Leaving a Rich Legacy
When I first heard the news of Michael Jackson’s death, like everyone else I could not believe that the “King of pop” had passed on. I stood transfixed in front of the television set for two hours, absorbing the news and wondering why and how he had died. This may sound silly but all my entire life I never imagined Michael Jackson dead! A week later, I watched the memorial service aired live by one of the media stations and I was deeply moved by the proceedings. However, what really stood out for me during this period was the will that Michael left bequeathing his wealth to his mother, children and charity. He specifically stated that his mother takes care of his children in the event of his death, and if she is to pass on, then Diana Ross (a music legendary and friend to Michael) should be able to take up the task.
While not disregarding the controversies that surrounded his life, I would like us to draw some life lessons as mothers- to-be. Our lives may not be as high-profiled or ‘moneyed’ as MJ’s, but we definitely should be able to transfer these lessons into our daily lives. The first one is the need to think about the future of our babies. As a mother-to-be, what are you putting in place to ensure that your baby is as comfortable as possible even as he/she makes entry into the world? Preparing your baby’s future begins with visits to the ante-natal clinic, eating right, resting enough and putting aside some cash to cater for the hospital bill, and general upkeep in the first few months.
I do not want anyone to be pressurised into delivering at any of the top private hospitals since it is important to live within your means and not to start off your new baby’s life with debts! It is however worthwhile to invest in your baby’s life starting now, as part of the rich legacy you are creating. Years later, when they will be expecting their own babies, you can gladly share with them the joys and anxieties of your hospital visits, your diet and how much you did in preparation for them.
The second lesson for me is the special bond that mothers share with their babies. The baby you are carrying in your womb is precious and as a mother you have been honoured with the gift of nurturing, loving and cuddling the little one. For some of us, we may be stuck in abusive relationships with our spouses or partners and with the little one on the way, there is a lot of fear and anxiety. There are those of us who have been abandoned by our spouses or partners and once again our hearts are filled with the fear of the unknown and the continued worry that you may not be in a position to adequately provide for the baby.
On the other hand, there are those of us whose spouses or partners are quite supportive and are eagerly waiting with us for the birth of the new born. Regardless of the category you fall in, you have an opportunity as a mother-to-be to greatly influence your baby. Motherhood provides a unique opportunity to impart knowledge, wisdom, values and tales of experience to the young one while offering protection to the young one from undue pain and sorrow. While you may not shield the little one from life’s painful experiences, you can be the shoulder he or she runs to in times of need or trouble.
Lastly, as a mother-to-be, you can begin to respond to the needs of countless children in our society who are orphaned or less advantaged. You can share the abundance of grace and love that comes with being a mother. When was the last time you gave to charity? When was the last time you visited a children’s home and spent time with them? When did you last check on your orphaned nieces and nephews or your late neighbor’s children to make sure they are fine? Reaching out to the less fortunate children is both rewarding and satisfying, and will constantly remind you It of how blessed you are to be a mother-to-be.
Leaving a rich legacy is not just about material wealth. I believe it is in the day-to-day activities in which we share the wealth of who we are with those around us. It starts with loving and nurturing the baby in your womb, even as you prepare as adequately as possible to usher him or her into the world. A rich legacy can also be defined by the quality of relationship you share with your baby during his or her lifetime.
What memories will the baby you are carrying have of you in fifty years to come? In addition, as a mother-to- be, I would like to encourage you to expand the scope of your legacy by embracing the less fortunate children in your extended family or neighborhood; they too need your loving care and attention. The mother-to-be who is keen on creating a rich legacy for her baby and the children around her is wise, and as one proverb aptly states, ‘The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.’ You can start now by engraving your thoughts and deeds in the form of pictures, family gatherings, birthday celebrations, poems, music, among others, and as your baby grows surrounded by the memories of your rich legacy, he will honor you in years to come.
END: PG 26 /15-16