Every one reading this message has been influenced by a mother and other women who have “mothered” them in one way or the other. Mothering biological and/or social children is an amazing opportunity women have to influence the lives of many people.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, I pay tribute to some of the Super Moms I have come across who deserve to be mentioned.
My Mom
I wrote extensively about my Mom, Alice Obenewaa, who has been a strong pillar to my family. As children, she taught us to live our lives just like men – whatever that means I don’t know but it was her mantra and she recites it today. For a woman who raised eight children, she always emphasized the need for us to be hardworking and studious. Her constant prayers for us and her grandchildren are reminders of how every mother protects her children and grandchildren (through prayers). Some of her prayer lines and advice have become common sayings and quotations in our homes. Her advice is simple – do good and shun evil and you will receive God’s blessings. She never prays without a white scarf. She loves the colour white because it stands for purity and transparency.
I am especially grateful to her for being a strong support to my siblings since we lost our father twenty-one years ago. She has lived with me for close to 17 years taking care of my children whilst I go to work. Today with eight children, over 18 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, she has made my house a vibrant place because all grandchildren adore her. She is their first teacher. She bathes them in music, prayer and prophesies.
She has a special name for everyone. You are either Lady this or Professor that; Minister of something or she simply calls you after the name of a great person she admires. Her self-created songs have been passed on from generation even in this digital age. She calls everyone she encounters her ‘child’ – even those who only speak to her on phone. We call her Mother Theresa because she is always taking from us and giving to other people. She is an expert in re-distributing wealth. I vote her as a Super Mom of the century. There is no one like my mom.
My Mother In-law
My mother in-law, Madam Rose Afua Voedeh, is the exact replica of my mother. She always gives and never asks for anything. She shows appreciation for the little you do for her and never expects anything from you. She travels to Accra (and she does that every week) without bringing something for her children. She brings us fresh foodstuffs very often. She is a Super Mother in-law and I thank her for giving me a wonderful husband.
My Pastor
Rev Mrs. Charlotte Quagraine is a Super Mom. She is the leader of ICGC Joy Temple, North Kaneshie (the ICGC branch). She brings her motherly attributes to the management of the church, ensuring that the resources of her church are well utilized. She holds a Masters degree and constantly encourages her members to seek further education and to create businesses. From her and all female pastors, including my long-standing mom – Rev Doris Antonio – who now leads the Calvary Christian Center (CCC) – the church I fellowshipped with from childhood till I got married and later re-located – I know how hardworking female pastors are. They make their churches family-focused, taking special interest in the grooming of the children and the young adults. Both women are great leaders and Super Moms as well.
My Career Mother(s)
My career as a Public Relations/Corporate Communications person began when I saw Ms Esther Cobbah, CEO of Stratcomm Africa on TV, about two decades ago. I had graduated from Legon with a degree in Sociology and was looking forward to reading my Masters in Sociology. I wanted to be a lecturer, having worked as a teaching assistant at the Sociology Department at the University of Ghana. Her narration about what she does as a PR person made me fall in love with the (PR) profession.
I shelved my dreams of being a lecturer and pursued a course at the School of Communications Studies. By some coincidence, I ended up working with her when I took up a volunteering work at Radio Universe after my post-graduate education. I worked with her for several years and moved on. The exposure I received from her was great. Four years later, she informed me about a great job which I applied for, interviewed and was selected. Through that job I have come across other great bosses who are all Super Moms and great coaches as well. I appreciate her and my subsequent bosses for helping me expand my portfolio of skills.
My Unique Caregivers
I worked at the SOS Children’s Villages Ghana for three years. The mothers at the Villages spend their lifetime caring for children who are brought there. Today, through their love, care and nurturing, some of these children have grown to become lawyers, chartered accountants, teachers, cateresses, IT experts and many more. SOS mothers are Super Moms.
My Nanny
Last but not least, I vote my Nanny Vida Addo as a Super Mom as well. Having lived with her for close to 10 years, I have grown to have a lot of respect and admiration for nannies and house helps who take a chance to leave their families to start a life with total strangers. She is not only a nanny, her multiple skills make her a great asset in our home. I have friends who have kept the same nannies for more than two decades. I know there are a lot of issues with nannies and house helps; it can be very challenging dealing with them, but there are still good ones who deserve commendation; and Vida is one of them.
The list of Super Moms is endless and I take this opportunity to wish all my female siblings, family members, friends and associates – both young and old – a great mothering experience. You are all Super Moms.