Mirror Of My Heart
Behind all my stories is always my mother’s story, because hers is where mine begins – Mitch Albom
Ask anyone who knows my mum, they will either refer to her as Ms. Wilson or Sister Wilson and will go on to say “She is such a nice lady”, “You have a great mother”, “That lady is selfless”, “That’s a determined woman”, “Your mother is resilient”, “She is a giver”, “Your mother is a strong woman”, “Your mother really loves the Lord”.
I have always wished that my daddy had stood up to his parental responsibility and not run off to Trinidad when I was only seven. He left mum to raise all six of us on her own. However, I must confess that I am very proud to be from what some would call a broken home. It was not easy watching mummy struggle to parent us on her own after being told what she should do and who she should be for years by my dictating, abusive father. However, it was very pleasing to see her transform from a docile, defeated, dependent, victim of domestic abuse into an assertive, decisive, self-assured mother and a strong independent leader.
Mummy is indeed unyielding. It was through trials and triumphs that she discovered the true meaning of her life, to serve God and to help people. She has many reputable qualities, however, the two attributes which I believe best describe my mummy and have had the most profound impact on my life are her Christian faith and passion for people.
Mum found salvation long before I was born but her indomitable Christian faith came when she stopped living in the shadow of our father. Her faith became her life, and it was inevitable that that faith would rub off on us. Mum prayed about everything. There was nothing too big or too small for her to bring before the family alter. I have vivid memories of mummy pounding on our bedroom doors calling “get up to pray”, “It is praying time”. There was no special prayer time in our household, anytime mum had the urge to pray or felt overwhelmed, she got us praying.
Mum got me believing in the power of prayer and what faith in God can do. Because of her lifestyle, Prayer became an integral part of my life and helped me through many childhood situations; whenever I felt lost or afraid, I remembered to pray. As a young adult, struggling with an inferiority complex and insecurity, I tapped into prayer and as an adult, when my faith waivered at the demise of my marriage. It was prayer that helped me to pick up the pieces of my life and put them back together allowing me to move forward even though there were times I myself did not believe this.
If I were to describe mum in one word it would be “Giver”. I have always admired her selflessness and her love for people. According to mum, loving and giving are conjoined twins. Mum gives the best of whatever she has and often the last if it comes to that. I remember as a child, when church folks came by just when mum was about to sit down to supper, she would get up from before her meal and share it with them. One evening, there was not much food in the kitchen, mum whipped up some chicken and dumplings for supper. When it was finished, she dished it out for all six kids as we sat on the kitchen floor. Just after mum finished leading us through the grace before meal, we heard someone calling; mum whispered: “Do not start eating until I get back”. After she had answered the door she came back and told us that we each had to give something from our plate for the guest.
Although we are all grown and are no longer under mum’s roof, we all share her indomitable Christian faith and her passion for people. Mum taught us how to pray and how to put others first. My career path as a Human Resource Professional, Trainer and Motivator was born as a result of the impact my mother had on my life. People who haven’t met mum think I am too good to be true and those who know her say: “You’re just like your mother!”
Billy Graham said “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the moulding of character in her children”. Many parents are able to bestow wealth and fame on their children; however, I am indebted to mum for bestowing on me my Christian faith and great compassion for people. I honour my mum, Eileen Agatha Thomas-Wilson for moulding me into the woman I am proud to have become.
“The mother’s heart is the child’s schoolroom.”- Henry Ward Beecher
Things that make my heart sing….