I know everyone has there words to say about Mandela's death. And i dont think i have anything particularly original to say... As a country we are deeply saddened by it and personally i do feel like i have lost someone important.
On reflecting on why it feels so sore to lose someone who was essentially so distant from me i realised a few things...
To a large extent Madiba was symbolic of the struggle against apartheid. he was a figurehead of what was destroyed when apartheid ended. And we are so grateful to him for being that.
On a personal note (and as i write this i am crying in gratitude to Madiba and all those people who fought against apartheid) it means i could marry the man i love without being arrested, i can be a mother to my son who is several shades darker than me, i can go to the same beach as my boys, i can hold their hands in public without fear. Without the end of apartheid i would never have met Philippe. we would not have been attending the same writing retreat and probably not the same university...
Grateful. i am grateful.
Beautifully written Kathy. What a testimony. May the generations to come be able appreciate this precious gift.
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