To mum, with love

We never know the love of a parent until we become parents ourselves writes CHRISTINE PAKAKOTA

THERE is a saying; the moment a child is born, the mother is born.
How very true, the woman existed, but the mother, never. 
A mother is something absolutely new. So, true that we never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves.
A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.
A mother never knew she could love something so much until she has a beautiful baby, who calls her mummy!!
Mother’s Day comes once a year.
Some think that if they buy their mother gifts then they have fulfilled their obligation for the rest of the year.
Just think of what our mothers did for us as children, and how they would literally die for us if needed, we would realise that one day is not sufficient.
Mothers Day is a time to remind us that we have been neglecting our duties as sons and daughters.
This relationship is sacred let us honor our mothers.
You do not have to buy something fancy or very expensive for your mum; it’s the ‘thank you’ and ‘I love you’ that counts the most or even a short poem to express your feeling.
Now that I have a family of my own, I understand how much work and love it takes to raise and to keep a family together. 
Mum, the example of your strength, devotion, and patience is now rippling through. Thank you!
A mum is best described as the pillar of any household and I salute my mum for that, for if it was not for her, I would not be what I am today, a mother of two lovely children Bethany and Byron and a wife to Anthony.
I often reflect on my childhood, thinking of all the things you gave me: sacrifice, devotion, love and tears, strength and sweet security.
Your heart, your mind, your energy and soul – all these you spent on me throughout the years.
You loved me with a never-failing love, and then you did the hardest thing of all; you let me separate and set me free.
Every day, I try my best to be a mother like the mom you were to me.
The thousands of things you did for me that helped make me happier, stronger and wiser, because I had you as a role model.
I grew up in a three-bedroom house but my mum’s kitchen is a room that’s made of dreams, of fantasies, created by a love of cooking schemes.
Mum’s many dishes are a testimony of her love for cooking and she did it in style and I am sure my family members will agree with me.
She cooked for my sister Jennifer and me when we were expecting our children and still does that for us.
And she did the same for my cousin sisters Nancy Koyama, Delilah Wagambie, Cleopatra Aramanat and Luddy Sallun.
That’s how big the love of this Manus woman is.
You welcome our husbands with a treat of your dishes and today they,  like us, always look forward to your cooking.
Bethany can say she’s full at our house but a visit to Waigani will see her checking if nasi (grandmother) has anything good in the kitchen.
I can also cook rice, chicken and kumu and coconut milk and Bethany says she’s had enough without touching much of the food but if it’s cooked by nasi, I hear she went through her plate like a tornado.
It’s the magic touch of a mother/grandmother that our heavenly father blessed them with.
I’m grateful for all the times you healed my hurt and calmed my fears, so that I could face the world feeling safe and secure.
I’m thankful for all you showed me about how to love and give lessons that now bring so many blessings to me each and every day.
Your sacrifices and unselfishness did not go unnoticed, mum.
We – myself,  Anthony, Bethany and Byron; Jennifer, her husband Mao and children Apiness and Anthony Kali; Leonie Banian; Kevin Banian and dad love and thank God for blessing us with you!
And for those, whose mothers have gone to eternal rest, they will be honoured in heaven by the angels and I pay special tribute to Julie Muru Francis – thank you bubu mummy for the love you showered on your family – Pakakota’s.
You have gone to rest but your love has seen your children through, a love to help them carry on, because that’s what mother’s do.