A joy to watch them grow – Astrid Alleyne
What gives you the greatest joy about being a mother?
The joy and love I feel in being a mother is indescribable at times. Case in point, watching my children grow, discover, love and learn from babies to a girl and a boy who can communicate and learn to live with the world around them, which tends to be very amazing and alarming. Living in the moment and being mindful of the present allows me as a mother to benefit from the relationship with my children. Allowing myself to appreciate my children will cultivate their self-esteem and create the essence of the joy of motherhood as God has allowed to happen.
Every day is an adventure in which I intend my children to discover in this life. Moreover, teaching them the Golden Rule, assisting each other as well as themselves, I thank God every day for this opportunity to make a difference in their lives and what a difference they make in mine.
We perform the role of teachers as well as the role of students. As I teach my children to develop into fine young people, they teach me how to keep those childlike qualities that make us all alive, free and ready for the next adventure. Thank you for this opportunity to let everyone know how blessed it is to be a mother.
What legacy do you want to leave your children?
The legacy I desire to leave for my children is I want them to be educable, be well disciplined, respectful and well mannered children and developing a close relationship with God. In today’s society, there are scores of young people who do not know the value of education in their lives or what it means to be a polite and well mannered individual in this dispensation. They understand that there are days to attend school, days to socialize with friends and family. However, there is also a day to attend Sunday school. Be a follower of God and a leader of yourself. Leaving a legacy of excellence as well, I encourage both Jade and Jaydon to strive to be their best every day. As they strive for excellence, they will inspire excellence in others. My life is the greatest legacy and since I only have one life to give, I will give it all I can. I would pass on the legacy of love to them and in return they will embrace generations to come.
Moulding morals and values – Omotola Best
1. What gives you the greatest joy about being a mother?
From the moment I was confirmed pregnant, I was on “Cloud 9” – imagine the feeling, times two! Satola and Lionel, my pride and joy together, my own angels.
I cannot exactly pinpoint “the greatest joy” because there are so many little things which would all tie into a nice bundle.
The look on their faces when they want something they are aware they cannot have and those same looks changing into pleasant ones, once they obtain their longings.
They both have determination to learn new things, effortlessly. Moments spent playing together – whether we are at home or at a park; the attention they receive while in public; the little things they do as they seek “independence” – totally priceless! Like every kid, the mischievous deeds they do – together, I might add – and praise they anticipate as a reward for doing them is too funny. A few days ago, it became evident to me that my babies are getting older day by day; after drinking their normal amount of porridge they requested more and drank all too.
2. What legacy do you want to leave your children?
Let’s see. My legacy for Satola and Lionel are quite simple: stand up for what you believe in and to be proud of who you are. Trust and obey God Almighty for He will truly guide you through life’s path. I also believe that acknowledging that you have made a mistake does not make you any less a person. It means that you are a better person for owning up to it.
Stemming from that, the choices and decisions which are made along life’s journey, one must accept and endure the consequences – whether good or bad.
Having a great impact on the moulding of morals and values for my children, I try to live by example so that it would be easy for them to understand and live by the standards I uphold. At their age, they are like sponges – absorbing the world around them. I encourage them to try again if they are unable to do something, to never give up.
My mother loves to cook, I love to cook and my children, well, they enjoy being in the kitchen with me. Sometimes, they try to imitate me by pushing their chairs by the sink to wash the dishes. At this age, everything is fun to them. In time, I will show them how to cook and leave my special recipes for them.
Pain is another aspect of my legacy. I would like my children to know how to handle it. If they are dealing with pain, I do not want them to worry because it only makes you stronger and it is always a learning experience to make you wiser.
Having Satola and Lionel in my life, gives me no greater joy with all things they conjure up to make me forget about pain and all the ills that come with it. Now, adapting to being a single mother of two-year-old twin babies, I can say I am a very proud mother.
