Letter to my Mother: Laila Johnson -Salami

By Laila Johnson -Salami

Dear Mum,

Where do I start? I cannot begin to thank you for everything you have done for me. Ever since I was a little girl, you made sure that I understood the importance of character. You told me that no good grades, no material things and no good job can compare to me having a good character. “When you die, your material possessions won’t come along with you” you once said. Not only has this helped me to develop a passion for helping others, it has helped me to become the young woman that I am today. I see life differently from a lot of my peers and I am ever so grateful for that mum.

One thing that you gave me that no one else did was the ability to make decisions for myself. From religion to what I studied in university, you left it in my hands and although you always guided me, you also let life lead me down the path that was meant for me. You have never believed in forcing children to do certain things that can mould their life and I am so thankful for that mum. I remember when I got my A Level grades and I wasn’t happy with them and you told me that it’s not the end of the world, that I’m still going to a great university and I should just continue to live my life. I have never met anyone wiser than you and I don’t think I ever will.

Thank you for all the times you stayed up all night when I was ill making sure that I got through the night okay. Thank you for all the times that you reminded me that you’re always there to listen to whatever is on my mind. Thank you for all the times that you supported my dreams and my innovations. Thank you for all the times that you stood up for me and made sure that schools gave me the opportunities that I needed personally to flourish. Thank you for all the times that you were there for me not only as a mother but also as a friend. There is so much to thank you for mum.

One thing I have always loved about you is the way you raised Jada, Kaz and I to understand that travelling is so important. Whenever you could, you made sure that you took us on holiday. Whenever I had school trips abroad, you made sure that I went. You taught me the importance of experiencing different cultures and travelling has become a great passion of mine. You’ve always been so adventurous with your travels and its added to my great archive of childhood memories that I’ll never forget!

Even when we argue, you’ve always known what’s best mum. You’ve always known me better than I think you do. You’ve never paid much attention to the mistakes that I’ve made and you’ve always focused on the positives. You’re so proud of me and it fills my heart with joy to know that I’ve made you proud. You raised me in a family environment where I now have second and third mums who have been there for me when you had to be away. I don’t think that its possible to ask for any more from you mum. The other day, you emailed me PowerPoint presentations that I made on your laptop at the age of about 7! The fact that you still had those presentations shows how much you care about every single thing that Jada, Kaz and I do, no matter how many years ago it was!

I love you so much mum. You’ve been everything and more to me – a mother, a friend and the greatest support system I could possibly have. Happy Mothers Day mum.

All my love,

Your “Golden Girl”, Laila xx