Mothers are the unsung heroes of our lives. This is why, every year, we take out a day to celebrate the women who sprinkle a bit of magic into us. While we honour mothers for their roles in our lives, we recognise that they are more than just people who make sure we are fed and clothed.

This Mothers Day, Guardian Life is celebrating the incredible complexity of motherhood. From the stories they tell us about our heritage to the little sacrifices they make that often go unnoticed, mums are the real MVPs.

We invited our readers to share some incredible moments they’ve experienced with their mothers. Their stories remind us just how powerful a mother’s love can be. So, join us on this journey through the heartwarming tales of motherhood.

Olamipe

My mum, Oluremi, died over 35 years ago when I was barely six years old. Still, I could remember how good she was to her kids. She told us bedtime stories that seemed so real, that I felt tortoises could talk like humans. She could weave words like clothes and would sing to illustrate parts of her stories. After every entertaining story, she would take time to highlight the lessons therein and encourage us to imbibe them.

I loved cooking with her. While she never allowed me to cook anything from scratch, being the eldest of her kids, she often asked me to stay with her while she cooked, and she took her time to explain everything she was doing. She made me love being in the kitchen. She’d help me with my homework from school. She would explain maths to me in words I could easily understand. If it was too difficult for me to grasp, she’d make stories around the figures. I hated maths after she died, and I found it extremely difficult to deal with the subject for years.

There were days she’d teach me how to take care of my brother: she showed me the small things I could do as the older sibling to help him. The small things that mattered. I felt it was her own way of showing that family was all that mattered. It was as if she condensed everything she wanted to teach me as a human being into those short years.

More than 35 years later, I still struggle to deal with that loss. All I have are memories, the lessons she taught me, and plenty of what-ifs and maybes.

READ ALSO: Six Ways To Celebrate Your Mom On Mother’s Day

Njideka

My father was sick for years and my mother, Uche, took care of him such that she is now used as a virtuous woman reference in churches during Mother’s Day. Did I forget to mention that one time, the venerable and the church brought gifts to thank my mum for being a worthy example? My mother is HER!!!

Nneamaka

I was a mischievous kid who enjoyed sliding on freshly powdered floors. You pour white power on a smooth floor and slide. My mum, Ifeyinwa, was so busy but she found time to join me. Our laughter while having fun is one of my fondest memories of my mum.

Nonso

From my earliest memories, my mother has been the center of my world. As the only child for the first six years of my life, she filled every role—playmate, teacher, and best friend. The deep bond we formed during those years has shaped everything about me.

My mother, a dedicated primary school teacher before retiring, had a unique approach to education that pushed me to excel. Even though I was in a different school, she imagined me as a student in her classes, often teaching me materials meant for older kids. I still remember how she challenged me to spell “banana” when I was just two years old—a big word for a little boy, but I did it and her joy was infectious. This was her way of teaching me to embrace challenges and enjoy learning.

Her kindness went beyond our home. She was always helping others, whether they were close friends or strangers, teaching me the importance of giving without expecting anything in return. She often stretched our family’s modest budget to help others, demonstrating her selflessness.

As I grew and started my own businesses, Drug-IT, the values she instilled in me became my guiding stars. Resilience, optimism, and independence shaped my approach to every challenge. During tough times, I would seek her advice, and she would lift my spirits with reminders of past challenges I had overcome, reinforcing my resolve.

Despite her strong support, I still find myself grappling with faith. Raised as a Catholic and educated in Catholic schools, I’ve come to question many things about religion as I’ve learned more about the world. Yet, I find a certain solace in my mother’s unwavering faith. Her prayers for me are a constant source of comfort as I navigate my own spiritual journey.

Thinking about a future without her is something I can’t bear. The song “Supermarket Flowers” by Ed Sheeran captures the fear of losing a mother—it’s a beautiful song, but it brings so much sadness that I often skip it. My deepest wish is for her to see my children grow up, to share with them the lessons and love she has given me.

My mother is more than just a parent; she is my best friend, my inspiration, and my guiding light. Her lessons on love, hope, and resilience are treasures I will carry forever. In a world that often feels uncertain, she is my steady reminder of what truly matters. Everyone deserves a friend like my mother, whose spirit and love illuminate the darkest paths.

Itoro

Eka usen nnan eyen! Iya bi Iya! Mummy Florence gave it all for us, her children, to succeed and be reckoned with. Mum prayed for us tirelessly. She’d sold anything to see us survive hunger and kwashiorkor, from selling hay to weeding for other women with farmlands. She did it all for us; I will never take her sacrifices for granted.

Read Also: For The Love Of Mothers At Childbirth

Ayobami

My mom, Rasheedat, is the queen of standing on business. She is a true businesswoman to the core. She gets her bread and has succeeded in the cut-throat corporate world. I admire her for that, and I hope to emulate the example she’s set for me.

Oluwatosin

On one rainy day, when I was in Junior Secondary School 3, my mom, Taibat, carried me on her back so I could go to school to sit for the NECO exam. She did this so I wouldn’t have to wade through the flood outside our house. I still think about this from time to time.

Lukman

When I was ill and my left kidney was removed, my mom, Rabi Sani, stayed with me through every stage of the treatment, from consultation to diagnosis to surgery. We went through a lot together, and whenever I remember it, I feel sorry for my mum and appreciate how she was there for me even when it wasn’t convenient for her.

Sarah

I remember a certain night when I offended my dad. My mom, Ruth, had to start running helter-skelter to wake our neighbours up so they could come and beg my dad. She’s so kind-hearted, and I love her so much. I admire her strength and resilience.

Opeyemi

I have fallen sick many times, and every time that happened, the care and love my mom Bisi Otulaja showed me was indescribable. She has sacrificed so much for the six of her children to be great in life. She is a mother indeed.

Esther

My mother, Queen Thomas, is a hardworking woman, a housewife, a manager, and my everything. She is truly a woman after my heart, and I’m not just saying that because she’s my mum. She made sure I lacked nothing good. I’m saying a big thank you to all the mothers in the world.

Olubunmi

My mom, Olatokunbo Merotiwon, is my hero. She taught me all I know today, and this formed who I am. I am indeed grateful for the love, care, nurturing, rebuke, and protection we got from her. She is the most selfless human on earth, and I love her so much. Mothers.

Amarachi

My mother, Onyekachi Agwu, loved so brightly, it gave me hope, illuminated my darkest moments, and nurtured my soul. It’s her love that transformed me from a lost child to a confident, compassionate, and purpose-driven individual. I am forever grateful for her unwavering support.