Embracing Motherhood: Stories of Strength, Sacrifice, and Unshakable Love

By Anne Njoroge

Motherhood is a journey filled with moments of joy, challenges, and endless lessons — not just for the children, but for the mothers themselves.

Just a few days after celebrating Mother’s Day, we sat down with three inspiring women — Ann Karanu, Caroline Ndungu, and Stella Kariuki — to reflect on the powerful lessons passed down by their mothers and the ways motherhood has shaped their lives.

From hilarious mum lines to moments of resilience, each story paints a unique picture of the transformative power of motherhood. Read on to discover the wisdom, humour, and love that fuels their journeys.

Ann Karanu

If you could tell your mum one thing today, what would it be?

Thank you, Mum! I honestly have so much respect for your motherhood journey. Raising three children with grace, grit and a whole lot of prayer is no small feat. Your strength, unshakeable trust in God, and quiet perseverance, even in the face of challenges, still blow my mind. You truly are my ultimate role model.

What’s one lesson your mother taught you that still guides you today?

One lesson my mother instilled in me is to trust God fully. Her quiet faith through life’s highs and lows showed me that real strength comes from leaning on Him — especially when the storms hit.

How has motherhood changed the way you see the world – or yourself?

Motherhood has helped me see that no one is perfect. With three children aged 27, 17, and 12, I’ve come to appreciate how unique each one is. My role is to help them work through their weaknesses and build on their strengths. It has also shaped how I work as an HR professional — making me more appreciative, understanding, and accommodating of others.

What’s one hilarious “mum line” you swore you’d never use – but now say on repeat?

Not in my house! Looks like I’ve turned into that mum! [laughs]

What’s one thing your kids find hilarious about you, and you’ve just decided to roll with it?

One thing my kids find hilarious about me is how I’m on the phone 90% of the time I’m home, yet I get annoyed when they’re on their phones. I’ve just learned to roll with it!

What is your proudest ‘mum moment’?

There are so many proud moments! Watching my daughter graduate and excel in her career, with promotion after promotion, has been truly incredible. And then there’s the tech brilliance of my other two kids – I look at them and think, “How did I get so lucky to be their mum?” It’s surreal in the best way.

Was there a time motherhood felt especially hard? What helped you find your way through it?

Yes, there was a time when motherhood felt especially hard. One of the toughest moments came when I was posted to Mozambique for an assignment right after returning from maternity leave. Adjusting to life in a French-speaking country while being away from my family was challenging. But through it all, I relied on my faith to get me through. Despite the challenges, the silver lining was that I received an immediate promotion upon my return — and treated myself to a brand-new car

Motherhood has taught me….. Motherhood has taught me resilience, tenacity, and grit. It has shown me that no matter the challenge, it can be done — and it will be done.

Caroline Ndungu

If you could tell your mum one thing today, what would it be?

Thank you, Mum! Now that I’m older (and wiser), I finally get it – all that discipline, all those high expectations? That was your way of loving me. Back then, I thought you were just being tough. Now I see it for what it was: love in its purest, most demanding form.

What’s one lesson your mother taught you that still guides you today?

Excellence. No shortcuts. My mum instilled in me the value of hard work – not just for myself, but for my children and for those I care about. She also taught me to enjoy the finer things in life and to work hard for them.

I truly admire and appreciate her impeccable taste and her determination to give herself and her family a beautiful life. She taught me that life is meant to be savoured.

How has motherhood changed the way you see the world – or yourself?

I think I have always been a mum. As a firstborn daughter with three younger brothers, I have always taken care of others since I was young. I also became a mother at 22 years old. Motherhood has taught me to nurture and invest in my children – and give tough love. I am a demanding mum.

What’s one hilarious “mum line” you swore you’d never use – but now say on repeat?

(Nodding and laughing) Money does not grow on trees. Something I hated hearing my mum say but now say it, subconsciously to my children. They recently anonymously confirmed this.

What’s one thing your kids find hilarious about you, and you’ve just decided to roll with it?

I can’t get their names right – ever. I mix them up constantly. They find it hilarious, and I’ve given up fighting it. I just roll with it now… eventually, I land on the right one!

What is your proudest ‘mum moment’?

I have experienced many proud moments, but my recent one is when my children came together to treat me for Mother’s Day lunch. Watching them work together, love each other and even get along not only as siblings but as friends made me happy and proud.

Was there a time motherhood felt especially hard? What helped you find your way through it?

Absolutely. There have been tough seasons – raising them as a single parent, watching them walk through personal struggles. Those moments can feel lonely and overwhelming. But I’ve learned to lean on God. My faith has carried me through, giving me strength, wisdom, and the peace of knowing they’re held in hands much bigger than mine.

Motherhood has taught me…. Patience! It has also made me confront parts of myself I didn’t even know existed. I’ve grown more tolerant, more accepting and more appreciative. I now truly believe that all people are lovable because I’ve learned to see them through the lens of a mother’s heart.

Stella Kariuki

If you could tell your mum one thing today, what would it be?

“Mum, I’m sorry.” I know I was a difficult child. I did well in school, but I really pushed the boundaries when it came to everything else — tattoos, piercings, partying… you name it. Now that I’m a mom, I can only imagine how much that must have worried you. Looking back, I see how much I could have opened up to you. Communication really does go a long way.

What’s one lesson your mother taught you that still guides you today?

“Leave nothing to chance, effort beats talent any day.” She taught me that opportunity favors the prepared, and to always save for a rainy day.

How has motherhood changed the way you see the world – or yourself?

Motherhood has made me more patient and appreciative of people. I’ve learned that everyone is fighting battles you don’t know about. So, I try to extend grace, be patient, and appreciate the effort people put in. After all, no one wakes up intending to be a bad person.

What’s one hilarious “mum line” you swore you’d never use – but now say on repeat?

“My kids this… my kids that.” They’re such a big part of my life now, they come up often in my conversations — especially outside of work!

What’s one thing your kids find hilarious about you, and you’ve just decided to roll with it?

That I get so ticklish, I’ll even tear up from laughing. They always take advantage of it, and honestly, I think they find it funny that grown-ups can still be ticklish!

What is your proudest ‘mum moment’?

There are so many! But one that stands out is when I see my kids being kind to others, even kids they don’t know. Whether it’s at the playground or a restaurant, their kindness always makes me proud.

Was there a time motherhood felt especially hard? What helped you find your way through it?

All the time. It never really stops; it just shifts from one phase to another. Being the default parent is especially tough for mothers. We often feel “touched out” and overwhelmed. What helps me get through is having support — from your partner, friends, fellow moms, coaches, and even help around the house. It makes all the difference.

Motherhood has taught me…. Unconditional love, patience, and the importance of not sweating the small stuff.