always open: THE BANK OF MOM AND DAD

‘The sense of achievement that comes with having the courage to meet life’s challenges is taken away by parents who regularly bail their children out.’

When I first met Thandi a few years ago I was bowled over by her outlook on life. A widow, she had singlehandedly raised her only son, Loyiso. He had recently completed his university degree and was building a successful career in Gauteng. ‘Now it’s my time,’ she told me. An avid marathon runner, she was planning her first trip overseas to run the New York City Marathon. This was soon followed by trips to run the Paris and Boston marathons.

Late last year we met for coffee, and I asked eagerly about her next travel destination. ‘Everything is on hold,’ she said. ‘Loyiso is back with me. He lost his job and has moved back home.’