Mother’s Day… It wasn’t something we celebrated. It wasn’t something we were taught at school (at least not in those days). It wasn’t something I thought about a lot.

Until this year. Until today. Until I was surrounded by the myriad posts, quotes, confessions, and wishes.

Motherhood… A status I achieved recently.

Some say it is a journey. Some say it is an adventure. Some say it is life.

I say it is Transformation. 

The complete transformation of a human being who would think, feel, speak and act, in a certain way before the advent of a child.

I never thought I could survive sleepless nights for weeks.

I never felt such intense, overwhelming, protective love.

I never sang such nonsensical songs.

I never acted so impulsively nor indulged in unexpected spontaneity.

I would not say it is easy. I would not say it is all rosy. I would not say it is all sunshine.

But it is mind-blowing. It is heart-fulfilling. It is life-altering.

As a mom, every day, I learn something new. Every day I try something new.

An ever-shifting kaleidoscope of hope, frustration, laughter, tears, love, and fear.

I learnt to take one day at a time (for someone who aces pre-planning and organising, it is often agonizing).

I learnt to ask for help (for someone who prizes freedom and independence over all else, it is humbling).

I learnt to celebrate small victories (for someone who usually focuses on the far-off big picture, it is gratifying).

And I learnt to remind myself to be grateful. Every day.

We, moms, in the midst of zillion lists, activities, worries, and cravings, we forget to be grateful.

Grateful to be a mom.

Grateful for surviving all odds.

Grateful for the family’s aid.

And also:

Grateful for our spouses’ unstinting, unwavering, unflinching support.

Hand me the towel,

He said to me.

You rest now,

He said to me.

I have things to do,

I said to him.

I have deadlines to meet,

I said to him.

What’s the hurry?

He said to me.

One step at a time,

He said to me.

He will wake up soon,

I said to him.

He will cry for me,

I said to him.

We will do it together.

He said to me.

Hand in hand, side by side.

He said to me.

Thank you.

I said to him.

I can, now, conquer the world.

I said to him.

Thus, on my first Mother’s Day, I intend to simply stop a second, breathe, and soak it all in…

The precious moments of hugging,

The cherished cries of hunger,

The adorable gurgles of laughter,

The beloved gazes of wonder.

For this too shall pass…

Happy Mother’s Day!