You have a home in me Mother of Mine.

An Acknowledgment

“MOTHER,

You have a home in me.

I love you”

To hug and kiss you was my joy.

Cuddle and play rough too.

When a sneaky me tousled your hair and daddy’s too. It delighted me no end.

I felt so secure and true with the both of you.

Over the years I was your constant shadow for the weekly trips to the ‘Tuesday-market’. The fish you’d select and then pay the price from your little purse. Your care and courtesy to the vendor stays with me.

Your calculations so fine you always made sure we had a bit left over to ride the rickshaw the week the bags were heavy. You’re prioritizing and organizing stays with me.

Otherwise we’d walk through the Polytechnic College. You’d talk to me. I’d listen to your voice more than your words. I could sense how brave, committed and dedicated you were to your motherhood and your family, which stays with me.

“Planning and management was so natural to you. You dreamed a dream for each of your eight children. Each choice you made was so special to each one’s unique ability. You walked the extra mile, never flinching. A necessity then and is today ever more so.

Your efficiency and effectiveness stays with me.

Marketing at Gaddigudam’ meant wheat and rice and garam masala. Christmas time meant dried fruit too.

I’d quickly take my place on the little stool in front of the ‘Bhaniya’. In a flash a little bowl would be placed in front of me containing a couple of cashew nuts. Those days were special when the cinnamon stick appeared I’d pop it right into my mouth. The sweet hot taste reminds me of you even today, it stays with me.

Hours went into cleaning the grain. I admired your skill with the ‘supra’. As chaff separated from the wheat my wonder knew no bounds. The rhythm stays with me.

Chakki came next I went into that dusty flour filled air so proud that I was in charge. Secretly I imitated your way when I told him how it was to be done. Your command stays with me.

My slice of baath cake I liked hot out of the oven. You let me have it that way.

I remember being the self appointed custard pan-licker. My pouts were enough to deter any contender.

I nominate myself as the Best Stealer' of powder milk, jaggery and raw mango.

You knew but you overlooked. Your kindness not perceived by many stays with me.

"Turn to me” was my refrain as soon as you turned to your other side. I lived in happiness that you were mine.

"You love me back”, mama you said to me. It puzzled me then as it does now. How could it be any other way? I marvel!

You taught me everything I know without a spoken lecture or a word. I observed and felt your essence as a person and learned the art of being human to perfection. You stay with me.

You recognize me; how I like to bear in mind and dwell only on the good. You distinguish why I ignore the nasty. I am sorry for any unnecessary troubles I may have caused you, as a result of me being me. And for not being able to save the home you made with love and creativity.

I say in all humility I had a mother who loved me. Not only did you Mother accomplish the herculean task of raising 8 children with elegance and flair. You made it look easy.

Thank you Mummy.

You live on in all that I am and in what we your eight children do and are. These are a few reminiscences which are just the tip of a volcano of love I have for you!

You have a home in me now and always!

REST IN PEACE

My Mother you are my teacher, my channel and coach. Thank you for being my Mother.

love always,

Joscelyn