HE WAS THE MOM

On occasion of Mother's Day, a day celebrated to triumph motherhood, I would like to say something notable. This day, I would like to wish my grandfather, Nana (lovingly known as Appa) Happy Mother's Day. Though he has left us for his heavenly abode, I am sure he is aware of my writing. The golden sunrays, the gentle breeze flowing between the cotton clouds, the birds flying seamlessly in the sky, the sparkling stars are the messenger of this message.

Single parenting, a situation where one parent has to fulfill responsibility of the other one too. Often glorified more for single moms. But seldom for fathers. This message is dedicated to all the single parenting fathers as was my Nana. My mom lost her mother at a very young age. My Nana was left alone to handle three children, huge loans and mental agony. I will not talk about the hardship my Nana faced while growing up his children because I have not witnessed those experiences. But I would surely like to share my personal experience which can validate that ' He was the Mom.'

Around twenty-five years ago, it was a sunny summer May afternoon and all of us had gathered at my Nana's home. He was a heart patient and we had come to see him. It were his last days as he expired a few days after this incident. My Nana, a jovial personality, cheerfully went to the market to buy sweets for all of us. I still remember vividly , we were playing in the garden area and my mom , mama and my aunt were enjoying their time indoors over a cup of coffee. I saw my Nana coming towards the house and he abruptly stopped . The bag of sweets fell from his hand and he knelt down . I immediately rushed towards him and asked him:

"Appa what's the matter?" He was holding his chest tightly with his hand. His face had turned pale with ache.

"Nothing dear." He said with a shivering voice.

I rushed inside to call my mom. When my mom came out it was a surprise. My Nana had picked up the bag of sweets and was walking merrily towards us. I squeezed my eyes and opened them widely with amazement. My mom inquired about his chest pain. He negated everything light-heartedly. Everything settled that day except my mind. I was so sure he had chest pain that moment but when my mom came he concealed the pain. That day I didn't understand the logic behind his illogical behavior. Today, I understand the purpose behind that absurd behavior because I am a mother now. My Nana didn't want to trouble his children and for that he camouflaged his pain . In the same way a mother does.

So I wish him Happy Mother's Day. You were the best mom as you taught a little girl the meaning of unconditional love.

Friends, this scribbling comes as a token of appreciation for him.

Let's not divide the word parent into Mom or Dad. Because a parent is always a parent. Parents may not be perfect but they are blessings of God.

Let the statement 'He was the Mom' turn out to be a beautiful paradox.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY APPA.