Celebrating mum-in-law’s 60th birthday

What you need to know:

About two weeks ago, my mother in-law turned 60. I remember the first day I met her, about nine years ago. I had no idea what to expect. She was, however, warm and received me well

Looking back at how they have done it, I hope to celebrate each decade I add to my life the way my parents have done, and recently, my mother-in-law too. They have done so with celebrations, happiness and thanksgiving. If there was any moaning about not getting any younger, I did not hear it.

About two weeks ago, my mother in-law turned 60. I remember the first day I met her, about nine years ago. I had no idea what to expect. She was, however, warm and received me well.

I remember though, that minutes after she met me, she took hubby aside and asked what he was doing bringing an underage girl home with plans to marry her! She thought I was less than 18 years old yet I was about nine years older than that.

When she was sure I was of age, she gave her blessings and I have had a good relationship with her, something which I am grateful to her for.
So when her 60th birthday was coming up, she called us sounding really thrilled.

She was so excited, she almost beat our seven-year-old’s excitement when it comes to celebrating any birthday in the family. It was just nice to hear the happiness in her voice. She wanted to celebrate it in a fairly big way with a small party, big cake and family around her, and deservedly so.

Mukade, as she is fondly called, has been through quite a lot in her life. She lost her husband 11 years ago and although most of her children were all grown up by then, with some already looking after themselves, it was a blow for her. But she had to pull herself through it and continue running the home.

A few years later, some wonderful things happened in her family. One of her children got married and some grandchildren came along the way. It was time for celebration. But it seemed something was always in the way of the celebrations. Because soon after, she lost a son-in-law in a most horrific way and the circumstances around the death shook her family greatly. And then, only months after that death, she lost a daughter to an illness that we never really got to identify.

All these things, for some, are enough to let them live miserable lives, pitying themselves, wondering why all the bad things have happened to them. But not Mukade. She has borne each pain the best way she knows how to. She grieves for the losses but then she moves on, knowing that other members in the family need her.

She keeps a bright demeanour and still has many plans for her future. She keeps her gardens, cows and goats well. She also keeps children that she finds abandoned in her home, hoping she can give them warmth, comfort and if money allows, an education.

Mukade has got a big hearty laugh and I guess that is something that defines her character. She is not big physically, by any means, but she has a big heart. And now, she looks forward to celebrating another decade. Knowing that she trusts and believes in God, my prayer is that He will keep her well and allow her to celebrate her 70th birthday.