Focus on Moms: Month of May

My Mom – My rock

By Nu – “My mother is a pure-bred, tough, Zimbabwean woman, a miner’s wife and the rock that holds my family steady. She is a petite woman with a huge heart, a tough cookie and a true caretaker. Zillah Anne Barton was born in Zimbabwe, on 22 September 19-something. She attended Townsend High School in Bulawayo and married her high school sweetheart. They had two beautiful daughters; my sister and myself. Mum has since been remarried to Garth Barton, a gold miner in Kadoma and, for the past 18 years, she has been a dedicated farmer’s wife. She is the rock of our family – always solid and strong.

“If I were to equate my mum to any gem, it would have to be a diamond.

“She is strong and provides clarity in any situation; she’s beautiful and unique, petite yet powerful. She always has good advice and has always been a pillar of support for many, even to those beyond our family circle. She is a phenomenal friend; and an independent, do-it- all type of woman, from changing car tyres to plumbing and electrics, my mum truly can do it all. She is the only woman I have ever seen who can strip a plug point, put it back together and rewire a light with such finesse and skill. She is funny, quirky and quick-witted. But most of all, she’s also a passionate granny and loves playing Mother Teresa to all the children.”