Submitted by: Melissa Williams-Platt
#ImStaying because I love my country and my fellow South Africans. When people annoyingly ask me what my Plan B is, I am happy to say, ‘This is my home. I’m South African. I cannot be anything else, and South Africa is my Plan B to Plan Z’. My husband, Fred, in his passion for SA is perhaps a little less diplomatic when asked this question, but he often shows those considering leaving a different viewpoint and sometimes they then even stay! Go Fred!
This is my home. I’m South African. I cannot be anything else, and South Africa is my Plan B to Plan Z.
Where else in the world does the sound of nature, the sound of the ocean, Johnny Clegg, the African sunset, and our beautiful vibe and jive of all our people make you want to cry happy tears and dance in the rain? I really believe that despite the many very real challenges – together we can make a meaningful difference.
Three years ago we lost our son, Sam. I don’t have my own Facebook page, but I raise awareness through our son’s pages formed after his death. I am passionate about healthcare in SA and in promoting child-centred and human-centred healthcare. The crux in healthcare, as in life, is simply to recognize the human being in front of you and to be kind. Simply be kind. And this message is something we all need to embrace in SA. Can you imagine if we got up each day as fellow South Africans and just committed to being kind to one another?
Despite the many very real challenges – together we can make a meaningful difference.
Sam our son died having spent 15 1/2 months in hospital – his whole life. He never came home or got to go outside to play. Sam died of sepsis just as we were finally told that he would soon be able to come home. His legacy soothes our broken hearts.
South Africa will always be home, and when I leave her, even for a short holiday, my heart aches. And seeing our customs officials always makes me smile – for with one beautiful smile – they soothe my aching heart and welcome me home!
Much love, Melissa (Sam’s Mum) #Proudly South African #Imstaying.
