A mother is the most precious human being I know. Often less appreciated, she perseveres through hardships and wears off all the storms. The process of mothering right from carrying a baby to raising it is wrought with challenges but she bears them all with a smile and with pride.

Sometimes she is not the most loved in the house because she drives a hard bargain. She does not have a choice. She has expectations and hope for a better future for her offspring. She always desires that they turn out better than she did and hence her high standards.

She sacrifices her happiness and comfort for her household. Mothers have often put their careers on hold to raise their children. No wonder in some parts of the world, women are paid less. Sometimes her children do not turn out according to her expectations, she loves them all the same and prays they see the light, for love covers a multitude of sins. The world may be cruel and judge her offspring, she does not waver; they remain the best thing.

Stories have been told of mothers who, due to depression, committed suicide and unable to imagine their children surviving without them, killed them as well. As horrible as it sounds, it is still the heart of a mother at play. She protects her own.

I did not always appreciate my mother. I thought she was the most difficult mother. She was very tough on us, ever ready to use a stick. She was that ‘you’ll eat the no.2 of your peers’ type. At the same time, she toiled hard to ensure that her children never got to eat that. She has seen it all, lost some of her children but she still stands.

She is a strong woman, hardly ever lets us see her tears. She is a loving mother and granny. She is protective. She is fierce. She is beautiful. She has a good sense of humor and her smile lights up my world. She is God fearing.

To my mother, Gatwesepe Segaetsho, and all the mothers out there, happy mothers’ day!