It’s Not The End Of The World

 

Written by Fred Farai Nyakudanga 

 This story is based on a true story and I have edited names so that someone is inspired out there. Resilience makes great changes in people's lives, don't commit Suicide 

 

Fadzai sat on the edge of her bed, feeling empty and defeated. She had never felt so alone in her life. Thomas’s brief and dismissive response on the phone had left her reeling. She thought about her daughter, Rungano, who was now misbehaving at school, and how she was struggling to cope with the absence of her father.

 

Thomas had gone to South Africa for greener pastures leaving Fadzai with their only daughter behind. The plan was to relocate to South Africa as soon as Thomas had settled. In the first six months Thomas supported Fadzai with groceries, school fees and rentals.

A shift began after Thomas had started seeing other women in South Africa. Thomas started sending money enough for rentals, school fees and a few groceries. The plan to relocate the whole family grew thinner.

A year lapsed and support also grew lesser, Fadzai was facing difficulties to pay rentals and support Rungano at school where she needed pocket money and school uniforms. The difficulties extended to Rungano who also slackened in her school work.

As Fadzai through the window as she flip opened her curtains, her phone rang. It was Noma, her friend who had been a constant source of support. Noma routinely called her friend to check in her. Fadzai took the opportunity  to pour out, sharing her fears, worries, and feelings of inadequacy. As Noma listened attentively Fadzai started crying on the other end of the phone.

“Fadzai, you are not alone in this,” Noma said. “Many women have gone through similar struggles and have come out stronger on the other side. You can do the same. Remember, it’s not the end of the world.”

A glimmer of hope flipped into Fadzai at the same moment Noma was talking. The process of self discovery was initiated in Fadzai’s mind when she rewinded back when she grew up with her brothers soon after her mother had passed away down in the village.

Fadzai grew up in the rural area of Uzumba Nhakiwa area. She went to school at Nyadire High School a United Methodist Church Center that had a Teacher training school, Hospital, Secondary and Primary Schools.

Fadzai came out with average passes at Ordinary Level. Soon after her studies she went to stay with her cousin sister in Warren Park. The first job opportunity she got at TM stores led  her to meet Thomas as they worked together.

Fadzai eloped to Thomas and they started their family in the same suburb of Warren Park. Fadzai lost her job after she had gone for maternity and since she had not worked any before. All her efforts were on raising her family, though she had failed to conceive for the second time. Rungano remained her only child.

The sense of determination wash over Fadzai changed her defeat as she decided to take control of her life. She started by selling some of the household items she no longer needed, using the money to buy ingredients and basic equipment for her confectionary business. She remembered her school days, where she had excelled in home economics, and decided to put her skills to use.

She started small, making samosas and muffins in her tiny kitchen, and then approached some local spaza shops in her area to see if they would be interested in selling her products. To her surprise, they were enthusiastic about her offerings, and soon she had a steady stream of customers asking for her delicious treats.

As she worked on her business, Fadzai found a sense of purpose and fulfillment that she had been missing. She was proud of herself for taking the initiative and creating something from scratch. She started to see that she was capable of more than she thought, and that she didn’t need Thomas to define her worth.

Rungano, her daughter, was also thrilled to see her mother’s transformation. She would often help Fadzai with her baking, learning new skills and enjoying the quality time they spent together.

As the business grew, Fadzai started to receive orders from nearby offices and events, and she found herself working tirelessly to meet the demand. She was exhausted but happy, knowing that she was building a better life for herself and Rungano.

Fadzai’s newfound success and sense of purpose had a profound impact on her relationship with Rungano. She was finally able to give her daughter the attention and care she deserved, and Rungano began to thrive. Fadzai made sure to spend quality time with her, listening to her concerns and supporting her in every way possible.

As a result, Rungano started to open up to her mother, sharing her struggles and fears. Fadzai was shocked to learn that Rungano had been tempted by drug abuse, but she was relieved that her daughter had confided in her. She vowed to do everything in her power to prevent Rungano from going down that path.

Together, they started attending counseling sessions, where they learned how to communicate effectively and work through their issues. Fadzai also made sure to involve Rungano in her business, teaching her the skills she had learned and encouraging her to take ownership of her own projects.

Rungano flourished under her mother’s guidance, and soon she was helping Fadzai with her baking and even coming up with her own recipes. The mother-daughter duo became inseparable, and their bond grew stronger with each passing day.

As they worked together, Fadzai realized that she had been given a second chance to make things right with her daughter. She was determined to make the most of it, and to build a future filled with love, hope, and possibility.

Fadzai’s success and dedication to her community did not go unnoticed. Her business continued to thrive, and she became a respected figure in her neighborhood. Her story of resilience and determination inspired many, and soon she was being recognized at local events and award ceremonies.

One day, her story reached the ears of a local NGO Country Director, who was deeply moved by Fadzai’s journey. The Country  Director was impressed by Fadzai’s ability to overcome adversity and create a better life for herself and her daughter. She decided to meet Fadzai in person and learn more about her story.

The meeting between Fadzai and the Country Director was a turning point in Fadzai’s life. The Country Director was not only impressed by Fadzai’s resilience but also saw an opportunity to use her story to inspire others. She offered Fadzai her support and resources, and soon Fadzai’s business was receiving national attention.

Fadzai was invited to speak at events and share her story with a wider audience. She became a model of resilience and a symbol of hope for many women and children who were facing similar challenges. The Country Director also appointed Fadzai as an ambassador for her organization, which focused on empowering women and supporting families in need.

With the Country Director’s support, Fadzai’s business expanded, and she was able to create jobs and opportunities for many others. She continued to work hard, knowing that her success was not just about her own family but also about the impact she could have on her community.

Fadzai’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. From the depths of despair to the heights of success, she has shown that with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Her journey should inspire countless others, and her legacy will continue to empower women and families for generations to come. Remember, no matter what challenges you face, it’s not the end of the world. There is always hope, and with courage and perseverance, you can overcome anything. 

Do not commit suicide