It is indescribable the possible bond that can exist between a mother and child and I have experienced that. I am blessed to have two amazing daughters, an adorable grandson and cutest granddaughters. I have had many mountain tops and valley moments along this motherhood journey but if I had an option to be or not to be I will certainly be.

I was fortunate to have a mom like Claudia Noel John who gave motherhood her best shot under adverse circumstances. Love, compassion and caring for each other were a natural part of our lives. We did not have a lot of material things but the simple things had a big impact on our lives. We love her more than words can express and I thank God for her every day. We all have different stories experiencing motherhood but there are similarities. I asked a few ladies I know to share with us what motherhood means to them.

Phebe Wallerson is the youngest mom sharing her journey today. “I have a sixteen-month-old son and this is my greatest achievement. There existed between the beautiful wondrous magic I carried and the glorious son I birthed, a deep fear of inadequacy. Of all my times in motherhood yet, my lowest moment came while looking at my three week old who had gas. I was unable to make him better and my mind raced. What if this was not limited to gas? What if I can’t wipe every tear, fix every hardship, teach him well enough?

I believe that the first time I heard him say “mom” and my fears melted. The responsibility is great but I know that God will enable me. To him, I will always be mom and he doesn’t look at all that I can’t do. To him I am mom and that means possible.”
I am younger than my friend Dr Raquel Thomas-Caesar but already a grandmaa. This is what she shared with us. “My highest point in the journey of motherhood was the birth of my daughter who I planned for carefully. She was named with a purpose, an African name that means ‘her place’ and her place in my life has motivated me to never give up even in the lowest moments.

My lowest point is when she was ill in April 2008 when she was two years old when she had an ear infection that the first set of antibiotics did not work and she developed a painful abscess by her ear. The great ENT specialist Dr Sharma saved the day by finding a suitable antibiotic but the overwhelming feeling of not being able to help my child when she was in so much pain was too much. I was unable to sleep but thank goodness for my dear mom who came over to spend some nights and relieve me of some of the stress. We all want to be there to protect our children, but some times we have to trust that there is bigger power looking over them.”

I believe that higher power intervenes on our behalf many times and many mothers will agree with me including Jo Ann Forde.
“Mother!!? Jo-Ann Forde a Mother!?? Never!!! Those are the thoughts that went through my head for years even after having both my children. That’s because I never found value and worth in myself. I was scared of not knowing how to teach them values and morals that will sustain them through childhood into adulthood.

It took years for me to get it together personally, then once I got myself together, parenting became the part of life I enjoy the most. I basically look over my life and thought them from my stupid choices and mistakes, so they don’t have to go through that. My children and I have a great open communication relationship which is very important. I’m super glad God chose me to be a mother to my children because now when I look at them I’m honoured that I was able to invest into them.

I Love being a MOTHER!”
Racquel Shafiullah said “Motherhood means to me, a special God-given gift, the really special moment of motherhood is to raise six kids. There are sad moments, happy moments and even exciting moments to celebrate special moments and achievements. My high points of motherhood are to love them and to be there for them knowing how it is when you don’t have a mother is not a nice feeling. And also I let them have dreams and visions for themselves with the help of God. Low points in motherhood are when they don’t live up to my expectations it really hurt as a mother to see our kids try to do their own thing when you try your best with them”.

I asked my cousin Sheneva Jacobs to also share with us. “I’m a mother of three: a teenager, a nine-year-old and a four-year-old so as you can imagine in this time of quarantine my home is quite entertaining. I’ve experienced a wide array of emotions and played a lot of roles during this journey. From the happiest moments of my life (the birth of my three kids) to some less happy time (when they are hurt or sick ).

The roles of a referee, (during their many fights with each other), the role of confidant, (listening to my nine-year-old talk about her crush and fallouts with her best friend), the role of the protector (continuously praying for their safety and protection) and putting measures in place to ensure they have a safe environment and providing for them. It’s not always easy the decision or the sacrifice you have to make but a mother will always do what she thinks is best for her kids.”

My sister Nicola Noel Ward also shared: “Motherhood, I see it as a special privilege by God. He gave me five human beings for me to care for and nurture. I must admit, it’s not easy at times but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the entire world. My worst fear is dying and leaving them, especially when they are still young.”

As a mother sometimes I had to keep going when I was exhausted. I made tough decisions sometimes without knowing if it is the right decision. I doubted myself many times questioning if I could have done things differently. I had to fill the slot of a father which was sometimes difficult. One thing I know for sure is without God in my life my daughters could not have been the women they are becoming. I believe we all have our mountain and valley moments and I would love you to share with us. Email soniaenoel@gmail.com as we continue to enjoy this beautiful journey called life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.