Saturday, May 9, 2009

Mother's Day reflections

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day.

In honor of this day, it is customary to write and reflect about a Mother’s love, her selfless sacrifices, and the countless little chores she does that almost always go unnoticed and unappreciated. This is the time to draw attention to the innumerable things that a Mother does without any expectation of remuneration.

I do not want to do that. Instead, I want to explore the idea of a perfect Mother through a child's eyes.

Every child deserves and wants:

A mother who can soothe a scratched knee without first yelling ‘Why didn’t you watch where you were going?’

A mother who understands that the child is a separate entity and that he/she doesn’t have to sign up for ballet or vocal lessons to make up for her unrealized childhood dreams.

A mother who understands that it is within the rights of a child to demand to use the Port-a-potty on the way to the grocery store, even though she reminded him/her to use the nice, clean potty at home before leaving for the store.

A mother who can say a little more than ‘Good job. Now why aren't you studying for the next test?’ when the child comes home brimming with excitement and declares that she got a 102% in the latest Math test.

A mother who limits her lectures to under 2 minutes at a time and resists the urge to step up to the pulpit and start preaching at every opportunity.

A mother who understands that a hug and a kiss on a Sunday night can quiet the Monday morning nerves much better than asking “What is there to be worried about? Monday comes and Monday goes.”

I hope I can be everything my kids need me to be, at least for tomorrow.

My mother, I am proud to say, has been so much more than that all her life. Without doubt, she is the best. If I have never said it before, here it goes. Mom, I love you very much.

12 comments:

Jeyashris Kitchen said...

mothers r always special and sometimes when i shout at my kids and make them sad i feel very bad for that later and remember back to my child hood days that how my mom handled the same situation on me. Resolutions r not for new year alone,this mother's day i make a resoultion to control my anger towards kids.

Naaree said...

Everything you say goes against what the lady in the MOM song preachess. Just kidding. I wish there is a day for children and you compile such a list for kids. :-)

Sankaran said...

IMHO, Mother's job is one of the toughest in the world and it is a 25/7 job (25 is not a typo).

While it is easy to give-in to what the kids want now vs what will help them to have good life, mothers out of love for their kids, make the tough choice and go for the latter.

Happy mother's day.

Meena Sankaran said...

Jayamma,

You are right. Any day is a good day to make this resolution. I thought of all the things that I am not currently doing and made the list :-). Hope I can do at least half of what I preach.

-Meena

Meena Sankaran said...

Naaree, It is good to see you here. May be, one of these days, I could come up with a list of qualities in an 'ideal' child, if there ever is one.

Meena Sankaran said...

Well said, Sankar.

நாகு (Nagu) said...

Amen!

I read the following definition which explains what u so beautifully listed...

Sweater: Garment worn by the child, when the mother feels cold!

Saluting all moms on this day(yesterday)!

Meena Sankaran said...

Thank you Nagu!

Yet Another Mother Runner said...

seriously, what's this obsession these kids have with public restrooms??
jokes apart, very touching, indeed!
Happy belated Mother's Day to you!!

Meena Sankaran said...

"Happy belated Mother's Day to you!!"

Right back at you, GND. Thanks for stopping by. :-)

Unknown said...

Great piece Meena. I have a diff problem. My daughter says, Mom, the way you are behaving right now, I don't know who the mother is here, you or me :( These are the times when I forget that I'm a mother of a 15 year old and behave like a teenager. Anyway, absolutely enjoy reading your blogs. You have a fan in me dear..so keep on blogging.

Meena Sankaran said...

Vishal, I am so glad to see you here at my blog page. Even more happy knowing that you enjoy reading the articles. As long as I have something of interest to say, I will continue to blog.:-)

"I have a diff problem. My daughter says, Mom, the way you are behaving right now, I don't know who the mother is here, you or me :( These are the times when I forget that I'm a mother of a 15 year old and behave like a teenager."

That is so cute. Might be enlightening to have a chat with your daughter. :-)