The Daughter

Dear Parents

I got to see you in a different light. Motherhood allowed me to get a glimpse of what your life. As I was going through my heartbreak, my only thought was that of protecting Panda. My intentions were to continue giving Panda all the love that had been promised that I deprived myself the love I needed to continue the fight. Thinking that I am alone in motherhood, I forgot I wasn’t alone in life. Just as I sought to love and protect Panda, beyond my own life, you did the same for me. I wouldn’t be the parent I am today, because through the love and lessons you gave me, I get to witness many milestones. Thank you for instilling in me everything I need to conquer my tomorrows. You guys did an amazing job with me! Thank you!

 

Dear Mama

I became a mom and saw you for the first time. You helped me define what motherhood is to me from the moment you found out about me. Hearing stories of the day you found out about me, your appointment visits with Neo and my birth and having experienced stories of my own with my daughter makes me look forward to telling her. I realise that as a daughter, I have hurt you many times but never knew how deep the cuts were. Not the pain bore during days for pregnancy and the result of birth, but the pain that cuts so deep, it makes all the pain of labour seem minute. Learning the roles outside of motherhood you had to play has made me learn you more and fall in love deeper with you. Umbilical cord cut, but closer than ever. Your heart still mine, it beats to keep me alive. Thank you Soster!

Dear Papa

My bro. I can never picture a life without you in it. All my memories have you in them. I remember the day you found out I was pregnant. 5 July 2019, Friday. 2 days after finding out about my pregnancy. That’s the moment…bittersweet because that is when your little girl became a grown little something. Well, that’s what I thought. I thought now that I was a mom I was grown, but you continued reminding me that I am a child. You reprimanded and cared for me. You talked to me and held my hand at my most scared. As much as being a mom showed me the importance of a father being present in a child’s life, your presence in mine taught me that his character and actions will define his presence. Trying to replicate what I got from you, for Panda, opened me to the many struggles of fatherhood. I could never do what you do or endure all you have endured, so God decided to have Panda experience it from the best, you. I could ever ask for a better dad because without you, I’d be a whole different being, and I’m happy being me.

 

Love

Rethabile, The Daughter