The Fiji Times

Spare a thought for the lonely mums

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AS many of us commemorat­e Mothers’ Day, I am so aware that right around our nation there are women (and men) to whom I cannot say, "Happy Mothers'

Day!"

There are mothers and grand-mothers, single dads, adoptive mothers, guardians of all sorts for whom today will be just another day.

To all the ladies, and gentlemen, who are "mothers" to their kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, other people's kids; I salute you.

Today, please spare a thought, prayers, flowers or a visit for the mums who are lonely because somewhere near you; *There is a mum who is mourning the death of a child, *There is a mum searching for a lost son or daughter, *There is a mum praying for that child to leave the streets and come back home,

*There is a mother praying her daughter will have enough courage to leave her abusive partner,

*There is a mum praying that the Serviceman father of her kids is safe,

*There is a Mum thinking of her offspring behind bars, *There is a Mother in uniform who keeps us safe or well, and

*There is a Mother who is sitting by a hospital bed nursing her own dying mother or sick child,

Somewhere near you is a Mum, or single Dad, who needs a hug and a loving word.

I am honoured to be a Mother, and to be mother to another mother. I am privileged that my own mother is well and strong.

To all the amazing mothers, and dad’s who are raising children alone, your love, strength, and endless sacrifices shape the world.

I hope your day is filled with joy, love, and appreciati­on. Thank you for everything you do.

 ?? Picture: LENORA QEREQERETA­BUA FACEBOOK PAGE Picture: SUPPLIED ?? Lenora Qereqereta­bua with her parents at their home in September last year.
Message by: Lenora Qereqereta­bua.
Picture: LENORA QEREQERETA­BUA FACEBOOK PAGE Picture: SUPPLIED Lenora Qereqereta­bua with her parents at their home in September last year. Message by: Lenora Qereqereta­bua.
 ?? Picture: ANASEINI DIMATE ?? Parents of Nabukelevu District School students in Kadavu, during their tour to The Fiji Times office in Suva on Friday. The students, teachers and parents will spend Mother’s Day (today) at Draiba Primary School where they’re billeted as they won’t be able to travel back to Kadavu until Tuesday when the boat returns them to their island home.
Picture: ANASEINI DIMATE Parents of Nabukelevu District School students in Kadavu, during their tour to The Fiji Times office in Suva on Friday. The students, teachers and parents will spend Mother’s Day (today) at Draiba Primary School where they’re billeted as they won’t be able to travel back to Kadavu until Tuesday when the boat returns them to their island home.
 ?? Picture: ANASEINI DIMATE ?? Ladies sell their pastries at the Suva Municipal Market.
Picture: ANASEINI DIMATE Ladies sell their pastries at the Suva Municipal Market.
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