FEW can deny the amount of care and nurturing that a mother extends to her children throughout their lifetimes with the aim for them to become responsible adults and thereby make meaningful contributions to society. But many times, those women have to balance that full-time job while also working on their own professional careers.

Sherry Jerrick has been a mother for the past 18 years and is one of those moms who juggle work and motherhood daily. She explained that this has its advantages and disadvantages.
“The only advantage of juggling work, studies and taking care of my children is that today, I am what I am: everything that I am and everything that I have are attributed to my work ethics, my will to persevere in difficult circumstances and my innate characteristics of resilience, self-awareness and confidence,” she explained.

“As for disadvantages, I have a notable few to mention: I was not able to be there for my children as much as I wanted to. Yes, I provided for their needs, but I was physically absent on many occasions. I missed a lot of important events in my children’s life: take for instance my younger daughter lived with my cousin and then with her paternal grandmother from ages three to 10. That is seven years of her life that I missed. I regret it daily. My elder daughter missed out on a lot of things that she wanted when she was younger, mainly because I had to make choices between keeping her a birthday party and putting food on the table; between paying my university tuition or buying her new shoes and clothing. But I thank God for the support system of family and friends, they made it easier for us.”

Jerrick also made mention of the fact that there were times when things were very difficult, but she managed to overcome them as well.
“If you know me well enough, you will attest that I am a very loving, thoughtful and kind-hearted person. I have never experienced discouragement, tiredness or frustration with my children. I am a very firm, disciplined mother, but I have always taught them about the value of contentment and honesty.

Therefore, the times when we lack I made my children feel comfortable and loved irrespective…,” she said. “I can recall a short period of my life when my father was ill and bedridden and I couldn’t manage financially, so my daughter and I spent most of our time eating bread with different spreads and condiments for flavour. I believed firmly in the word that ‘this too shall pass’ and it kept me. Thank God it did. I can also tell you about the time I wanted to quit university, because my classes were scheduled to end at 9pm. All this while my daughter was home alone, awaiting my arrival for her dinner. I don’t wish to remember those days. Many see my glory, but they have no idea what my story unfolded. In short, everything that I am and everything I have, I truly deserve.”

She explained that mothers need an impetus to push them forward. For Sherry, she is inspired by her children.
According to her, she doesn’t want them to experience what she has gone through in terms of working and studying.
Jerrick made the point that it could be very difficult to maintain a balance to the extent that she practically self-studied many courses while attending university.

Jerrick revealed also that she received encouragement from her parents and a lot of persons who have impacted her life over the years.

“There is an unspeakable, immense joy in being a mother. Giving birth to my children, watching them grow and knowing that they are well-rounded and spiritually grounded excite me a lot. That feeling of gratification is often linked to that fact that no matter how many times I have fallen and failed at many, many things, and no matter how much I have accomplished, the one thing I have passed with flying colours is the test of motherhood,” she explained. “I did my best and give [sic] my all to ensure that they will be better than I can ever be.

Today, we are all united and living under one roof. I have a very loving, supportive spouse and an extended family that I love dearly. I wouldn’t trade anything for what God has done, what he is doing and what I am assured by his word that he will do.”