Ernest Mngomeni

“I’ve never spoken to anybody about this. But I can talk now…”

This is Ernest Mngomeni, upset and wanting to process something that has just happened during our dealing with past trauma session at the Bhambayi Project’s Rise Business Course.

“Growing up it was just me and my mom. She was away during the week with the family she worked for in the suburbs. Sometimes she wouldn’t come home for the weekend. And then it would just be me.

On my own most of the time.

But she made sure I had the things I needed. But not outings. She taught me I didn’t need expensive brands, that clothes from Jet were good enough. I’m glad she taught me that. Then she got sick, and I cared for her till the end. Sometimes I would leave her in the bed and after school when I returned, she would be in the same position. It was hard for me to see.

I was 15 when she died. I went to tell the family she had worked for. The three children wept. They spoke about all the things my mom had done for them. She had been like their mom.

My heart broke that day as I heard my mom had been there to help them grow and do well, in ways that I had never had.

I wasn’t angry, I was just sad.

I remember one time, she hugged me and said she was proud of me and loved me. I had done well in my school report. I wish there were more of those memories.

Since she’s gone, I have done bad things. Made bad choices.

Today when we were praying, I felt her hug me again.”

As he says this, it’s as if a wave of love and power crashes over us.

Through tears, from both us, he continues… “Do you think I felt that because God wants me to know she is proud of me?”

Yes. You might have done bad things but YOU are not bad.

Today is a new day.

A question to ponder, do you know the story and reality of the people who work with you?