A letter to a woman who has  taught me how to survive. Happy international Day!

Dear mum

How I wish that you could read these lines and understand what a son has in his heart. As I grow up each day to be a matured man, I remember all bit of burden you had to lift to groom us. Gradually I am learning that since the day you showed me this world, your umbrella of love has been protecting me from all kind of weathers. Thank you, thank you very much for all you have been to me. I promise you, one day I will make you proud and happy. I shall work hard each day to live up to your expectation.

As a woman of Twentieth century, I can imagine myself how difficult it might have been to put up with typical a grandma of those times. I have seen, felt and realized how tough life has been in bringing up three of us. In meeting the needs of three different versions of devils, I can imagine what might have happened to you. Meeting the need of small kids, ask me, mum—I have seen it with my eyes. Often time when I went against you while you asked me to work, I remember you saying “Let me see how you can deny to your wife later when you marry”.  I always fear, as I recollect it now. I fear that I may become a biased man, who would do less to a woman who did so much to me and more to a woman who just comes into my life after I start earning (LOL). Sometimes when we finish taking dinner and volunteer to wash dishes, my mum, I learning to respect and love you. I am learning to be fair with you and my wife later.

Those times when I might have defecated on the bed, I can imagine how coolly you would have cleaned it. Sometimes when I might have wept late night and woke you up from a tiring day’s sweet sleep, how calmly you would have consoled me and put me back to sleep. I can imagine, mum. I can feel the pain that might have inflicted you. Upon defeating inside the pants, how warmly you might have wiped my bottom! I know, it demands a lot of substance inside the big heart—and that you possessed it as a mum.

As a woman, sometimes you played a role of a father in managing household economy. Sometimes you played a role of friend in hearing my problems and find a solution. As a woman of old times; of that era when grandma used to be the boss and husband, the commander, I can imagine how squeezing your life might have been. Dancing on the tune of bossy grandmas, I know, several times you might have wanted to cry and oppose. Dear mum, you don’t need to explain me as to how it feels to be an upholder of bloody typical Hindu culture. A woman of your time, I know, might have been thought of a slave-in-disguise. Freedom and right might have been stolen from you. For being such a strong woman who could grow up with such confined liberty, I salute you.

Mum, you need not worry now. Three of us are growing up. We have a lot of dreams if fate gives accompanies to us. Bit by bit, I have already started sewing patches of dreams. I have already stated dreaming of our goo days. Those days when hardship thrashed us black and blue; when fate was a   rival of ours and good days were out of our reach, I remember how we survived. It was a spirit you continued holding unto that kept us alive. If good days are what you can see beckoning from hills back, it is the product of your dedications and prayers.

Mum, I remember you fasting very often for religious reason. Often times I would condemn you for being so religious but now I started knowing the reason—you always prayed for our wellbeing and success. As a man, I would never dare do such good thing for entire members of family. Yet, a woman like you always thought more of the family than yourself. As woman you always signified an angel in disguise.

Mum, how I wish you knew somebody whom you loved so much thinks of your deeds and generosity!

I have never told you I love you. I never embraced you but I promise you, as a son I have always loved you. I don’t take picture with you the way I do with friends and other, but deep down my heart, I always love you. I exist because you do. I can’t imagine a life without you.

Thank you for all the love and care you have bestowed upon three of us. We are still kids running to be protected under your umbrella of love and care. Thank you for being the woman I always think of.

Thank you

Your loving son.