The loss of a child is an experience no parent ever wants to endure. For mothers Lynn Forbes and Louisa Zondo, the deaths of their sons, AKA and Riky Rick, were events they never imagined they would face.
Over time, both women have learned to heal and have discovered alternative ways to find solace. Whether it is in the quiet of nature or through charitable acts for others, each has found a way to honour the legacy of their son.
The two recently reunited for the first time in months, reflecting on their respective journeys of healing from the hurt and trauma – only this time, they appear to be in a much better place than they were a year or two ago.
In a post shared on her Instagram, Lynn reflected on this journey: “Connected with my dear friend Louisa Zondo this morning.
“We summited Kilimanjaro together in 2018, oblivious to the mountains we would have to climb as mothers. We each lost our son, a year apart … first Rikhado (Riky Rick) and then Kiernan … young kings and friends with powerful voices. We’re still climbing, together. Not always strong, but always resilient. Focused, steady, and committed to preserving their legacies.”
Following the death of her son AKA, who was murdered in 2023, Lynn has spent a considerable time out in nature to clear her mind. She and her granddaughter Kairo also visited some iconic landmarks that her son Kiernan loved as a way of feeling closer to him.
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Meanwhile, Louisa’s journey to healing was not easy either. Earlier this month she celebrated what would have been her son, Rikhado’s 38th birthday.
She shared a gallery of pictures of him during childhood, showing off the brightest smile.
Captioning her post, she wrote: “The 20 July is your birthday, MaRiky. Not for a single moment are you ever blurred in our hearts. Thank you for the honour of being a parent to you. Thank you for being a good ancestor to us.”
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Also see: Lynn Forbes reflects on first pregnancy as she celebrates AKA’s birthday – ‘I was in awe of you’
