As I stand at the threshold of my 60th birthday, I am overcome with a profound sense of gratitude and awe for the immense blessings that have graced my life. This milestone is not just a marker of time but a testament to the unfailing grace of God that has guided me through every triumph, trial, and tribulation shaping me into the person I am today.
At the heart of my journey are the pillars of my nuclear and extended family—they are my rock, my support, and my greatest source of love and joy.
Three months shy of turning 60, my mum was still here on earth with us and I could not fathom my life without her in it. She was always very active in my life, her prayers molded me to be where and who I am today.
To my late dad and mum, my beloved spouse Eric, my amazing daughters, Tsho and Thabile, my sons through marriage, Ngoni and Davis, to the wider family network, dearest Mukoma Patrick, my dear sister Trish, my late brothers, Bonnie, Peter, Paul, Dougie, sisters in law, my nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, my family through marriage - I cannot thank you enough for being by my side.
Your unwavering love, encouragement, and sacrifices have been the bedrock upon which I have built my life. Together, we have weathered storms, celebrated victories, and embraced the precious moments that make life truly meaningful. Each of you is a cherished gift from above, and I am forever thankful for the privilege of sharing this journey with you.
My journey has also been marked by moments of personal anguish, top of the list being my courageous battle against breast cancer. In those dark days, I experienced firsthand the power of faith, resilience, and the healing grace of God. Through the prayers of my loved ones, their support and the skilled hands of medical professionals, I emerged stronger, more grateful, and with a renewed sense of purpose. Every day since has been a precious gift, which I daren’t take for granted, a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing and celebrating every moment.
Among the greatest joys of my life has been witnessing the marriage of my two beloved daughters. To see them embark on their own journeys of love and commitment fills my heart with immense pride and indescribable joy. Through these marriages, our family grows bigger, and I am grateful for the blessing of witnessing their happiness, evidence of the love and values instilled in them. God has granted great blessings on my husband and me with such remarkable daughters and sons-in-law.
As I celebrate this milestone birthday, I am filled with appreciation for the friendships forged over the years, especially those from my high school days. These bonds have stood the test of time, offering support, laughter, and shared memories that enrich my life beyond measure. Other friendships were formed in different times of my life, most of which have become family, the brothers and sisters that were heaven sent. These bonds have been another key contributor to who I am today. (They are the gift that keeps on giving.)
I thank God for the gift of friendship and the countless blessings that flow from these cherished relationships. I would love to name you all…but if you know you know.
Proverbs 18:16 reads ‘Your gift opens doors for you, and brings you before great men’ Throughout my working life, this has rang true as I have been privileged to serve as an Events Management Specialist and Planner for numerous clients from all walks of life. It is a role that I have approached with reverence, and I am always humbled by the trust placed in me for such significant moments.
In addition, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my esteemed colleagues and friends in the events industry. Their unwavering support, collaborative spirit, and innovative contributions have been invaluable throughout the journey. No person is an island, and indeed, in the dynamic realm of events, success is often the result of collective effort and shared knowledge.
I am deeply appreciative of the enriching experiences and enduring friendships cultivated over the past three decades in this vibrant sector. Together, we have witnessed the evolution of events, adapting to new trends, technologies, and challenges with resilience and creativity.I am continuously inspired by the passion and ingenuity of my peers, both near and far.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey has been the opportunity to serve as a teacher and mentor. It's an absolute honor to witness individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, whom I've had the privilege to mentor, blossom into accomplished professionals in fields ranging from law, medicine to event planning and beyond. There's something truly magical about seeing the seeds of potential I've nurtured grow into flourishing careers and remarkable achievements. That’s God’s goodness allowing me to share my nuggets on life with different people.
In every chapter of my life, from the joys of family to the challenges of illness, from the triumphs of athletic achievement to the blessings of marriage and friendship, I see the hand of God at work. His grace has been my constant companion, guiding me through the highs and lows, and filling my heart with boundless gratitude for the richness of life's journey.
I am geared to embark on the next phase of my adventure, and I do so with a spirit of humility, and a deep faith in the divine plan that unfolds before me. For all that has been and all that is yet to come, I offer my heartfelt gratitude to God, the source of all blessings, and the guiding light of my life's journey.
And remember, excellence always!