Cleaning Out the Womb
In 1960, my first child, Mthuthuzeli, was born. He died when he was six months old. My second and third children also died a few months after birth. I don't know why but that's how it was in those days.
Many children died. You couldn't get the right treatment in hospitals, like you can today. I am sure that is part of the reason. Two children dying was a terrible sadness, but my grandmother told me 'Don't worry about it. You're just cleaning out your womb for the many children you will have one day.' Her words really helped me to cope.
Dates to Remember
It was 1964 before I had a live baby, named Olive. In 1966 another one came - Phyllis, the one who is now in her fifteenth year with HIV/Aids. Kenneth was born in 1969 and Prudence, who died of Aids, like Olive, was born two years later. In 1972, I got naughty. No one needs to have more than four children, but 1 had my fifth child, Anthony, and in 1975 yet another one, Lennox.
Yes, I'm good at remembering dates. I remember everything that happened to my family by dates, the day of every birth, and the day of every death. These days, I do forget things sometimes. One day I may hide something away in a safe place, then tomorrow I've forgotten where it is. But most of the dates concerning my family, I remember very clearly.
By Jo-Anne Smetherham