STRENGTH IN ADVERSITY

Peering into my new sister’s blue eyes, I was lost in wonder. “Will she stay this little?” I asked my mum, as she cradled Lydia. My mum and my dad laughed.

It was February 1990 and I was only three, but I’d just been given the most important job in the world. I was a big sister now.

I took Lydia – I called her Lyd – under my wing. When I practised ballet, she toddled beside me, mimicking me with her chubby little legs as I stood in first position. She sat next to me watching Beauty and the Beast. Sharing a bedroom, we lay awake for hours, gossiping.

We spent our teens and early 20s lathering ourselves in fake tan and visiting each other at uni. Lyd became a jet-setting lawyer, while I settled in Cape Town as a teacher.

Such happy memories. Lyd was my soulmate. We chatted daily in a flurry of video calls, WhatsApps, Facebook messages and Instagram comments.

One evening in September 2022 Lyd called. She had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, which is a lifelong condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. She still looks beautiful, but is now obviously struggling with mobility. The love we’ve given her has always been her strength.

MICHELLE O, CAPE TOWN

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and my world did a 360. I am incredibly close to her and she does so much for me. I felt shattered by the news.

One night my husband was away for work and I was alone with my two young kids. I just broke down. I sobbed in utter despair. My kids wrapped a blanket around me and sat with me until I was done crying.

As the days went by I reflected on this scene of my kids seeing me broken. I realised that I need to change my mindset. I decided to focus on gratitude. God has given me 33 years with my mother.

I was raised by an amazing woman, whose legacy we carry through. I have a daughter and I hope that we will also nurture such a beautiful motherdaughter bond as I had with my mother. We pray for light beyond the pain, for healing and longevity for my mother. MARYAM BIBI RUMANY, EMAIL