Mother's Day

So my friend Shafeena is having a blog giveaway. It has just given me a reason to finally pen down this ode to my dear mother which was long overdue. It means a lot to me simply because I have tried and included as many memories as I could of the different things my mom has done for me as I grew up. So here we go

How can I ever thank you enough
For the countless nights you sat awake when I was a baby
To pacify me and get me to sleep
In the searing May heat during Ramadan
While still sore from the birthing wounds


How can I ever thank you enough
For the time you gave up a promising career when I was a child
To be with me as I grew up
Picking me up when I fell, holding my hand when I struggled
And cheering me on when I succeeded


How can I ever thank you enough
For the number of times you lost sleep when I started school
Sewing a last-minute fancy dress costume
Completing a difficult project
Or just sitting with me as I studied


How can I ever thank you enough
For the times you filled the gap in my life when I was pre-teen
As I grew up an only child
Doubling up as my friend, sister, confidante
And counseling me through life


How can I ever thank you enough
For dealing with my tantrums when I was a teenager
And rebellions
As I fought with you
Not realizing you were practicing tough love

How can I ever thank you enough
For encouraging when I was going to university
To follow my dream of becoming a journalist
As everyone criticized
And said I was making a mistake

How can I ever thank you enough
For supporting me when I was getting married
Putting your heart and soul into the wedding preparation
And making sure
That it was a dream wedding


How can I ever thank you enough
For fulfilling all my cravings when I was pregnant
Going to great lengths to get me traditional medicinal herbs
Massaging my legs
And staying up with me when I couldn’t sleep

How can I ever thank you enough
For standing by me when I was giving birth
Holding my hand, giving me strength
And not even leaving my side to catch the first glimpse of your granddaughter
Because you knew I needed you the most

How can I ever thank you enough
For taking care of me when I was a mother
And looking after my daughter
Just like you had looked after me
Soothing me to sleep while you stayed awake


How can I ever thank you enough
For calming me when I was juggling work and motherhood
Looking after my baby while I was at work
Making sure that I had enough rest
And running the household smoothly


No, I can never thank you enough
For being my strength, comfort and serenity
But this ode to you, my mother
Is to just tell you
I bow to you in respect, humility and sincerity to say

You are the Best Mother In The World
Happy Mother’s Day