THE LETTER TO A MOTHER

Sometimes in this busy life, we forget to tell the most important people, how important they are. A letter that I found at the library, made me realize this today. I would just type the letter for you to read, for when it comes to mothers, nothing needs an introduction, the word is enough!

Dear Mother,

This is perhaps my first letter to you after I grew up. I have seen how you cherish those handmade cards and the verses I wrote in broken English in my childhood. When I look at myself, my ignorance today, I realize how much I have changed mom; but you never did.

I look back at life, and see you always there to take care! You carried me in your womb for nine months, bearing intolerable pain to make me see this beautiful world. Being a lady myself today; I can understand how badly your legs must have swollen at times, how restricted you have felt in sleep, how difficult it must have been to walk, to cook and sometimes just to explain how unwell you feel; yet you never complained of the pain.
Had you not woken up at five o’ clock, an hour before me, to prepare my lunch box, polish my shoes, iron my clothes; had you not arranged my bag when I was at kindergarten; had you not helped me with home work; had you not helped me in crafts, I would have perhaps remained uneducated. I cannot remember a single day, when you took a day off; I cannot remember a single day when you haven’t worked for us. Be it a minor cut, a scratch, a wound or fever, you sat beside my bed and comforted me always. From childhood till today, I find you the same, O beloved mother. 

But, I cannot even remember a single day, when I have asked, ‘Mom how do you feel today?’ Unlike you, I changed with time. I stopped writing verses to you, when I learnt to write correctly. Like every daughter in the world, I took you for granted, O Mother. I never remember sitting beside you caressing your head, applying cold compressions to bring your fever down. It’s not that you haven’t fallen ill ever but it’s about how I have never cared to pay attention to your needs.

The dishes made for meals have always been what we ask for; the shows being viewed on television have always been our choice. You never told me, neither did I ask what it is that you like. Today, as I see you ageing mother, it hurts to realize how I have always unheard your voice.

But above all these mistakes, there is a truth hidden deep in my heart. I have always loved you, mother. I slept peacefully at home, only after hearing you snore softly. That was my way to know you are safe and sound. Since the time I have been away from home, hearing to your voice has been the only way to stay close. Today, when I found it shaken, burdened with worries of health, my heart ached. Not just I, no child ever on this earth can describe all the sacrifices you made, all the love and blessing you have bestowed. I not even aim to try that. All I mean to say is get well soon, O mother. Mothers are the strongest creatures who endure all for their child. Endure this for me and get well.

You are the necessity to my existence.  Mitch Albom correctly says,

“But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin.”
Till you exist, my story exists, O mother!

With love

Yours’ insincere daughter