02

Being a single mother is not the easiest thing in the world especially when it was not at all in your plans but being a mother of four children of the same age was no picnic. Coupled with the fact that I was having a hard time finding a job in today's economy. A person spent all that money acquiring knowledge and skills that did not seem like I was going to use. After falling pregnant in my final year of college I had to drop out as being pregnant with quadruplets took it's toll on me.

'' Mama the light is green. ''

My daughter Khalifa shook me out of my thoughts. It was my quadruplets first day of primary school. I could not stop the tears falling as I watched them in their red, grey and white school uniforms. Feelings of guilt brought on more sobs as I remembered how I had contemplated abortion when my parents disowned me and their father abandoned me. Six years later I was happy that I did not go through with it because they have truly been my saving grace.

'' Mom you cannot seriously be still emotional about us starting school?!''

My fast mouthed daughter Khaliya rolled her eyes. She was exactly who I was growing up, opinionated and spoke her mind. I was blessed with four babies at once, two boys and two girls. Khalil, Khalan, Khalifa and Khaliya. I had named them like that since I was Kimberley and their stupid father's name was Kelvin and it just made life easier for me. My children looked alike but they could not be anymore different.

'' Mom, enjoy your day and please stop crying.''

My sweet Khalil said hugging me as they got off the car. He was more of a mommy's boy than Khalan who was a true warrior and did his best to protect me. He even protected me from the guys I was dating. Always told me upfront if he did not like a potential boyfriend. Not that I dated much after having them.

'' No. No. We're not going to do that again.''

My friend Elizabeth or Beth as we called her said when I walked back into our shared apartment. I had never had many friendships while growing up but meeting her and Carol was the best thing that ever happened to me. Even though she was the reason I met the father of my children. We met in my first year of college and hit it off then Carol joined us a year later. Beth helped me with my children from the day they were born and  even today she helped and supported me. She fitted most of our bills and needs. I helped out when I could but she never wanted me to use my children's grants on anything but them.

'' Beth let me be. I'm an emotional mother who just realised how fast her children are growing. Just yesterday we were changing their diapers.''

'' I don't think I've ever cried this much in my life.''

'' I thank you for everything you have done for us and continue to do for us.''

'' You know I will do anything for you and those babies.''