This Mother’s Day, we honour the quiet strength and enduring love of Dr Nadia Bernon, a devoted single mother from Newlands who has raised four sons, including her youngest who lives with special needs. Her journey is one marked by sacrifice, resilience, and a boundless capacity to love.
“For me, Mother’s Day is a time to reflect and give thanks. It’s about honouring the woman I’ve become—mentor and caregiver to four handsome boys who are now grown men. Raising my last-born, who has special needs, has especially shaped who I am today,” said Dr Bernon.
As a single parent, Dr Bernon has carried the weight of being both mother and father, protector and provider. “From the very beginning, they depended on me for everything. Even now, when life gets difficult, I look at my special son and find strength. He reminds me why I cannot give up.”
Dr Bernon describes motherhood as a balance between emotional endurance and everyday sacrifices. “No matter how I feel on any given day, I must remain the stable, comforting presence in their lives. My special son, in particular, looks to me as his safe space. I’ve had to put my own needs aside to make sure theirs are always met.”
One of the toughest parts of her journey has been protecting her youngest from the cruelty of others. “As he got older and started experiencing bullying, I had to stay strong—for him. I assured him it wasn’t his fault and reminded him that his three older brothers and I would always stand by him. But behind closed doors, I cried. And yes, sometimes I took matters into my own hands. No one bullies my child without hearing from me.”
Her motherly instinct, she says, has always guided her. “A mother should always ensure her children’s basic needs are met—food, clothing, medical care—but more than that, she must provide love, acceptance, patience, and security. For a child with special needs, that emotional support is even more critical.”
Structure and routine, she explains, were key to keeping her family grounded. “Having something to work towards kept me motivated. My daily routine gave me and my sons a sense of stability and direction.”
Dr Bernon rejects the notion that a close bond between a mother and her sons makes them weak. “The term ‘mama’s boy’ is often used negatively, but to me, that closeness means strength. It fosters emotional intelligence and respect, not dependence.”
Her sons show their appreciation in heartfelt ways—helping around the house, cooking her favourite meals, buying her treats, and gifting her money when they can. But it’s not the material things she values most.
“The moment I’ll treasure forever is the day my youngest graduated from Bright Future Special School. Seeing him in his gown, proudly holding his certificate—that was one of the most emotional, beautiful days of my life.”
Dr Bernon wants parents of children with special needs to know they are not alone. “Celebrate your children—loudly and often. This world will challenge them enough. Tell them they are incredible, unique, and loved beyond measure. Even when you’re exhausted, find the good and speak it. That’s how we keep going.”
If her son Delwyn were to write her a Mother’s Day card, she believes it would read:
“To my beautiful mummy,
I love you. Thank you for always being there for me and my brothers.
You’re the most amazing mummy in the world.”
—With love, Delwyn
And her message back to him?
“I will always be by your side. When things get tough, I’ll carry you. I want you to become whoever and whatever you dream to be. Even when I’m tired or frustrated, I will love you through it all.”
Looking back on her journey, Dr Bernon says she hopes to be remembered as a selfless, compassionate, and fiercely loving mother.
“I want people to know that no matter what challenges we face, we’ve always stood together. I’ve loved all my sons equally, and I will always be there for them.”
To other mothers walking the same path, she offers words of encouragement: “Children with special needs teach us how to accept others without judgement. They aren’t meant to be compared. They develop in their own time, and that’s something we must embrace. There’s freedom in letting go of unrealistic expectations—yours and theirs.”
On this Mother’s Day, Dr Bernon’s story reminds us of the quiet power of a mother’s love—especially when that love must stand against the odds.
The management and staff of Tabloid Newspapers wish all mothers a Happy Mother’s Day, filled with beautiful memories. May you always be surrounded by love, laughter, and appreciation.
