The Unknown Strength Within

Today's article is a tribute to my biggest inspiration and toughest critic: my mother. Some who know her can say that she is an absolute unstoppable force; she's the kind of person who can move mountains when she sets her mind to it. Like any mother-daughter relationship, we've had our fair share of disagreements, but beyond those, she's a strong yet incredibly kind-hearted individual—a true embodiment of womanhood.

Born into a wealthy family in September 1962, she was adored by each member of her family. She pursued her education with a bachelor's degree in chemistry, excelling in her field. In 1986, she married a kind-hearted man and faced a couple of initial challenges of adjusting to a new family, as many women do after marriage. Despite the struggles, she created a loving home for her small family of four.

Tragically, my father passed away at a young age, leaving her alone to care for my brother and me while also grappling with financial difficulties. Belonging to a wealthy family, who treated her as a princess to the time when she struggled to pay for necessities. But, instead of succumbing to despair, she showed remarkable resilience. She took on extra work, tutoring students in her spare time, to provide for our family's needs. She continued to persevere, taking on the role of both mother and father. Witnessing her unwavering determination, my brother and I learned the value of independence, money, and self-sufficiency from a young age.

Despite the challenges of raising teenagers and managing her own grief, my mother ventured into entrepreneurship, starting her own business selling dress materials. It was a daunting endeavour, requiring her to source materials from various regions, manage a team of employees, and juggle the demands of running a business while still being there for her children.

She finally started to see the silver lining when my brother returned with a master’s degree and work experience and took over the finances of the family. Just when life seemed to be getting easier, tragedy struck again with the untimely passing of my brother. Once more, she found herself facing immense grief and responsibility. Yet, she didn't falter, despite her advancing age and physical limitations. This is when her strength opened my eyes, and I began to absorb the strength of this woman.

My mother's strength, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her family have been a constant source of inspiration for me. Her disciplined routine, financial independence, and ability to overcome adversity have shaped me into the person I am today. While our relationship may be filled with arguments, I am endlessly proud of her and grateful for her sacrifices.

This article is not just about my mother—it's a tribute to all the women who have faced challenges with grace and courage. Whether it's your mother, aunt, grandmother, or daughter, each one has her own unique struggles and triumphs. Today, let's celebrate their resilience and strength and acknowledge the sacrifices they've made to ensure a better future for us all.

Hetvi K.