneel down, hands up, close your eyes
Wash the plates, and your clothes, clean those tiles
all those things and many more
Priceless values that you taught made me who I am today

So, I decided to write… to my mothers!

“I no dey crase when I say make you wash the pot” -To my mother, Victoria Yusuf, I say thank you. For the discipline and the training. The trips to the market, learning the difference between fresh tripe and day old goat meat. Being able to haggle and ensure that the money you take to the market is enough to buy everything you need because you have to learn to be financially responsible and economical. For teaching me that washing dishes and clearing up while cooking at the same time will not kill me, but instead make my kitchen more organized and eventually reduce the work I have to do when the cooking is done.

“All along you wanted me to be the best that I can be.” – To my mother, Asta Thahal, I say thank you. For ensuring that I studied when I NEEDED to study. For telling me over and over that I once I passed and got good grades, I’d be able to watch as much TV as I wanted. The love and the care along with the strict emphasis on humility. My heart wells over just thinking of the unending love.

“One day, you go grow old and start your own family” – To my mother, Iyabo Abolarin, I say thank you. For teaching me all about the intricacies of families and the differences which make us unique and special. You taught me to be strong against all odds – that inner strength always comes to the fore. You taught me to find a joke and a reason to smile even in the darkest of situations.

“You gonna have to learn before you can be the best the best you can be” – To my mother, Sarah Alade, I say thank you. For the warmth of your smile and the humility of your heart. You taught me to always aim for the pinnacle of my career. In all that, remembering to remain grounded and keeping focus on what was important, like family. Your sound articulate mind and keen sense of priorities have been passed down. I love you very much for it.

“I didn’t see the tears you cried for me, I didn’t hear the prayers that you said on your knees” – To my mother Esther Taiwo, I say thank you. For never giving up on me. For being the mother you needed to be and for being my friend when I needed one. You taught me to embrace my imperfections and find that thing that made me special and wax it, till it shone for the world to see.

I love you MOMS! Now and always.

I feel so honored to have more than one mother and I pray that I’m half as awesome as all my mothers. I hope to be able to say to my daughters.
Read your books, choose good friends,
Get wise, learn to cook, be organised,
Don’t tell lies
All of these and many more
You gonna have to learn before you can be the best

Happy Mothers’ Day. Show your mother(s) some love today because they made a choice… to be mothers.

Listen to the The Best You Can Be here:

You can also buy the Lasso of Truth here on iTunes

Photo Credit: madamenoire.com