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Ma's special day

Another Mother's Day is coming, make it a special day for your mother

MAMA'S PET Apple of her eye

Is a modern day mother less of a mother? Or is motherhood a stumbling block towards a women's growth? Women do not have to sacrifice their individuality if they become mothers. Nor do they have to sacrifice their motherhood if they become individuals. For, the joy and fulfilment found in new vocations and vistas can be found in motherhood.

"The bond between a mother and child is unique and does not lessen if she ventures out and seeks occupation. The needs of children take priority over her needs. Mothers thus work, not only for self-satisfaction, but also more for the sake of their children who can lead better lives. Children also adjust and become self-sufficient. Quality time can be spent with children during holidays. Children and mothers thus are not deprived of each other's love and a working mother's contribution towards the family income enables children to enjoy the good things in life," feels Sumathi Dandapani, a successful and busy lawyer.

Greatest right

Motherhood is a wonderful beginning. The moment a child is born a mother is also born. Earlier, she was only a woman. "Of all the rights of a woman the greatest is to be a mother," said the Chinese writer Lin Yutang. A mother's job is a full time job. A father's job begins from morn and ends at night. But a mother's work is endless. The term `working mother' is thus superfluous. The greatest joy of a mother is to love her children. Her love sprouts even before children are conceived and born. This love lightens her chores. It is thus mothers who feed, nourish and guide the human race.

With motherhood a woman develops a rare wisdom, intuition and maturity. Indu Palicha, a mother of three including a differently-abled son with cerebral palsy, reveals the true, endearing profundity of a mother's love. "It is only the society that discriminates girls and boys. When my first-born was a girl I didn't feel disappointed but I felt our home was blessed. My second child, a boy, was born with cerebral palsy. But this didn't diminish my love for him at all. I paid special attention to him and played all sort of games with him trying to understand and motivate him. However, I don't overprotect him or treat him differently. I love him and scold him like I do with my other two children." Today, she looks upon him with a glow of pride as her love and support has turned him into a confident young man, employed and financially independent.

Vital link

Mothers who form a vital link to other family members are thus blessed with a rare instinct, farsightedness and resilience to deftly handle and overcome intricate and sensitive family problems. Smiling through her tears she comforts you with her special touch when misfortune strikes the family. Without flaring up she deals with your insults and rebukes with a mature restraint. Her love is unique and rare. For knowing that children outgrow her protection she should love them enough to let them go. "God could not be everywhere; so he made mothers," goes an old Jewish proverb.

However, mothers are taken for granted. Most of us do not pause to reflect that mothers won't be around us always. So try not to put off the things you have always wanted to do for her, but could not due to your busy schedule. Show her you care. Spend time with her. Take her for fun trips and outings along with your children and friends. Delight her by making her favourite dish. Or surprise her by a soothing back rub. Joke with her or revel of past incidents that you shared with her intimately. Even when she is frail to contribute her service to the family make her feel wanted and loved. For you, who were the apple of her eye, are where you are today only due to her sheer determination, grit and hope for you.

When looking back such moments of togetherness spent with your mother shall fill you with a warm glow and fulfilment in the years to come. You evolve as a person with no regrets.

HEMJIT BHARATHAN

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