Mothers deserve gifts always, not just on their day
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 children. 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 social status but whenever you are heartbroken, you are most likely to think of your mother.
For this reason, every second Sunday of May, 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, etc. While that is good, every day should be Mother’s Day, because mothers never rest unless they pass on.
Mothers deserve long-lasting gifts, every day. The gifts should not wilt, nor collect dust or be thrown away. They should be priceless.
For instance, WHO data shows about 295 000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2017. The vast majority of the deaths (94 per cent) occurred in low-resource settings, and most could have been prevented while sub-Saharan Africa, where Kenya falls, and Southern Asia accounted for 86 per cent (254 000) of the estimated global maternal deaths same year.
Something must be done. On Mother’s Day and every day, we need to assure mothers of 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 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 their 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 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 there were some cutleries set aside for visitors only. They are rarely used by anyone else.
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 them 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, then what better way than to ensure 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, but 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 her future.
– The writer is the Chief Operating Officer, AAR Insurance Kenya