The Boy who changed who I am!

My 40 before 40 inspirational people could not leave out the boy who changed my whole perspective on life.

As a woman who was told on numerous occasions that fertility would become the biggest struggle in her life, I was given a chance of HOPE when I fell pregnant. The news broke me in beautiful ways that have taught me how to believe and dream on but it also taught me about my new self.

As a new mother, I was scared, petrified and feeling overwhelmed. It felt like my world was in my hand as so was the beautiful life of another human being. While pregnancy gave me hope, birth gave me courage, which up till today I have much of and at times none. Taking the plunge and learning about how to become a better parent for my brood, made me invest in parenthood, my career and myself. Studying with a newborn was very much a heartbreak and a win. I showed up, tried my best and conquered through.

We started Kindergarten together, him K1 and me K2. Both scared, both witty, both curious. Never underestimating his capabilities and him mine. We endured our first year and moved together to a new school. Both still scared, both still witty and both still curious. Him in the classroom next door was a little win and a heartbreak at the same time. I recall when I told him off for calling me "mummy" during work. He understood the assignment while I cried secretly inside. I missed out on his school activities to make space for my own students. He understood the assignment while I once again cried secretly inside. Being a parent-practitioner can be both rewarding and a challenge but looking at it today I would not have changed anything from it all. It made him stronger and it made me twice as much.

His ability to teach me along his beautiful ways made me feel at ease, at peace and so much loved. He was the missing piece which I needed even when I dwell on my responsibilities and cry over my infertility. The boy who keeps reminding me that I am more than just his mother keeps inspiring me through his unconditional beautiful ways.

Heading back to my books, I was scared to miss out big milestones. He was proud of me for taking big steps and work through it all. Lighting up my candles, puffing up my pillows and embracing me with every meltdown. He needed me during his transitions, however I needed him more. Beaming with pride he saw me graduate, he lifted my spirits and he showed pride in me being his mother. It was a peaceful feeling but a guilty one too. Throughout my mother guilt, he made me look at the bigger picture of what he has accomplished independently. A sigh of relief and a lesson learnt together with million tears.

Fast forward to my biggest nightmare, he still persevered and conquered what was once seen as impossible. Inspiring me to stay resilient during the most hardships times, because the process teaches us more on pretty endings. The teachings of appreciation, kindness and respect took place in moments when I was ready to give up. He was the light to carry my weight even when he was the one struggling through it all. Persevered, conquered and championed like a pro.

Till this day a teen who surpasses anyone's expectations. A gentleman, my pride and my joy. The young man who changed my life is moving on to bigger things. He is not changing, he is growing. I on the otherhand keep watching from the sidelines on how I can be better as a person, as a professional and a human being. Forever his mother and so him as my son but both different humans. Some forget that while we facilitate the development of our children, we are investing in our own. I forever will not only see my son as an extention of my DNA, but he will always be my mentor, my life coach and above all the most inspiring human being I could ever meet.

Happy Birthday to the man of the hour, the man who made me a mother, the man who made me love myself just as I am.