Blue Gown Emotions
I have been putting this on hold for ages now, until this morning when I plucked up a bit of courage to face the monstrous habit of procrastination armed with hopeful expectations to walk away victoriously. I must say, it feels good to receive that imaginary trophy walking all over the defeated “P” word sticking my tongue out and penning away. Blue Gown Emotions.... Guess you’re eager to find out what propelled the name...or maybe not...but I’ll elaborate anyway. Graduation regalia at the Vaal University of Technology differ in color according to the level of qualification. National Diploma graduates wear a black attire (gown, mortarboard with tassel and collar, all black). Those obtaining a Degree qualification on the day wear an oxford MA style regalia in steward blue. When I graduated in 2011 proudly wearing my black graduation regalia armed with the two most important people in my life -my parents, my mother said to me now that I was in my black outfit I should continue with my studies as she would love to see me in a blue regalia. I enrolled for my degree and halfway through she passed away. It was such anguish continuing with something that she desired and yet would not be there to see me achieve it. I managed to finish and ensured that I wore that blue gown in her honour. I walked up that stage with the oxymoron of life hanging over my neck blatantly reminding me that it was indeed a bitter sweet moment. Since her passing, every event, milestone and occurrence either makes me wallow in the debilitating thought of her absence or manage to crack a smile in remembrance that I am a product of a strong, God-fearing mother of nations. That I walk in footsteps of a gentle giant. A true imbokodo! That I am birthed from greatness, cradled next to the heartbeat of a phenomenal woman. Those moments gradually and perhaps sometimes more often than not, abruptly remind me of that bitter-sweet blue gown moment. The emotions sometimes become a roller-coaster and at other times a calm wind raging nonetheless. I have come to realise that we all have blue gown emotions at some point or another. We all face that moment of having to push through to another day, face another challenge and somehow manage to wear a proud “I made it!” regalia. That’s is the reason behind creating this platform. To share stories of ordinary people overcoming extraordinary challenges. Welcome to Blue Gown Emotions....
