It’s been such an immense
past week.
My emotions have been
turbulent, but through it all, I have a very pure sense of pride. I’m proud to
be a South African, and proud that I can share Madiba’s life and lessons with
my 2 sons.
It’s really difficult.
How do you explain to a 5 and 3 year old what actually happened? We try to simplify
it completely and use the ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’ scenario but when you see the
confusion on their little faces when trying to take in that white people weren’t
allowed to share the bus with black people, well… it’s just so unbelievably
sad. Sad because I can’t believe what happened, and simply devastating that it
took so long to change.
I am proud of my
husband as he’s taught the boys a simple little mantra and he keeps reminding
them of it. ‘What is Mandela the superhero of?’ And they both chime in unison, ‘Love!’
‘And what else boys?’ ‘Respect!’ they shout. It’s so damn cute, and my heart jumps
with emotion each time they do it. I hope that one day they’ll truly understand
what they’re saying.
The most humbling part
is our beloved Madiba, what he stood for, what he achieved and what he pledged
his life to – The peace of our beautiful land.
So let us remember
these days, and not forget. Let’s heal old wounds, learn to forgive and move
on.
Let’s try to teach our
children what Madiba stood for and would have died for. Love, respect and
peace.