Thread by @AyienoKechu

Remembering my mother on #MothersDay.

My mom wasn't the "best mother in the world." But, she tried her best to be a good mother. Like all humans, she was flawed and towards the end, with age and battle against cancer, she became eccentric and challenging to handle.

Thread ⬇️

Growing up being her daughter was not easy. She was finicky. E.g., clothes had to be hung on the clothesline in a certain way depending on the type and material, folded and segregated in a certain way. The "certain way" was her way.

My mom was hardworking. She had to since she raised 5 children alone. I used to look forward to her come home from work. But on her return, we would invariably get scolded for not doing extra beyond the assigned tasks. She pushed us beyond our limits in many areas of our lives

Mom always pushed us to study hard. Once, I got 1st position in school exam. She said, "other people also get 1st position so don't let it get into your head." I wanted to flunk & "teach her a lesson." But, by then, she had already ingrained in me diligence & hardwork

I don't remember being hugged or kissed by her. I don't remember her telling me "I love you." She showed her love in ways I didn't understand then. School fees were always paid on time, was never made to wear torn school uniform & never went to bed hungry.That was her ♥️ language

When mom retd from govt service, the pension she received in hand was a meagre amount after repaying several loans for our education. She prepared her burial place & divided the remaining amount among her children & grandchildren. She was happy we didn't have to pay off her loans

That was my mom. God fearing, perfectionist, fiercely independent, disciplinarian, aggressively optimistic & self-reliant. She wasn't a perfect mom but she was perfect for me becos none could handle better my idiosyncrasies. God has her in His keeping. I have her in my heart.