Mother's Day Around the World

Habari,

Yesterday, Mother’s Day was celebrated in the United States and in many countries around the world.  One thing I have discovered is that people in the United States take this holiday very seriously.  This is particularly true in the African American household.  I asked my driver this week, “What are you getting your mother for Mother’s Day?” He looked at me and said, “When is it.” I looked at him like he had two heads.  I quickly explained to him that he wouldn’t last very long in an African American household.

You can forget a lot of things, but Mother’s Day is not one of them.  Many mothers have raised their children on their own for one reason or another and you better believe they expect their children and everyone else, for that matter, to acknowledge their efforts.

I made the near fatal mistake of not acknowledging Mother’s Day for my mother once when I was a teenager.  The matter was made worse when throughout the day all of my friends who came to visit quickly acknowledged her by saying, “Happy Mother’s Day Ms. Rose.” I called myself being angry with her for some reason I no longer remember.  The resulting lecture I received from my mother and every other female relative I had at the time guaranteed that I would never forget this important day again.

Here in Kenya the day went on peacefully enough, but there wasn’t the same fanfare you see in the States.  There wasn’t a rush on the card or flower store that you see in the States and you could easily get into the restaurants, which is impossible States-side.  I know we tend to overdue everything in the States (that is more clear to me now than ever), but I couldn’t help but feel that more emphasis should have been placed on Mother’s Day here in Kenya.  The sacrifices are no less great here and in many instances, much greater than in the States. 

My Mom

My admiration runs deep for mothers because of my own mom, Rosalie Godfrey.  Her herculean efforts are what made my brothers and I what we are today.  I am eternally grateful to her and in awe of her achievement of raising five god-fearing, good citizens of the world, on her own…not to mentioned the dozens of children who passed through our home over the 29 years she served as a Pennsylvania state certified daycare provider.

Mom, every day that I breathe, I realize more and more what you’ve really accomplished.  I thank you for the role you’ve played in my existence.  I love you and have the utmost respect for you.  Happy Mother’s Day Mom!  To all the other mothers in my life, I hope you enjoyed you day yesterday.  My hat is off to all of you.  You really do keep the world turning.

I will see you all here next week.

Asante Sana,

Della Rochelle

Copyright © 2013 by Della Rochelle Williams