041Baby writer Odette Parfitt explores the unimaginable fears of parenthood and the resilience that follows.
As a parent, you worry about millions of things regarding your child – but there is one scenario so terrifying that it is truly unthinkable.
For Honey Koba, the unthinkable happened – and now she is determined to create a space for other mothers to find support, healing, and hope.
“Losing my daughter was the most heartbreaking experience of my life,” shares Honey. “It was a sudden and unexpected loss, as she was not ill. The grief that follows such a loss is indescribable.”
However, when she posted about this experience on Facebook recently, a new avenue opened. Now she is hard at work planning Tea with Honey, an event to be held in Gqeberha on 1 March for other mothers going through similar losses. “I’ve always been someone who brings people together, and after my own loss, I realised how isolating grief can be. Many moms suffer in silence, feeling like there’s no space for their pain. Tea with Honey is my way of changing that. It’s a safe, healing space where we can support, uplift, and remind each other that we are not alone.
“I want to create a space where mothers who have walked this journey don’t have to grieve alone.”
The event will allow “angel-moms” to come together, share stories, and receive comfort, said Honey. “I have invited a therapist who specialises in grief and loss to guide us through healing. There will be sentimental activities designed to support our journey. There’s also lucky draw prizes to add a fun element to the session.”
What surprised her most was the impressive response – both from mothers who want to attend, and from companies who want to support the event through sponsorship.
“I am beyond grateful. Every time I thought of not going ahead, God kept sending people to reach out, offering various things. It felt like a confirmation, almost as if it came from God Himself. Seeing how businesses and individuals have stepped up to support Tea with Honey has been overwhelming in the best way. It shows how much people care and how powerful community can be when we come together for a meaningful cause.”
Though this event is already fully booked, Honey says she hopes to offer similar events in future for other mothers. “I foresee hosting many more of these events under the Langelihle Foundation, which I registered to honour my daughter and keep her memory alive. Through the foundation, I aim to give back to babies’ homes, help where I can, and hopefully, with other angel-parents, walk this journey of healing together.
“My biggest hope is that every mother who attends takes another step towards healing, leaves feeling lighter, more supported, and reminded that her child’s life – no matter how short – mattered
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