What it means to be a mother. Happy mothers day!


My ten year old (soon to be eleven, she never fails to remind me) daughter made this for me, this morning. It was as delicious  as it looks! I feel like a bloated whale right now, as I type this, as I gobbled it all up.

"Mummy, Happy mothers day. Today you aren't entering the kitchen. I will do everything for you," she said.

Satish and she headed off to the kitchen, while I sat and wrote my fourth book. (wrote one thousand six hundred words while they conjured up the breakfast). I couldn't have asked for a better start for the day!

If you had told me though sixteen years ago that I will give up my corporate career to be a stay-at-home mom I'd have scoffed at you. At that time I was working in the corporate sector. I had just been offered a wonderful opportunity at another multinational.There was nothing more I wanted than to have a high-flying career, become a CEO perhaps and truly rise to the top-level management in the corporate world.

But when I gave birth to a squealing, quivering 3.25 kg bundle who looked at me with button eyes that shone with curiosity and inquisitiveness, something in my DNA got altered forever. All I wanted to do was cuddle this baby and be with him forever. The tenderness he evoked in me, the sheer vulnerability I was experiencing, the feeling of awesomeness that overtook everything else and the terrifying realization that I am now responsible for another life took me by complete surprise. If you are a parent, you will know exactly what i am talking about. That moment when you first hold your new born baby in your hands is truly something that cannot be captured in words. I swore to God, I would do anything to protect this child.

I couldn't imagine leaving him in anybody else's care. So I didn't. I stayed at home, I bathed him, I read to him, I took him everywhere I went and I was so happy.  Not a moment passed without him by my side.

We had always wanted two children and  when  we were blessed with a daughter three and a half years later, our joy knew no bounds.

If you ask them today what they remember most about their early childhood, they will probably tell you it is the amount of books I  have read them (Thousands! I have a collection of more than 2000 children's books and an equal number of adults books too :))  and the amount of  art activities I did with them. I threw myself  with all I had, into my role as a mother. I read up a lot, I researched a lot, I did a course too as  I wanted to be the best parent that I can be.


Today my fourteen year old is taller than me. He discusses everything with me including drugs, sex, values, what teens think, what he believes in, what he wants. He tells me about his friends, girl-friends, teachers, school. I am grateful I have made the cut for the 'teenage cool' (Oh i work so hard at it!) and happy to be included in his world. He is growing up so fast, yet in many ways he is still the baby I used to carry around.

My daughter thinks I am the most beautiful woman in the world. She adores me in a way only daughters can worship their mothers. She hears me talking to publishers, to newspaper journos, to numerous other people. She watches me speak at my events  and then she says her eyes shining "Oh mummy--you spoke so awesome. You are so cool mummy and I am proud of you!".

I truly do not know if I have succeeded as a parent or not, but all I know is that I did my best. I was there for them when they neeeded me. I still am.

I think in the end, that is all that matters.
 The fact that you did your very best.

This mothers day, I am thankful to be a mom.
I wish all your mothers and I wish you (if you are a mother yourself) a very happy mother's day.

Celebrate the bond. No matter what kind of a mother you have had, it's the most selfless love you will ever come across.
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Comments

  1. wow that was so nice. i have seen mom giving up everything for me including her health. i wish i grow up into a equally responsible woman as she is. I adore her d most.:)

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  2. Happy Mothers Day to you Preeti, and to your mom too. Hugz n love!

    Wonderful post as well!

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  3. Happy Mother's day to you too..and you said it right...children make us moms and with them we grow.
    Hugs to both A and P...And a big hug to you, for doing your best and being there always :)

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  4. Anonymous11:49 AM

    Happy Mother's Day Preeti! :)

    Awesome post!!

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  5. Truly touching post Preeti. Loved each and every word and will remember it for the time when I have my own.

    Happy Mother's Day to you!

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  6. Wow, your post touched my heart Preeti! :)
    Happy mother's day to you!! :)
    *Love and hugs*

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  7. Happy Mothers Day Preeti.
    It's great to see you sharing such a wonderful bond with both your kids.
    God bless.

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  8. Hi Preeti,
    Happy Mother's Day..!! wow what a nice and inspiring post .

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  9. Wow, its awesome that you have got them over 2000 children's books and an equal number of adults books too. I can imagine the kind of effort and painstaking attention that requires.

    It was awesome to read about the relationship you have with your kids. I am sure they are proud of you too.

    The part where you have written, "He is growing up so fast, yet in many ways he is still the baby I used to carry around." Sums up what all of us feel about our babies long after they've grown up.

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  10. Anonymous7:49 PM

    Happy Mothers'Day, Preeti! You truly are an inspiration.

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  11. Hey that is so sweet!! Happy mother's day to you too!!
    -Durga

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  12. Happy Mother's Day Preeti.

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  13. Happy Mothers Day to you Preeti. No doubt you have surely succeeded with your kids.

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  14. Happy mother's day to you too Preeti!! This year my dd spoiled me rotten too..For the first time I got my bed coffee and breakfast !! what a moment that was!!

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  15. Belated happy mothers' day, Preeti. You set the bar. At least as far as effort is concerned.

    'Much love'
    :*

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  16. Hi Preeti,
    What a wonderful post!
    Hope you had a great Mother's Day..Could you please share the kind of books that you have in your collection for your children ? I have two kids aged 6 and 1 and I want to have a nice collection for them too. Thanks in advance!

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  17. Chhaya: Hope to write a book on it sometime soon! I have a long list which includes 'chica chica boom boom', "dr.suess" and many more.

    Sucheta: It's bloody tough! but I don't have an option of resigning from the job!

    Anu: Nice!!

    Horizon: Time will tell! All i know is i gave it all i had!

    Taa's mom: same to you!

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  18. Durga:Thank u!

    Oijuggle: Awww-thanks!

    Swapna:Thank you so much for a wonderful comment!

    Nitu:Thank you!

    PK:Thanks! God Bless!

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  19. Dhriti: Thanks! Hugs!

    Me:Thanks a lot!

    Aaekay: Thank you!!

    Prats: So true--we grow with them. happy mothers day to you too!

    Shachi: Thank you!

    Hrituparna: Warmest regards to your mother!

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  20. may your loving lovable kids win all that they wish for.

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  21. Some days are perfect like that! I bet you enjoyed mothers day :-)

    I wish i grow up to be an awesome mom too =D

    Nice post:)

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  22. Aww...cho chweet..!!! M speechless...!!! Parenting is most difficult task...n hats off to d efforts u have taken..!!!

    Everyday is ur day...Happy mother's day..!!!!
    Love n hugs
    Gayu

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  23. It was too good :) happy mothers day Ms.Preeti Shenoy :)

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