Edom and her sisters ready for school in Kenya
Edom and her sisters ready for school in Kenya
Photo: Personal Photo

My mother, Mihret was widowed at a young age and managed to raise me and my two younger sisters by the will of God. I feel so proud to call her Mama because of her unconditional love and sacrifices all these years. For my sister’s and I, Mama was our mother and father; she would work all day and then come home and make dinner for us. Even with all of our struggles, she never took a break or showed a tired or defeated face. She made sure we never felt we did not have something, or that our lives would have been different if my Dad was still alive.  

Many family members and friends always told her to remarry, but she would say “no, I do not want my children to share my love or attention”. I can always count on her unending support and encouragement, and her daily advice has been so helpful in our lives. She has continuously sacrificed so much to give us the best future we can. 

Edom and her mother at the Richland Collegiate High School graduation
Edom and her mother at the Richland Collegiate High School graduation
Photo: Personal Photo

 

My mom left behind her family and friends as we moved across the ocean in search of a better future. I always admired her work ethic because it takes a lot mentally and physically to raise 3 girls. My beautiful and hardworking mother deserves to celebrate both Mothers and Father’s Day for everything she has done for us, so today: Happy Mother’s Day Mama.  

 

Story By: Edom Fissehaye

 

 

Edom Fissehaye and her family were resettled by the IRC in 2014. She recently graduated from Richland Collegiate High School and will begin her undergraduate degree at Texas Women's University this fall.