This blog is basically one of gratitude and just being thankful for what we have.

In this crazy world and especially at the height of a global pandemic, most of us are worried about our health, our wealth and just about everything under the sun. In my previous blog post I told you about my journey from being an accountant to becoming an author. I chose to pursue my dream and passion late last year. The daily number of cases here in South Africa had gradually decreased but the vaccine was nowhere in sight and the economy was still wobbling. Amidst all of this I dropped a bombshell on my family that I wanted to become a children's books author. I must say I was sceptical as to their reaction at first but since then , they have been nothing but supportive and I would not be where I am today without their trust and belief in me. Needless to say, I still have a long way to go on my new journey but they have been with me every step of the way. That is why every single book is dedicated to them, my wife Sheba, my daughters Grace and Mailaika and my son Kalenga Jr.

So here goes......

Firstly, my Mum who is back home in Zambia. I would like to thank her for being both a mum and a dad to me. My dad died when I was 7, he actually died on my birthday so it was a double whammy. I only remember bits and pieces about him since I was so young but my Mum educated me and brought me up with great care and affection. I was the youngest of 5 kids and it must have been extremely hard raising 5 of us on her own. To that end Mum, I salute you!

Before I started writing again I asked my sisters and brother on our family WhatsApp group what they thought about me becoming an author. I was not so sure of myself at the time, I mean, was a 45 year old accountant, what was I thinking changing my career with 3 kids and a wife? All 3 of them told me to go for it and they have been cheering me on ever since. I just wish our other brother was here to see what I was doing as he was one of the reasons I loved reading and writing. Tulani, we miss you, you are always in our hearts. So, Priscilla, Bertha and Clemo...thanks for all the advice and "never say die attitude". 

One more thing I wanted to mention is for all of us to be thankful for life...I might not have been here to write this blog and to share my books with the world. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and I was in hospital for 5 days with a glucose reading of 38 and severe high blood pressure. I don't want to get into details (that is for my next non-fiction book) but as I write this, I managed to reverse my diabetes with exercise and diet. When I came out of hospital I was on 2 types of insulin and 2 daily diabetes tablets, right now I do not take any diabetes medication and my glucose readings are 100% normal.

So if you are feeling down due to the pandemic or for whatever reason, just be thankful and grateful for what you have...till next time I bid thee farewell....

BTW the pic is my late brother and I...