Young Writers Society

Chapters

It all started on my parents' farm. I wasn’t expecting anything to change that day, but when I saw him, I knew—something about him was different. He had these beautiful blue eyes that seemed to see right through me, and it was like the whole world slowed down for a moment. I can still remember that first moment when our eyes met. I felt an instant connection, something unspoken but strong. I didn’t know it then, but that would be the beginning of something extraordinary

At first, I couldn’t get over how gorgeous he was. He had this smile that could light up a room, and a heart that was even more beautiful than his face. But it wasn’t just his looks that captivated me; it was the way he made me feel—like I was the only person in the world when I was with him.

As time passed, I found myself thinking about him more and more. There was one night, a particularly magical one, when we were standing outside together under a sky full of stars. The air was cool, and everything felt just right. He pulled me closer, and I could feel my heart racing. In that moment, he turned to me and asked, “Will you be my girlfriend?” It felt like the entire universe was holding its breath, and all I could say was “Yes.” We kissed under the stars, and I knew my life was about to change forever.

From that point on, it was like he expressed his love for me in every way possible. It wasn’t just through words or grand gestures; it was in the little things—how he’d look at me with such tenderness, how he made me feel safe and cherished, and how he would do anything to make me smile. I realized I was falling deeper in love with him every day, in ways I never expected.

There’s one memory I’ll always treasure. It was a hot summer day, and I was lounging by the pool in my bikini, soaking up the sun. I didn’t know he was watching, but when I looked up, I caught him staring at me through the window. It was so sweet, and his eyes were filled with admiration. I couldn’t help but laugh, and I knew right then that this was the kind of love that would last a lifetime.

I didn’t have a specific moment when I "knew" he was the one—because it was in everything. It was in the way he loved me, the way we understood each other without words, and the way my heart felt at peace when he was near. As time went on, I fell for him more deeply, in ways I never imagined possible. Before I knew it, I was thinking about a future with him—marriage, kids, everything. It wasn’t something I had to think hard about; I just knew. He was my true love, and I knew all along that we were meant to be together.

Now, as I look back on our journey, I realize how lucky I am. Meeting him on that quiet day at my parents' farm was just the beginning of a love story that still takes my breath away. It’s a love built on underst

The Start Of Our Journey Together

The day we became parents is a memory I will carry with me forever. On November 6, 2015, we welcomed our first child into the world—our beautiful Ivanke. That moment, when I first held her in my arms, was indescribable. It was a moment of pure love, a moment that changed everything. I became a mother, and he became a father. Together, we were no longer just a couple—we were a family.

The joy of that day was unmatched, but the reality of parenthood hit us soon after. At first, it was tough. I wasn’t working, and everything fell on my husband’s shoulders. He worked so hard, sometimes at jobs that drained him physically and emotionally, all to provide for us, to give us everything we needed. I watched him pour his energy into everything he did, and I couldn’t help but admire his strength and dedication.

But life has a way of getting better when you least expect it. My husband, always determined to provide more for us, decided to pursue something that would change our lives. He began training to become a blaster at the mine. I saw him study, take the tests, and push through all the challenges that came with it. Then came the day when he got his blasting certificate. It was a proud moment for both of us, and everything started to shift. Soon after, he got a new job and with it came a much better salary. The burden he had been carrying was lifted, and we could finally breathe a little easier.

Life wasn’t perfect, of course—no journey ever is—but I could see the growth in him, in us, and in the life we were building together. We were stronger, more connected, and more determined than ever.

On December 17, 2016, another unforgettable moment arrived—the day we got married. It was one of the most beautiful days of my life. As I walked down the aisle in the church, my heart was pounding with emotion. When I saw him standing there, waiting for me, it felt like everything I had ever dreamed of had come true. I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing because in that moment, I realized just how lucky I was. This man, my husband, was not just my partner, he was my best friend, my true love. And I knew we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.

Our wedding day was everything I had imagined and more. The vows we exchanged were filled with promises, but also with a deep understanding of the love we shared. When it was time for our first dance, I couldn’t stop smiling at him. I looked into his beautiful eyes, and in that moment, it was as if the whole world faded away. It was just the two of us, dancing together, celebrating not just our wedding day but everything that had brought us to this point. We had already faced challenges, but we had overcome them hand in hand. And I knew that, no matter what life threw at us, we would always have each other.

That first dance was the perfect symbol of our love—steady, strong, and full of joy. As I stood in his arms, I realized how truly lucky I was to have found someone who not only loved me deeply but also believed in our future together. And with that, I knew we were ready for whatever the next chapter would bring.

As Our Journey Together Continues

As the days turned into years, I came to understand that love isn't always about grand gestures or romantic moments—it’s about the quiet, everyday things that show how deeply two people care for each other. My husband, for all his hard work and dedication, may not have been the most outwardly romantic person, but his love for me was shown in the way he treated me, in the way he cared for our family. He didn’t need to buy me flowers or write me poems—his love was in the small things. It was in the way he looked at me, in the way he would hold me when I needed comfort, in the quiet moments when he would listen to me without judgment. That kind of love, the kind that doesn't need to be loud or showy, is the kind that lasts.

I love the feeling of lying in his arms, the safety and warmth of being close to him. Those moments, when it’s just the two of us, are some of the most precious to me. I tell him, over and over, how much I love him, how grateful I am for everything he’s done and continues to do for our family. I never tire of telling him how lucky I am to have him by my side.

But it’s not just the two of us anymore. Our little Ivanke, the light of our lives, has become a part of those quiet moments, too. There’s something so sweet and innocent about how she loves us both—just like I did when I was young, she’ll jump right into the middle of our bed when we’re lying there together. She’ll climb between us, giggling, and expect a little bit of love from both of us. And we give it freely, with open arms, because in those moments, we are a family—so full of love, laughter, and warmth.

She’s so much like both of us. She has his smile and his energy, but she also has my heart and the same desire for affection. I love watching them together—how he’s so patient with her, how he’ll play with her, laugh with her, and show her what it means to be loved deeply and unconditionally. And I can see how she looks up to him, how her eyes sparkle when she talks about him. It makes me love him even more.

Life isn’t always easy, and we know that. There are challenges, and there are moments when we both feel tired or overwhelmed. But there’s something about the way we love each other that makes everything bearable. It’s in the way we support one another, in the way we make each other laugh when we’re feeling down, and in the way we show up for each other every day, no matter what.

In our family, love isn’t something we have to try for—it’s something that comes naturally. It’s in the quiet moments, in the laughter, in the shared looks across the room when no words are needed. It’s in how we’ve built a life together, one step at a time, and how we continue to grow and change, always supporting each other.

And so, as our journey continues, I know that it’s not about perfection. It’s about love. The love we share, the love we give, and the love that fills our home every single day. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything, because it’s ours, and it’s full of everything that matters: family, laughter, support, and above all, love.

Our Brave Little Boy

As our family continued to grow, there was a new excitement in the air. I found out I was pregnant with our second child, and when we received the news, our hearts were filled with joy. We were going to have another baby! But little did we know, our journey through this pregnancy would not be as smooth as we had hoped.

At first, everything seemed perfect. But as time went on, we discovered there were some complications. I could feel the stress weighing on both of us, and the uncertainty started to settle in. We did tests, and I tried to stay hopeful. Every time the doctor reassured us, I clung to those words, believing that God was watching over me and our little one. Despite the fear and worry, I trusted that somehow, everything would be okay.

When we found out we were having a boy, our happiness grew even more. Ivanke was going to have a little brother—Dirkie! I couldn’t imagine a more perfect gift for our family. We dreamed of the joy he would bring, the laughter, the moments of togetherness. I had always wanted a big, happy family, and this little boy was going to complete it. Our hearts were full of love and anticipation, and we couldn’t wait to meet him.

But the day Dirkie was born, on April 3, 2019, was a day that would change everything. It wasn’t the birth we had hoped for. There were complications during delivery, and Dirkie stopped breathing inside me. The doctors rushed to intervene, and it was clear we were facing a life-or-death situation. My heart was racing, and I couldn’t understand why this was happening. It was one of the hardest moments of my life, not knowing if my baby boy was going to be okay.

Dirkie was born by emergency C-section, and immediately, he was rushed to the baby ICU. The fear and uncertainty were overwhelming. The doctors told my husband it was a 50/50 chance of survival. I could see the pain in his eyes, and my heart shattered for both of us. I wanted to hold my baby, to kiss him, but all I could do was stand there beside his tiny bed, holding his little hand through the incubator, hoping and praying that he would make it.

As a mother, all you want when you give birth is to have your baby in your arms, to feel their warmth, to hold them close. But instead, all I could do was watch my son fight for his life, lying in that sterile bed, connected to wires and monitors. It hurt more than I could ever explain. I could see the pain in my husband’s eyes too, and it tore me apart. This wasn’t what we had imagined for our new baby boy.

But we had faith. We had hope. We prayed every day, every hour, every minute. We knew that God was with us, even in the darkest of moments. My husband was my rock through all of it—he held me, comforted me, and kept telling me, “Everything is going to be okay.” I could see the pain he was in too, watching his son struggle. But we held on to each other, and we held on to our faith that Dirkie would get better.

And slowly, our prayers were answered. Dirkie began to improve. Day by day, he grew stronger. The doctors’ reports became more hopeful, and we could see the light at the end of the tunnel. And then, one morning, the phone rang. It was the hospital. They told me, “You can come and get your son.” I couldn’t believe it. Tears of joy and relief streamed down my face. My baby boy, the one who had fought so hard, was finally coming home.

I couldn’t wait to surprise my husband. My mother-in-law and I went to pick up Dirkie, and when we brought him to my husband at work, his reaction was priceless. His face lit up with the biggest smile, and all the tension from the past days melted away. Our little boy was finally home with us. That moment was everything—an answer to our prayers, a gift beyond measure. Our family was whole again.

Ivanke was over the moon. She had been waiting so patiently to meet her baby brother, and when she finally did, it was like she was the proudest big sister in the world. Seeing the two of them together, with Ivanke loving on her little brother, made my heart swell with happiness. Every moment of joy, every smile, every giggle, was a reminder of how blessed we were.

Though the road had been difficult, and there were moments when it felt like everything was uncertain, Dirkie’s arrival reminded us that love, faith, and family could get us through anything. We had faced the hardest time of our lives, but now, we had our precious boy. We were stronger, we were closer, and we were a complete family.

And as I looked at my two children, my heart was full. I had everything I ever wanted: a loving husband, a beautiful daughter, and a sweet, brave little boy. Our family was everything.

Helping Big Sister

As the weeks and months passed, I watched in awe as our children grew, each day bringing something new. Ivanke, our beautiful big sister, became more and more gentle and protective of her little brother, Dirkie. I would watch as she played with him, always trying to make him laugh with her sweet giggles and funny faces. She had such a natural way with him, and it filled my heart with joy to see the bond between them growing so strong.

Ivanke was also so helpful. She’d come to me with a bottle in hand or ask if I needed help with the diapers. Even as a young girl, she was so caring, and her love for Dirkie was undeniable. She was learning what it meant to be a big sister, and she did it with such grace and love.

And my husband... I couldn't have asked for a more supportive partner. He was always there for me, especially at night when Dirkie would cry. He’d help soothe him and comfort me when I was tired. I could see how much he loved our children, how he gave them his whole heart, even in the hardest moments. When they were sick, he would stay up with them, holding them close, making sure they knew they were loved and safe. I could see the pride in his eyes as he held our children, and I knew that no matter what, our family would always come first for him.

It wasn’t always easy, of course. There were sleepless nights and moments of exhaustion, but in those moments, we found strength in each other. We were a team, and we made sure to laugh together whenever we could. There was no greater joy than hearing Ivanke’s giggles and seeing Dirkie’s bright smile. It was in those little moments that I knew we were building something truly special—a family filled with love, laughter, and a deep bond that would never break.

After a while, we made a big move to Steelpoort. It was a new chapter for us—my husband had secured a job working at the mine, and we knew this move was important for our future. It wasn’t easy leaving behind the familiar, but we were excited for what this new adventure would bring. Our days in Steelpoort were filled with exploring new places, making new friends, and adjusting to life in a different town. The kids, of course, adapted so well, and Ivanke and Dirkie found joy in every new experience.

But as the months passed, things began to shift once again. After a year in Steelpoort, we found ourselves moving back to Middelburg. Life had brought us full circle, but this time, things felt different. It was a fresh start, and as we settled into our new home, I realized that the universe was giving us another blessing.

I found out I was pregnant with our third child.

The news was a surprise, but it was one that filled me with excitement and a little bit of nervousness too. A third child! Our family was about to grow even more, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the life we were building. The thought of another baby, another little one to love, was so beautiful, and I knew we were ready for the challenge.

We had been through so much already, but the love we had for each other had only grown stronger. Now, we would have the joy of bringing another little one into our lives. Ivanke and Dirkie would have a new sibling, someone to love and protect, just like they had done for each other. And I could see how excited my husband was too. He was already thinking about all the ways he would help and care for our growing family.

The road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but I knew we were ready for it. The love in our home was strong enough to handle anything. As I looked at my two beautiful children, Ivanke and Dirkie, I knew that our family was complete in its own special way, and soon, we would welcome another little soul to love.

Our Fighting Little Girl

As our family continued to grow, so did the love and excitement in our hearts. But with Anieke’s pregnancy, there was also a shadow of worry. The doctors had warned us there could be complications again, and that uncertainty weighed heavily on us. We had already been through so much with Dirkie, and the thought of facing something like that again was almost too much to bear. But still, we held on to each other, and we held on to our faith, knowing that no matter what happened, we would face it together.

On June 8, 2022, our precious Anieke was born, 4 weeks early. The moment she arrived, it wasn’t the joyous occasion we had hoped for. The doctors immediately told us she would need to be rushed to the baby ICU. And just like with Dirkie, our hearts sank, and the pain of not being able to hold her was almost unbearable.

But that wasn’t all. Just after birth, we were told there was a serious issue with one of her lungs—something had busted, and they needed to operate immediately. The fear and heartbreak were all too familiar. We couldn’t even hold our baby girl; we could only watch as the doctors worked to save her. It felt like déjà vu, the same feelings of helplessness and fear flooding over us again. The pain was indescribable, and I could see it in my husband’s eyes too—he was hurting for our little girl, just as much as I was.

But through it all, we clung to each other, knowing we weren’t alone. We had each other, and we had our faith. We prayed every moment, asking for strength, for healing, for our sweet Anieke to survive. We knew that with God’s grace, she would pull through.

Anieke’s time in the ICU felt like an eternity. For four long weeks, we watched as our baby fought for her life, surrounded by machines and medical staff. I never left her side, and my husband was always there with me, offering his support, his love, and his quiet strength. We couldn’t do much except be there for her, but we never gave up hope. We believed that God was watching over her, and that kept us going.

Finally, after what felt like the longest month of our lives, Anieke was strong enough to come home. The day she left the ICU was a day of triumph and relief. Our little girl was finally coming home, and we couldn’t wait for her to meet her big sister and big brother.

Ivanke and Dirkie were overjoyed when they met their baby sister. From the moment Anieke came home, they showed her nothing but love. Ivanke, always the loving and protective big sister, couldn’t wait to hold her, kiss her, and tell her how much she loved her. And Dirkie, so sweet and gentle, already had a connection with his sister. It was clear that despite everything we had been through, our family was now whole, and our hearts were full.

The days that followed were filled with laughter, love, and joy as we settled into life with our new little one. Watching Ivanke and Dirkie love and care for Anieke was everything I had hoped for—our children, together, as a family, growing and thriving despite the challenges we had faced.

Our journey with Anieke wasn’t easy, but it brought us even closer as a family. It showed us the true meaning of strength, resilience, and the power of love. We had been through so much together, and yet, we were still standing, still united. Anieke’s birth and the time she spent in the ICU only deepened our appreciation for the precious gift of life, and the love we had for each other.

Now, as we look at our three children—Ivanke, Dirkie, and Anieke—we know that our family is complete. We’ve been through the hardest moments together, but we’ve also experienced the greatest joys. We’ve learned that love, faith, and family can carry you through anything, no matter how difficult the road may seem.

Anieke’s arrival was a reminder that life can be unpredictable, but it’s in those moments of uncertainty that we find the strength to love even harder, to hold on to each other even tighter, and to trust that no matter what happens, we are never alone.

Our Special Trip

It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since we first became a family. Now, two years later, our children have grown and blossomed in ways that continue to amaze me. Ivanke, who once was the tiny girl who helped with bottles and diapers, is now excelling in school, thriving in her studies, and growing into such a bright, strong young lady. She’s not just doing well in school, but she’s also become a wonderful role model for her younger siblings. Her caring nature, her drive, and her maturity have made her a pillar in our family.

And then there’s Anieke and Dirkie—what a duo they are! They’re inseparable, just like Batman and Robin. Always together, always playing, always making each other laugh. Watching them, you’d never guess that just a few years ago, Dirkie was the tiny baby fighting for his life in the ICU. Now, he’s this big, strong, protective older brother. He’s always looking out for Anieke, making sure she’s okay, and I can see how deeply he loves his little sister. They have such a special bond—so full of playfulness, but also so much care and protection for each other.

And then there’s Ivanke, who’s like a little mother to them both. I can see how much she loves them, and how much she’s grown into a figure of strength and warmth in our home. She has such a nurturing spirit, and I’m proud of the way she looks after her siblings. It fills my heart to know that they have each other, and that Ivanke, as the big sister, is guiding them with her love and care.

As for me and my husband, our love has only deepened with time. There’s a kind of understanding between us now, something that only comes from years of sharing life together. We’ve been through so much, and we know each other so well. There are days when words aren’t even needed—we just know, in that quiet space between us, that we are meant to be. Our love is stronger than ever, and I couldn’t imagine life without him by my side. We’ve built something so beautiful, and as we look at our children, I know that all the sacrifices, the challenges, and the hard times have been worth it.

This year, for the first time, we were able to take the kids on a special trip—a trip we’d been dreaming about for so long. We finally had the time and the finances to go to the ocean. The excitement in their eyes when we told them was unforgettable. The kids couldn’t wait to play in the sand, to run into the waves, to experience the freedom of the beach. I’ll never forget the sight of them, laughing and running together, their footprints in the sand, the sound of their laughter mixing with the crashing waves. For a few days, we forgot about all the stress and the daily grind, and we just lived in the moment, enjoying each other’s company.

It felt like a dream, honestly. Watching Ivanke, Dirkie, and Anieke playing together, so carefree and happy, I couldn’t help but feel so grateful. My heart was full, knowing we had created this beautiful family. And my husband and I, we stood there together, watching our children, hand in hand, grateful for the life we’ve built, for the love we share, and for the memories we were making.

The ocean brought us peace and joy, and it was a reminder of how far we’ve come. From those early days, when we were uncertain and afraid, to now, when we’re living in the fullness of love and family. We have everything we need, because we have each other. And that, to me, is the greatest gift of all

In The End

As I sit back and reflect on our journey, I can’t help but be filled with gratitude. We’ve come a long way since the day we first met, since the day we became a family. There have been so many challenges—moments of fear, uncertainty, and heartache. But through it all, we’ve learned more about love and family than we ever could have imagined.

One of the greatest lessons we’ve learned is that love isn’t always easy. It’s not about grand gestures or perfect moments—it’s about showing up, day after day, for the people you care about. It’s about standing beside each other in the hardest of times, holding each other up when the world feels heavy, and offering comfort when it feels like all hope is gone. Love is not always a feeling; sometimes it’s a choice. And we’ve chosen each other, again and again, through every challenge and every triumph.

We’ve also learned that family is everything. It’s not just about the blood we share, but the moments we create together—the laughter, the shared dreams, the way we support each other through thick and thin. Family is built on trust, on kindness, and on the unwavering belief that no matter what, we have each other’s backs. Our family has been through so much, and yet, we’re stronger than ever. Every day, we grow and change, but one thing remains constant: the love we share for each other.

Watching Ivanke grow into such a kind and thoughtful young girl, seeing Dirkie protect and care for his siblings, and witnessing Anieke blossom into her own little person—it’s a reminder of how love can shape lives in the most beautiful ways. They are our greatest blessings, and seeing them care for each other reminds us that the bond of family is something truly sacred.

My husband and I, too, have learned more about love than we ever could have imagined. Our love has deepened with time—not because life has been easy, but because we’ve chosen to face everything together. We’ve learned that love isn’t about perfection. It’s about being there, through the hard times and the good, supporting each other in ways both big and small. And it’s in those quiet moments, when the world around us is still, that we realize just how much we mean to each other. We’ve grown together, as partners, as parents, and as best friends. And with every passing day, our love only grows stronger.

In the end, our journey has taught us that family is not just about the moments we share, but the way we love and support each other through the toughest of times. It’s about holding each other close, trusting that together, we can face anything. It’s about the small, everyday gestures—the smiles, the hugs, the quiet understanding that speaks volumes. And it’s about faith—the belief that no matter what life throws our way, we are never alone.

Our family may not be perfect, but it’s ours, and it’s built on a foundation of love, resilience, and faith. We’ve learned that the true measure of a family is not how easy life is, but how we face life together—hand in hand, heart to heart, forever bound by love.

And as we look to the future, we know that no matter where life takes us, we’ll always have each other. For love, family, and faith have shown us that anything is possible.