Single mom shares hijacking ordeal and dreams

At the centre of turmoil, uncertainty and fear that defined 2020, Michelle Rorke suffered a traumatic experience in the hands of three hijackers.

On her way home from a braai on June 13, Rorke was entrapped in her vehicle and was ordered by her three captors. She alleged they sexually harassed her for hours while forcing her to drive around Kempton Park, as previously reported by Express.

“After the incident, it took me about 17 days to get back in my car. Realising that your children learn from you, I had to show Shelby (8), my son, how to face fear and overcome it.”

Soon Rorke summoned the courage to take the steering wheel once again and decided to own her responsibilities and keep her chin up.

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“I was guided by professional counselling for which I will be forever grateful. I realised I needed to heal myself if I wished to ensure my son’s fulfilment. Only when you’ve healed and love yourself will you truly be able to love others.”

On top of the ordeal, like all South Africans, Rorke was faced by another external force, Covid-19.  “Lockdown has been hard for everybody. Unfortunately, people buy into the fear of Covid-19 more than looking after their own immune system.

We tested positive for Covid-19 at the end of July and were sick for only one or two days.” She believes people’s thoughts, eating habits, resting routine and hours spent in the sun affects their health.

“I had a network marketing business running from home but when the pandemic hit it affected the industry.
“However, in July I was blessed with work at OR Tambo and in September my blessings grew when I was offered another position at my previous employer for a better salary, including benefits.”

Rorke and her son found a new place to call home and expressed pure content.  Discussing the family dynamic managed by her and her former partner, she said: “Shelby’s dad has been very supportive through this time and we are doing what we can to be the best parents for him.”

How did she give her son guidance during the turbulence caused by the pandemic? “Constantly communicating about his dreams and goals is the priority, while focusing on self-esteem and development. At times I urge him to stand in front of the mirror and make ‘I am” affirmations, and I can already recognise a vast improvement.”

As this single mom from Allen Grove contemplated on the year gone past, she considered what the glimmering sunrise on her horizon has in store.

“I aim to capture my life story in black and white and would like to attempt the venture in publishing it. I would title it Turning Point. “So many people don’t speak up and I want to encourage those who can relate to speak up.”
She acknowledged that trials in life are inevitable, but one ought to rise up to claim their strength.

“God will give you back double for your former trouble.”

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