Pauline Campbell
My mother is an inspiring example of showing love through acts of service. She was non stop, always going above and beyond to make sure her 7 children were taken care of. She performed her motherly duties to the best of her abilities.
(Story shared by Patricia Henderson, Mom and health and wellness coach)
New York, USA
I didn't grow up in a well to do neighborhood in Jamaica but I felt wealthy because I grew up with a mom who took great care of me.
While my father worked so bills could be paid, my mother did her best to make a comfortable home for us. I don’t know how she was able to do it all with no help, not even convenience of technology, and very limited financial means. She worked tirelessly everyday to provide for the needs of seven children. She washed and ironed our clothes, cooked our food, brushed our hair, took care of our needs for school without any complaints. My mother made sure that everybody got their food to eat even if it meant she wouldn't have any. I saw my mother overcome whatever limitation she thought she had as long as it benefitted us. She’s a determined and hardworking woman who showed us so much love through her acts of service.
Living in the US now, I am the primary caretaker to two boys and I count this as a big accomplishment for me. It is not easy. It has pushed me to really get out of my comfort zone and be resourceful. Just like my mother, what I probably wouldn’t do for myself I would do for the benefit of my children. I've learned to be bold and seek help from our church for possible mentors for my kids. I’ve joined women's support groups, and go to other organizations where it could make a difference in my parenting and find all types of support available so my kids get the best.
I don’t think I would be as accepting and appreciative of my role as my children’s caretaker if I didn't feel, see, and experience the love of my own mother. Because of how my mother modeled performing motherly duties to me, I feel like I am a good parent to my kids and grateful for the life that I have.
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Dear Mom,
Thank you for being there for me through all the struggles including when I was a sickly child who needed so much care. You were always going above and beyond. Thank you for your tireless efforts, for those sleepless nights to make sure I got healthy and survive the illnesses. Thank you for having such strong faith that I was going to survive and I did! I have a blessed life because you kept believing.
Throughout my growing years, I appreciate the days you took time to comb my hair, to speak light into my life, teach me good manners. Thank you for even allowing me to leave Jamaica so I could pursue a better life, greater opportunities, better education even if it meant being separated from your own child. I am so grateful for you. I am the way I am because of you. I love you.
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Patricia Henderson
Health and Wellness Coach