Today, young girls might think they need superpowers or a flashy costume to change the world. But true heroines are often the quiet ones, like my mum—the woman who shaped my life with her quiet strength.
She was born into the post-World War II era, where families faced hardship and fought to survive. Tough as nails yet endlessly warm, she faced poverty, ridicule, and pain that would have defeated many. But, instead, she transformed them into sources of empathy and resolve. To me, she was everything: a mentor, my protector, storyteller, and my beacon of hope.
She meant the world to me—the steady force who proved that determination, education, hard work, and compassion could overcome anything. Mum made me feel deeply loved and secure, even in tough times. Her hugs soothed tears; her stories healed invisible wounds. She was proud when I succeeded and showed gentle understanding when I faltered, making me feel seen, valued, and capable of greatness.
Her influence runs through who I am today. She taught me to stand against injustice, earn respect through actions, and rise after falls—allowing a moment to cry first. Her belief that “the pen is mightier than the sword” drove me to embrace knowledge as empowerment. When I brought home poor marks, her words—”Diamonds are formed when coal is put under pressure”—reminded me that our struggles forge strength.
One story captures her essence. At school, knitting was compulsory, but needles were unaffordable. Undaunted, young Mum used two rusted nails to knit the required teddy bear. Mocked by classmates, she earned her teacher’s admiration—and wool to finish it. That little bear symbolised her belief that limitations exist only if we accept them. And, creativity and perseverance turn the ordinary into magic.
Her meticulous planning and tireless support helped me chase dreams, instilling in me that anyone can achieve anything with effort. She shaped my empathy, resilience, and optimism—qualities I carry daily to honour her.
In her eyes, her life was simple. To me, it was profound. She often asked, “Do you really believe the sky’s the limit?”
For girls dreaming big today, Mum’s life whispers: “Adversity doesn’t define you—your response does. You are enough.”
With heart and hard work, you can change the world, just as she changed mine.
-Helen B
Both my parents shaped me in the same way. Honesty and integrity came first. My Dad was a carpenter and I paid attention to how he built …matching grains…whether varnish or paint, it was always with the grain. Cabinets had the doors and drawers with the matching patterns of the grain. My Mom was the same if you were sewing a plaid. The lines had to match.
When we think about it, that is how the heart is. We match with personalities, lives of caring, interests and so forth. Like Helen B. It is preserving in whatever circumstance, and believing.
Dit is pragtig Helen
Beautiful, very heartfelt!
Helen, jou Moeder was ‘n besonderse mens. Ek kan soveel wat jy hier vertel, in jou raaksien. Dankie vir die mooi skrywe.