Celebrating the African Woman

For many reasons a woman is special and should be celebrated. Loving crafted by her maker, she was built to last; the Creator gifted her with an extra dose of depth and strength in preparation for the role she would play on earth. In my short life I have come across several women who in going about their daily ‘ordinary’ business have touched me and others and should be celebrated I have chosen to celebrate one in particular who to me represents all these women, Princess.

Princess is my mother, the first born of many children and mother of two. Princess has had it rough like most people on earth, but she didn’t just roll over and die; she took her portion of lime and made lemonade! Widowed twice, she has managed to do a good job of raising two children, me and my 20 year old sister who has cerebral palsy. I learned the meaning of forgiveness as I watched her struggle with the hand fate dealt her. I learned the meaning of beauty as I watched her touch people with her kindness. I learned the meaning of perseverance as I watched her lovingly not give up on my sister. We have had our ups and downs and will continue to butt heads I am sure. You see Princess is Ijesha ( a tribe among the Yoruba’s who hail from Osun state) and they are notoriously stubborn. For some reason my sister and I inherited that from her (plus her skinny legs) so you can see how butting heads is a full time job at my house! As I have grown older, our battles are not as ‘bloody’ though just as intense. Now we are less Mother and Daughter, more friends so even though she might not agree with me on issues or vice versa, we both know that we have got each others back. My beautiful brown Princess, looking at her you wouldn’t know she was a day over 40. I am grateful for the honor of having half of her genes, and the privilege to have her as my guardian on earth. My strong African Princess I love you.

Today is International Womens Day and this post is written to celebrate all women, particularly the African Woman. It was Sokari and Mshairi's idea to post today to honor/celebrate the African Woman, I am thankful to have been a part of it.