Daughters are often reflections of their mothers. This is especially true for Sharon Naidoo and her mother, Shirley Moodley. Both women have dedicated their lives to caring for others, raising their children, making homes and doing business with love.
“She is full of light, sass, nurture and love,” Sharon says of her mother, but really the same could be said of her. They share their favourite stories of being mum and daughter in heartfelt letters to each other:
Dear Daughter (for my birthday),
40 years ago, my beautiful princess was born. She lit up our lives and we were on our way to prosperity.
Growing up you were quiet, a poised little lady and intelligent. You loved the simple things in life. Your beautiful smile, your inner strength and your simplicity blew everyone away.
Sharon, you are my heartbeat. You make me proud in every way – at home, school, university and work. And, of course, you’re a super mum to your son – you’re a dedicated, kind human being and a role model in every situation.
You are also humble, yet unpredictable (like dynamite) – a force to reckon with.
My baby girl, I still remember giggles, jokes, and laughter till we cried. Especially every year at Diwali, when we were baking till midnight, and even at the flops.
Being a working mum myself, I thank you for so lovingly helping me every day with preparing supper and other chores. While appreciated, let’s not forget, you gave away all my Tupperware.
Mornings were very busy in our household. Everyone left early and at different times, but whenever you left your lunch behind I used to run in my pyjamas to give it to you. That cute smile you used to give is something I will always remember.
Hard work, determination, vision, dreams and passion for success make you a great leader. Life is a journey full of obstacles. Fight for what’s right, your belief and your spirituality in any situation. Don’t let anyone steal your dreams.
I share with you this quote from Mahatma Gandhi:
“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
You are every mother’s dream,
I love you, baby girl
Dear Mum (for Mother's Day),
I love you for the woman you are and the girl you raised. I love you silently when we fight and loudly when we are friends. I love you for making sure my coffee is hot, my jam tarts are baked and for knowing that having my favourites for breakfast brings love to my day. I love you for all those days I was late when you’d walk me to the bus while I ate – all so you knew I left with a full tummy.
Our journey has been up and down, and more times inside out. I know you want every part of life for me that escaped you and I want all the parts that you sacrificed. Our relationship as mums and daughters is tumultuous at times, especially when we are so much alike. We disagree, but never fight – because you are my mum, and I am your baby girl.
I know it was challenging having three children, each strong and needing something different. This was made especially difficult by the discrimination you faced as an Indian as a woman, because you had to work twice as hard. So you had to let go of those of us who flew faster and hold closer the ones that were still growing wings. Loving always came easy to you, and nurturing too.
You sacrificed much and I recognise that, but as a mother I understand that it was a burden and cross you chose to bear. Every woman carries one and, like you always did, I learnt to bear mine with grace.
In your eyes, I see the woman who could have been and the daughter who is. You see the daughter that could have been and the woman that is.
You worry, for I am naive most times, you see someone who gives but never takes. But trust me, mum, for I am wise now. I see people for who they are – my eyes are open wide. I might believe differently to you, that people who do harm will carry their karma, but I won’t change me. My light comes from my heart and my heart is always feeling, but I know where to give it now. A hungry mouth needs food, tired eyes need sleep and an angry heart needs love.
Thank you for raising me with a mind that is open, a heart that can feel and a fierceness that chooses to live everyday. Thank you for giving me life and for being part of mine.
I love you mum,
I always have and always do
And a Happy Mother’s Day to all the kind, loving and big hearts raising someone out there!
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