There's a known saying: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger." But is this really true? Well, my childhood experience was more than enough to validate the authenticity of this statement.
It was not until ten years ago that my life took a different twist. I was a rich kid, a perfectionist who gave prompt attention to every little bit of knowledge I could come across. I was a nerd who's life revolved around academics. I was somewhat of a role model to most of my mates. I mean, who wouldn't love a rich, brilliant dude?
My world came crumbling when my Mum came home one day only to break the news that she had lost her job. That day, I was seated in the living room doing what I do best— reading. When I heard the sad news, I was shocked but felt no atom of remorse, Perhaps I didn't understand the gravity of what had just happened and had no Idea as to the effect that was yet to befall upon us.
Reality dawned on me when I dropped out of school because I couldn't afford my tuition fees. I watched years of academic hard-work dwindle right before my very eyes. My visions were thwarted as life become a struggle to survive within the moment. Within few days, my life transformed from wealth to poverty within a few days, what an irony!
Happiness drifted from our faces, our stomachs grumbled for food. Things we easily purchased became a tug of war. At some point, my mum became hyper-critical to every thing I did at home. She suddenly became fussy and incessantly complained despite all my efforts to fully engage in the house chores. Perhaps it was due to the exacerbation of our financial situation.
I was coerced into advertising certain snacks to people along the streets. This was a hell situation for me. I thought of a lot of questions: what would people say if they saw me selling snacks? What if my mates saw me and made mockery of me?
This was a really tough situation because I cared a lot about what people said about me— or would I say— I was the shy type.
Anyways, I didn't even have the effrontery to resent to her order especially in the critical situation we found ourselves in. I eventually found myself doing the things I thought I would never do and meeting the same people I felt I was bigger than.
My mom never chose to accept our new fate, she kept writing application letters to various universities for a spot as a lecturer. Sometimes, she would come over to me in excitement and talk about how great her chances Of getting the job was.
"Peter, I'll get it this time around"
I got accustomed to this statement, and irritated by it as her applications were always rejected. Each time she felt as though her chances of getting a job at a certain university was high, she would always come over with her usual gist. I always gave a smile in response — a fake one though. She tried and tried but each time, she failed to get the job.
A certain day, she rushed in screaming "I finally got it." She jumped all over the place hugging and planting kisses upon my forehead as though I were the one who gave her the job. It was a really happy moment for everyone. I remember every bit of detail like it was yesterday.
During that period of our lives, my Mum exhibited great strength and extreme perseverance, a side of her I never knew until life unveiled itself.
Two years of deep-rooted suffering and multiple failure attempts of my mum to get a job made me optimistic and bold.
Indeed, what doesn't kill you... makes you stronger.
