Happy Mothers Day

Ambi's mother........................... Sachi's mother God could not be every where so He made mothers

From Ambi

My absolute first memory is of a smell. This smell is warm, comforting, velveteen and safe. I cannot name this smell but when I am with Biji I know she is it. In my heart 'home' for me is where I lived with her. My moral compass was set by her in those years and has been passed on to our kids. She was a quiet but firm presence in my childhood, a cheerleader who was always there when I needed her. She was happy to be in the background so I could shine. I owe so much to her and yet am under no debt. Her love was unpretentious and undemanding. Did I ever remember to thank you Biji?

I understand you only in my own role as mother. I have looked at Jyoti, Suraj and Ravi with the same eyes that I remember you looking at me. Through them I know how much you love me. I rebelled against your idea of the role for women but imbibed the spirit with which you approached motherhood. Your shyness encouraged me to become outgoing, your accepting nature gave me space to ask questions. Your devotion to home gave me security to explore far off lands, your unconditional pride in me gave me permission to become my own person; so different from you yet closer to you than ever. Thankyou for being my mother. . . . . . Ambi.

FROM SACHI ---

My dear Bou(mother),

On this mother's day, all your six children are sending you best of wishes, lots of love & pranam for long years of hard work, sacrifices, love & compassion in bringing us up which I am sure was not an easy task.

All through our childhod & adult life we have always been amazed by your unusual capabilities. You got married at age 15 ; my brother & I were born in next two years. Immediately after that you went back to complete high school & graduated in respectable 1st class. When you had five children my father went to England for two years & we all lived with grandparents where more help was available in taking care of children. You signed up & completed two years of college( in good grades ) during that time. We always thought you would have been outstanding if you pursued an academic carrier. However after the 6th child was born in 1953 , you folded up that ambition & became a full time mother & a home tutor for every subject. After that we felt you grew a pair of eyes on the back of your head, always catching us at the wrong times.

Bringing up children in 1940s & 50s was way different from 80s, 90s & beyond. Every once in a while it had occured to us (in light of more modern standards) how several things could have been done differently with us for better outcomes. But as we grew up into more mature individuals & able to put things in right perspective, we realized, how wrong & unwise it is to be stuck with 'could have, should have, would have' mind set & always think , the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. Once we get out of that mode we suddenly see the light that, every mother is unique & at the same time identical that, for them, children are the absolutely top priority: their safety, security & their wellbeing. We have seen & felt this from childhood till today. It is so comforting Bou(mother) to have been receiving so much love , care, compassion & concern throughout our lives. We are all so blessed.

Everything said & done we six were not the easiest ones to have taken care of. We all remember the hardships you had to overcome in the process. Often you used to tell us , how we will understand all these when we became parents. We indeed have found that out the hard way.

Next to God you are the person to have given us life, which is the most important thing/blessing we have. Even then we often pray for all material things to enjoy life. God's answer to that is - You have been given life so that you can enjoy all things. How true!

Bou, we all love you very much & consider it a blessing to have been born in Mahapatra family. Have a very happy Mother's day.

I offer myself to Thee (God), relieve me of bondage of self, take away my shortcomings, that I may better do Thy will & live the life of Your will.------------ God bless you all.