DON'T TELL ME YOU LOVE ME - SHOW ME

# SMED 11

National Women’s Day celebrates our women in South Africa as this day commemorates 9 August 1956 when women participating in a national march petitioned against pass laws. This was legislation that required African persons to carry a document on them to ‘prove’ that they were allowed to enter a ‘white area’. http://www.capetownmagazine.com/events/Womens-Day-South-Africa-2007/2007-08-09/11_37_2677

Against this background I have selected the month of August to honour a few women who have inspired not only myself, but who have played a key role in the lives of those close to us.

This week’s blog draws inspiration from an e-mail I received last week in which a close family friend outlined in detail the nature and impact of his mother’s illness following a recent stroke. Without going into detail, one could not help but to be moved by the poignant manner in which the letter was written.

The line that stood out for me was that his mother always says, ‘don’t tell me you love me – show me’ Powerful words indeed . It reminds me that in many instances parents worked long hours, made huge sacrifices and often went without essentials to ensure their children received a sound education and solid upbringing. Once children have spread their wings, have their own circle of family and friends and lead their own lives, a phone call or sms can never replace quality time spent with one’s parents.

It is up to us to show the love. Spend time, buy flowers, take them for walks, shopping, a drive or to the movies. There are numerous, inexpensive ways, in which we can show our parents that we love them.

In conclusion, whilst National Women’s Day will be celebrated throughout South Africa and played out on radio and other broadcast media, we should not forget that it is those small gestures that counts – showing the women in our lives that we love them. Not only on Mother’s Day and Women’s Day - but for the remainder of the 365 days of the year. Most most importantly, showing love, does not cost a fortune - 'once given it fills the soul with song'.