A virtuous woman

Words fail to describe the beauty of the one I call mother. A woman who has fought for me and loved me through my most shameful and hateful days. Memories of my childhood burst into my mind at random occasions demanding my celebration of this very special woman. She has taught me so much truth and corrected me with sweet love. Her hands are always open to give me all I need and desire. She certainly withholds no good thing from me. This is not to say I’m spoilt. On the contrary growing up I had the strictest dad on the block. He disciplined me regularly and even beyond what was necessary. Often my mother would fight to protect us. To shield us from our father’s violent rage. She took so much pain and disgrace in her shoes as wife. Especially when I was but a child. She also made herself available for occasions, birthdays, meals and more. Simply put, anything that was special to us was special to her.

Three years ago, trade guy struck and she lost her precious albeit imperfect husband to the cruel hands of death. It broke her. She wept in the bathroom when she taught no one would see. It was crushing to see her broken heart. Oh but she healed. With her faith in God and a determination to be the best role model for me and my three siblings she rose. The words of Andra Day perfectly reflected her state at the time. And oh did she rise. Not only did she rise but she continued to inspire and teach the women ministry she had led before the loss. She started a new business, her dream project, she bought new property, she redefined herself. She rose. She became even stronger. More authentic. She spread her wings and the sweet perfume of her rise spread all over inspiring the widows, guiding the youth and loving the world. She is a beacon of light. Truly one of a kind. It’s hard to find a woman like this these days. One so determined to love that she risked her very life to do it. She’s always been there for me. Always quick to support my dreams and to do her part to make it happen. Truly she has inspired me to never be afraid to dream big. To be exceptional. To be all that I was made to be. To work hard. To always be grateful. Now as I write this I will soon turn 25. It’s been over 24 years of being this amazing woman’s daughter so no one else could be more fitting for this title. In every way she truly is a virtuous woman.