The author reflects on her mother's unwavering dedication to her children's education despite financial hardships. Growing up in Kenya, the author initially dismissed her mother's advice to work hard. Over time, she recognized the sacrifices made by her parents, both teachers living on a meager salary, who instilled values of hard work and education in their children. The mother's relentless commitment is highlighted through routines of early farm chores and the struggle to ensure her children valued education over play. Her selflessness and determination shine through, showcasing the vital role of parental guidance in overcoming poverty.
I want you to study hard so that you can rescue our family from poverty. Your father and I are poor and the only gift we can give you is an education.
As we children grew up, we slowly grasped the wisdom in her words mostly because she led by example and lived by her words every day.
My mother wasn't just tough. She was selfless. She sacrificed life's little pleasures so we could go to school and get an education.
I still remember vividly how she and my dad would go to collect their paychecks but eat nothing before coming back in the evening, hungry and tired.
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