Today, Mothers’ Day, is a good time not just for celebrating our mothers but also for reflection on motherhood.
Let me begin by celebrating my late mother, Madam Abena Atta, as well as my wife, Evelyn, for all the cooking and housekeeping and helping raise the kids. In addition to these, I have reflected a lot on the “mothers” in my life.
I start with my surrogate mother, Aminata Wangara, who stepped in whenever my mother was absent or angry, with comfort and tuo-safi and other great dishes. Teacher Mercy Adubofuor of TAPASS was a great mother figure. At Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School, Alberta Bodom showed us tough love and provided encouragement. When I got into trouble as a student leader, Maame Serwaa was incredible. As she said, us boys were trouble, “Menfii mo mpo!”
And I still remember the matronly, grey-haired Ivoirien woman who, upon hearing my story, gave me a hug and kept repeating, “Mon Dieu,” while crying.
In Canada, at the University of Toronto, my mother was Head of Department, Professor Doane. After writing many references for me, I finally went to thank her for her support before leaving to begin my residency. Her reserve broke. “Come for a hug, son,” she said. “You are the most determined and resilient student I have taught in my 30 years here.” Then, as I headed out of the door, she shouted, “Stay humble.”
During my residency, my mother/big sister was the iconic OKESS SP, Josephine Oppong. She and her husband were incredible. They really made me feel at home.
In honour of these great women and those in your life, let’s encourage our women to get their pap smears, mammograms and colonoscopies. And while at it, let’s encourage them to celebrate and where necessary, reconcile with the men who made them mothers.
And to you, my fellow men, every day is Mothers’ Day. Be kind and supportive to the women in your life. If you are treating your wife better than your mother, you are setting a bad example for your children! Your wife/side-chick should not get the latest phone from you when your mother only has a “bankye” phone.
Happy Mothers’ Day and God bless you all.
