When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. That’s how powerful a mother’s love is.
To many, young and old, love as powerful as a mother’s love, leaves its mark. To have been loved so deeply will always give some lasting protection. It does not matter your age, or status in society but whenever you are heartbroken, you are most likely to think of your mum.
For this reason, on the second Sunday of May every year, mothers across the globe are celebrated. From being selfless, kind, protective, hardworking, shrewd and going to extreme levels to protect their children and unite families among many more reasons. Many of us chose to gift them flowers, electronics, money, trips to their favourite destinations, et cetera. While that is good, it is my view that every day should be Mother’s Day, because mothers never rest unless they pass on.
Our mothers deserve long-lasting gifts, not only on Mother’s Day but every day. These gifts should not wilt, nor collect dust or be thrown away. They should be a priceless gift. For instance, WHO data shows that about 295 000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2017. The vast majority of these deaths (94%) occurred in low-resource settings, and most could have been prevented while Sub-Saharan Africa where Kenya falls and Southern Asia accounted for approximately 86% (254 000) of the estimated global maternal deaths in 2017. Something must be done. On Mother’s Day and every day, we need to assure our mothers of their peace of mind regarding their health and well-being. This we can do by first enrolling them into the most affordable healthcare plan one can afford. A health cover is a better gift to assure her of access to quality inpatient and outpatient services from a wide range of trusted healthcare providers including hospitals, clinics, doctors, and specialists.
We also know that our mothers never tire and stop working, as they age and retire from actively taking care of children who are grown up, they love taking trips to see friends and family to different destinations. But do we ever think of their safety? Whether they drive alone or are driven, what would happen to them in case of a major accident? What about an accident during their day-to-day work at home? A major accident is likely to disrupt her and our lives forever. However, if we think beyond material gifts, a personal accident cover would save you and your family every coin you need. Enrolling our mothers on such a cover would provide monetary compensation in the event of bodily injuries, disability, or death caused by violent, accidental, external, or visible means, all subject to the option that you select for her or she selects. Mums protected us at all costs, we can protect them too by giving them this assurance of a financial backup in the event of an injury or accident.
For those who grew up in a typical Kenyan home, we all know that there were some cutleries set aside for visitors only. They are rarely used by anyone and most of us see them only when visitors come around. Mothers know how to maintain things for years, and it would break their hearts if their favourite cutlery breaks. A good home cover would mean much more to her than a cake. For most insurance providers, this is a comprehensive, tailor-made, Home Owners Insurance Solution that will enable her to enjoy the benefits of several policies in a single package as a homeowner or tenant. It will also provide cover against loss or damage to furniture, electronics, cutlery, crockery, and all other contents of all descriptions against losses resulting from the perils in buildings. This would bring to an end her worry of losing her favourite cutlery, furniture and home.
Finally, if your mother loves to travel and she is always on the move, then what better way than to ensure that she travels worry-free. You can choose to boost her travel package over expensive jewellery by getting her Travel insurance and insure her against accidents and loss or damage to her properties in the course of travel. This would include emergency medical expenses, loss of personal property/ money or documents, Curtailment/Cancellation Luggage protection and personal liability among others.
The above might not match our mother’s love and sacrifice for us. No amount of investment can, however, in my assessment, it will remain a constant long-lasting reminder to you and her that you not only love her for the moment but also your mind about every minute of her future.
Ms. Ndegwa is the Chief Operating Officer, AAR Insurance Kenya