Article: Mother's Day

 Imrana Shahidullah

A Mother Speaks

There are many occasions that remain unchanged in the calendars of our lives. Whether regious, cultural or social, these events become symbols of diverse moods and relationships which are more personal than mere rituals.

It’s a pity that many of these occasions are looked at as part of religious or cultural norms when they are, in so many ways and at so many times, symbols of universal feelings that people share.

Occasions like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, etc. are normally taken as events that are celebrated by a certain social class and may be looked at as following “westernised” customs.

Whatever it is, these events do mark time in the flow of life. I myself feel that these days often signal a culmination of one’s trials and struggles - it is the touch of love returned, acceptance of obligations, and acknowledgement of what a mother has done for her children.

A mother, from the conception of a little life to its bloom, works to nurture and protect it, she makes sacrifices and even loses something in order to give her offspring a successful, happy and healthy future. She may not voice her pain, or complain, for the many hours and days she may have spent in giving life and a future to her “creations”, yet she must yearn for a sign or a touch that whispers gratitude with love or respect. Even a proffered symbol or token of acknowledgement can make a mother bask in the warmth of recognition.

The day I woke up to a loving smile from my daughter and son who stepped into my room with a bouquet to wish me “Happy Mother’s Day”, remains a memorable one for me to this day. I still feel the warmth of love and recognition around me when my children said “Thank You” to me on the day set aside to honour mothers. It was a moment which filled me with a sense of achievement, and reminded me that all the trials and sacrifice had indeed been worth it.