Maa: A Tribute to Mothers | Experience Life | StarLit Eyes!

A Tribute to Mothers

Looking deep into her eyes, the doctor said with a strained voice " I'm sorry. There's very little we can do. You just have to hope for the best and be prepared for the worst." Alone in the hospital room, she quivered hearing the news. Her husband, a doctor in training, was away. Slogging day and night in another city. She didn't know what scared her more. Being a first time mother, giving birth to a two month premature baby, who was battling for dear life in an incubator in the hospital's pediatric ward. The doctor's ominous words about her newborn's future, or just the fact that she knew she wouldn't give up on her child come what may. Battling all these thoughts, she fell into uneasy sleep due to sheer exhaustion. She awoke bright and early the next morning with a steely resolve in her eyes. She had made up her mind. This baby was going to live.

The following year was an uphill battle, with long days and even longer nights. She nursed, cared for and protected her baby tirelessly. It didn't matter that every alternate day the doctors would warn her about her child's failing health and almost certain demise. It didn't matter that most of her family had accepted fate and prepared themselves for a funeral. It didn't matter that she couldn't remember the last time she had had a proper meal or sleep. All that mattered was the belief in her heart. And that's all it took. Beating all the odds, her child not only survived but thrived!

This is the story of my mother and the child (who apparently is thriving!!😉) is me. If you happen to meet my mother or even know her for quite some time, you wouldn't immediately recognize her as the woman in the story above. For everyone around her, she's the charming, helpful, kind, unassuming and ever-smiling lady whom they love. But beyond her gregarious persona, lies a silent strength. It's this strength that has navigated our family through all the ups and downs of life. She is our entire family's: 3 am friend, "Sarv Ghyaani" (all knowledgeable") philosopher, life guide and driving navigator (she claims to know more about the city routes than Google Maps ), most trustworthy confidant and very importantly, she is the provider of delicious, hot home-cooked meals (which you start to value dearly once you have to feed yourself!!)

Mothers are special. They know us the best, even at times when we don't know ourselves. They remind us of our strengths when life brings us down. They've seen us at our worst and still love us unconditionally. They fight for us even when we have given up. They keep us from flying too close to the sun. And keep us grounded when life's gifts make us cocky.

Mothers do so much for us and more, that sometimes we forget that they are people too! They too have their weaknesses, their battles, their insecurities, their naughty secrets, their passions and desires. And most of all they also have their stories, the people they were before they became mothers. I realized this some time back. So, every now and then, I ask my mother to tell me stories about her youth. These stories have many times captivated, surprised and moved me. They have allowed me to see my mother as a totally different person, know her better and respect her as a mother and as the really amazing, cool individual she is.

I salute the spirit of motherhood! Maa tujhe salaam!

This blog is dedicated to all the amazing mothers out there and especially to my mother who celebrates her birthday today. Happy Birthday Mumma!!!