My real mother is a survivor, very strong and respected by the

In the tapestry of human bonds, few threads are as intricate and powerful as that which connects mother and child. Lemn Sissay speaks to this enduring complexity when he declares, “My real mother is a survivor, very strong and respected by the people who know her, but our relationship is not easy — but then, it was never going to be.” These words reveal the duality of admiration and struggle, showing that love and respect can coexist with difficulty. The heart, Sissay teaches, is often bound by ties that are both precious and demanding.

To call his mother a survivor is to honor her courage and resilience. She has endured trials that would have crushed lesser spirits, earning the respect of all who witness her journey. Yet strength, while admirable, does not guarantee ease in connection. The relationship between mother and child is shaped by circumstance, character, and history, often carrying burdens that cannot be easily lifted. Here lies a timeless truth: love is neither simple nor predictable, and its depth is measured by endurance as much as by joy.

The acknowledgment that their relationship is not easy speaks to wisdom born of reflection. Some bonds, though destined, are forged in fire. The ancients taught that the most meaningful connections demand patience, understanding, and courage. Sissay’s insight reminds us that even when the path of kinship is rough, it is a path worth walking — for through struggle, the soul gains knowledge, empathy, and strength.

The origin of this understanding stretches back through the ages. From the poets of old to the philosophers and sages, humanity has long recognized that parent-child bonds are fraught with complexity. Stories of revered mothers and challenging relationships abound in myth and history, revealing that admiration and difficulty often coexist. Sissay’s words echo this timeless lesson, showing that respect for one’s parent can endure even when harmony does not.

Thus, let this teaching endure for generations: honor the strength and resilience of those who came before, even when the relationship challenges the heart. Recognize that struggle does not diminish love, and that the paths most difficult often yield the deepest wisdom. In the recognition of both triumph and tension lies the true understanding of the human bond, a lesson that transcends time and circumstance.