Shané Bodenstein shows quiet strength

Empangeni-born woman splits her time between running a business, keeping fit, and caring for her son with special needs

33 minutes ago

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Headstrong and highly independent – these best describe Shané Bodenstein’s character, but ‘mamma’ is her most treasured title.

The Empangeni-born woman splits her time between running a business, keeping fit, and caring for her son with special needs.

Shané is recognised among the many Sheroes who exude quiet strength in the face of daily struggles.

She has been commended for ’embracing motherhood with unwavering love, patience and courage, and proving that true heroes are often found in the quiet moments of sacrifice that go unseen’.

“My main priority is my son and his needs, making sure he gets his medication and necessary exercises,” she explains.

Becoming a mother has taught her that no matter what happens in life, ‘you need to show up, even if you don’t always feel like it’.

“I am a very motivated person. “I am also very headstrong and stubborn, but I believe that has helped me tremendously in navigating my son’s needs and advocating for him.”

Sacrifices and lessons

While the journey has not been easy, Shané draws her strength from her son’s daily achievements, no matter how big or small, and from teaching him never to give up.

“I have always been extremely independent. I have owned a business in the beauty industry for years, but when my husband went to the USA for work four years ago, I had to adapt and learn to depend on him, while giving up some of my independence to care for my son and make sure his needs are met at all times,” Shané told the ZO.

“It’s hard because you realise how the world wasn’t built for people who are differently abled or who have special needs.

“Simple tasks can be extremely overwhelming sometimes, but I am proud to say I have grown just as much as my son has; we learn together each day.

“We fail together, and we get up together and try again. He has done extremely well and has been walking with a walker for over three years now.”

Personal growth

Shané does make time for her health and fitness, as well as running her small business online.

“I typically start my day at the gym. I have found that it sets the tone for my day and helps me feel more accomplished and ready,” she said.

“I also have a business on Takealot, and take some time out of my day to upload my products, replenish my stock and do some admin.

“I am proud of my little accomplishment, since it has allowed me to be at home and earn my own little bit of spending money.”

“To the woman carrying the weight of motherhood, work, family, finances, expectations, uncertainty and a thousand little things nobody else even notices. To the woman who smiles and says, ‘I’m fine’ because there simply isn’t time to fall apart. I see you.

“Your strength isn’t measured by how much you can carry without breaking. “You don’t have to be endlessly strong, endlessly patient or endlessly capable to be worthy of love and appreciation.”

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