Mystic Makeda

Today is Mother’s Day and this is my 25th celebration of this day. Each and every Mother’s Day has been a joy, thanks to my wonderful daughter Monique. She has been a blessing and I often wonder how did I get so lucky to wind up with her. 

From the beginning I knew her name was Monique and she had to be born. I wasn’t disappointed. The little lady I envisioned with style and attitude is  exactly what I got. From the beginning she had her own sense of self. She had her own mind and was determined to have things her way, regardless of what others may think. If Monique felt right she would argue her point tirelessly. I remember at the age of 5 or 6 she would sit around the dinner table and join in on the discussions of news and current events.

Monique has always been mature for her age. We always spoke to her as an adult, so her vocabulary was always several years ahead of other children her age. We spent a lot of her formative years living with my parents, so she would serve as the “legs” for her grandparents, never complaining. My parents also served as co-parents; they loved, educated and nurtured Monique just as I did.

We all made it through her teen years without too much pain. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness when she was in the 7th grade and there were times when she had to take care of me.  I would often feel bad that she had so may adult issues to deal with and felt it unfair for her. I beat myself up for years hating the direction my life had taken. My parents had given me such an abundant life and I could not do that for my daughter. She never did without, thanks again to my parents, but there were times when finances were tight and we would not go to my parents for help. Years later she told me it helped define the person she would grow into and made her mature beyond her years. She never begrudged her life and I had to learn not to begrudge mine.

Monique lost her father at age 16 and her grandfather at 18. The loss of the two most vital men in her life caused tremendous grief, but she was able to rise above it. She learned from her pain and walked through it. After the loss of my father, my mother and I moved to Florida, leaving her in Kentucky alone. Monique went on to complete her undergraduate degree in four years from the University of Louisville, graduating in 2005.

Now on this Mother’s Day my child will celebrate her first Mother’s Day. She had a son, born February 17, 2007. My hope and prayer for her is to have as many wonderful memories as her grandmother and I have. The love of your children and grandchildren is a love like no other.   

Mothers are the backbone of our global community. They are our nurturers, care givers, teachers, fathers, role models, motivators, providers, coaches and our soft place to land. They work endlessly to give us what we need. Most of the time receiving very little back in return.

To all the mothers, may Mother Father God comfort you, protect you, and kept you for all your days. Thank You!

Namaste