Mother's Day 2015

No love greater than a mother’s

Recently during a visit  back home I asked my 84 year old mother whether she was unhappy or angry with me for the way I am treating her. Without the slightest hesitation she replied, “How can I ever be unhappy or angry with you. You were the world to me for over 60 years and my life always centred on you”. I was rather touched by what she said. How I wish I could say the same about my children, when I am at my mother’s age if I survive that long.  

My mother is not educated and was extremely poor during her younger days but she had always done her best for me throughout my life. To me she, like most mothers, symbolises the extreme example of love for a child.

This brings to mind the story of an eighty year old woman whom I know. Her husband passed away recently and she lives with her only son who is about 52 years of age and single. Recently her son was admitted to the hospital and had to undergo an operation that ended up with some complications. He was in the ward for over a month and was finally recovering was surprised that his elderly mother goes to visit him every day without fail. Rain or shine she will be there every evening bringing food and spending time with him.

Going to the hospital was not that easy for this frail 80 year old woman. She had to take two buses and travel about 30Km to the hospital, spend time with the son and travel back again. Despite the son advising her not to travel every day as it carried great risks at her age, she continued to do so out of love for him. Her inconveniences, risks and pain did not stop her from making that arduous trips daily just to be with her son who was ill. At that age all she had was her son and she well knew that he too had only her in the world. I was so touched by this strange mother-son relationship which made me conclude that there is no greater love than of a mother for a child.

Looking back into our own lives, I am sure each one of us would have such unique experiences with our own mothers. Today many of us stand tall, successful and respected in society. We may have worked hard to achieve all that we have now but it was due to her sacrifice and love we managed to succeed. I am not sure if not for her we will be what we are today.

On this Mother’s Day it may be proper for us to reflect on our past and the sacrifices of our mother for our well-being. Directly or indirectly she is responsible for what we are today. It is only right for us to express our deep gratitude for all she had done. It is not money, food or expensive gifts she wants today but a little of our time, our company and a permanent place for her in our hearts. Is that asking too much at the twilight of her life? We were and continue to be the world to our mother but is she the world to us now?