Mothers

He is a tall man; over six feet. Well built indeed. 

He comes every other day to the gym. A motorbike drops him and picks him up as he leaves.

From the eyes, I can tell he is a gentle old man. I call him old because he has grey hairs on his head. 

He Speaks very polite as well but unfortunately I’ve never seen him smile because he is always in a mask. I just assume he smiles 😊. His name is Njoro.

With his left arm folded, he walks slowly dragging his feet on the ground. He takes a step, relaxes a bit and takes another. 

My new acquaintance suffered a serious stroke that left him paralyzed on one side. As you see him work out, you can tell how much he is determined to get better. He has come from far. From being completely immobile to the current state; he is doing well and on the right path to recovery.

One fine morning as we were sweating and suffering in the gym an old lady walks pasts me towards my friend Njoro. She is holding her camera up seemingly recording the old man as he is practicing his walking with weights tied on his ankles. She cheers him on and praises him as he makes his steps towards the door. 

Njoro seems to be getting tired but the old lady  relentlessly tells him to walk some more. He smiles and he walks slowly seemingly embarrassed a bit but staggers on.

At this point I’m still not sure what’s happening until the old lady exclaims, “God is Great. This is my only son and I’m grateful for the far he has come.” She looks at me and tells me…  “young man, you are not unwell. Stay positive and fight on.”

I didn’t know whether to shout an Amen or say thank you or shed tears. A mothers love is great. To the old lady, the old man Njoro is still a baby to her. 

My mind is taken aback how my mother treats me at times. Mothers are special. Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

Charley Benetto once said, “When you are looking at your mother, you are looking at the purest love you will ever know.” ❤️