Tereza-Nyankol Mathiang Dut

I didn't know how much my mother meant to my country. I looked at her as a celebrity, a star at times. The closest thing I'll ever be to fame. She was by far the most forgiving character I've ever known in my lifetime(So far). She was one thing to all and another to me, I found out later on.
Growing up with my mom was the single most important thing in building my character, the person I became. She taught me my morals, my strengths, and my inner glow. When I was just a child, I didn't feel too well. I felt unwanted and unappreciated. I worked hard, pleased my elders, and did what I was told. I never used to really have my mother around. She was busy, building a legacy. Thankfully I had my grandmother. She was my first mother. Like she raised my mother well, the same to me and my siblings. My grandmother was the reason why my mother became the star that she was. All the success was because of my grandmother. Like mother like daughter.
At the very beginning of my teens I became separated from her, because of a bigger cause. I've resented her for it. I was just getting to know her. I will never forget the day I realized that I've learnt to be strong alone. Sure she pushed me out to the wilderness, another city with a sibling that was too busy to be bothered. But it worked out well. Because it was the first time in my life I became intimate with God. I never knew that my Father God existed till I moved far away from both my parents.
After a lot of heartache and some lash back, I came to the end. My end, that was when I got pregnant at 16. On tour in Australia, my mom got the call. Her oldest daughter told her that the younger daughter is ruined. Oh my, what a mess. She handled it like an African mother. I will never forget that lecture. It was more of yelling at me for two straight hours. Iit finished with I love you, take it easy.
My mother had a nag for yelling then saying she loves you. She was loud, out spoken, a revolutionary, most times. She may of not fought physically but she spoke the painful truth right from her inner being.
When Sudan began to systemically rid itself and enslave Dinka people, it was a very dark time. The spirit of oppression was great. It hit most of my people hard. Families, were broken. Abuse cycles began, and we became the poor, mel nourished, spiritually corrupted people. We were the southerners, we are the Dinka people.
In her attempted to free the chains of oppression from the government. My mother sang songs, to lift the sprites of the oppressed. Her songs gave hope to the people that needed it, the power to the weak, a voice to the mute, and a reason to lift your head up.
I never understood the position that my mother held. Not in a million years would I of thought that she was that important to other people. I found out in 2011, just what she was made of when I took a trip to South Sudan. Independence of South Sudan was a momental moment for the world. We had a country to call or own, and my mother was much congratulated.
Sadly, I realize things too late.in my attempt to become westernized, I went against my culture. It's really horrible when you don't know your facts. I should of but I didn't. I had no clue what kind of woman she was. She was one of the most influential woman, in Sudan, held great power, and was a figure of public interest. She wasn't just my mom, she was Mother Teresa of south Sudan. She gave more to other people's kids then her own. I used to hate that but I'm glad. I have enough, as is.
I'm thankful to of known her, and proud to be her daughter. We miss you, Ma!


Heaven wanted her home to rest for eternity. Rest In Paradise, Nyankol Mathiang Dut September 23, 2012. You're missed. Everyday, till we meet again. With love Always, Nyankol-thei.