The Phenomenal Woman

My best friend, my confidant, my sister and the list goes on. Who is this person? She is my one and only beloved mother. I like to honor and dedicate this story to her. Few months ago as we all celebrated her 70th birthday, It got to my time to speak some words about her and could not stop myself from tearing up as I recounted all the support and inspiration she has given me to be this grown woman I am today.

The Journey begins...

My mom is the oldest daughter among 6 children born and breed in Nigeria,West Africa. At an early age of 7 she had lost her father and a year later a decision was made for her to go live with her oldest brother, I guess her mother taught that was going to be best for her. Even as young as she was at years 8 years old, it was very clear that she was a very bright child an excelled in her school. Unfortunately when it came time for her to attend secondary school,funds became a problem for her brother who she was staying with and could not attend school. It was painful because she had successfully aced all the common entrances exams to several schools and still could not go because of this funds situation.

An alternative….

So years later she got herself enrolled in an institute called easy motion stenography which teaches typing skills, English and office practice. Things now started looking up for her and being a very determined person who does give up easily, she did put all her best effort and got to secure a job in a good company as a personal secretary to the director of the company.

The climb…

In few years she got married to an amazing husband which led to having 4 children, 3 boys and a girl (me the baby). In all these times raising a family, she was also excelling in her job, acquiring more certifications and training, trying out multiple business, supporting many of my uncles,aunties,cousins which we did have many of them staying in our home at different times in our lives. She juggled all these things and kept going, she was unstoppable. In her working career at this time, she rose up from that secretary status to a senior manager then an investment manager responsible for evaluation of subsidiary companies and then a board director as well.

Blessing in Disguise…

Now she was at her game in this large company and it showed on all levels that she was next in line for a promotion and things turned around 360 and for some “political” reason, she was advised that it will better for her to resign. She felt really down and did. However this sudden retirement turned out to be a blessing in disguise to herself and the family later. The contact she made with people during the times as a board director in those companies now gave opportunity to secure a huge contract which then sustained the family into her retirement life.

The Impact…

So here am I, almost turning 40 years old in few months happily married with 4 beautiful children, a career woman and entrepreneur. I am here reviewing my life and realizing the great impact my mother has been to me. She saw in me that little girl that is so smart that could skip two grades level from elementary school into middle school. She saw in me that teenager that could try out the entrance exam one year before finishing high school that took me into to college. She saw in me that young woman getting married, having children, being a great wife, being nice to my in laws, a nice friend, accepting people as they are, getting into the medical career, exploring different businesses. She sees it all and those days when we get that never ending talks and I pour out my frustrations, she always had the right words to says to get me on my game. One of the statements she always say which I will never forget is this, “Gabriella you are just like me, I have seen it all and have gone through it all, you keep going and you will be fine.” Well here I am, I am fine because I realized I am a passionate, purposeful and driven woman. I am unstoppable. Thanks mom!