Mummy-My ever present motivator!

I must have been born with this- inquiring mind with an instinct for exploration or it could all be because of our “one of a kind Mummy.” You decide!

At school everyone knew her as a very strict and stern “no nonsense” kind of teacher. She was even stricter with us, her own children. We, especially I- the dreamer, probably got spanking almost everyday. But she was a lot of fun and enjoyed life, like a child.

Mummy always asked us questions and then would tell us -- me and my brother-- the facts or stories behind the questions she posed. These topics were as wide as the universe and deeper than the sea. She did not hesitate to instill in us, respect for others' religious faiths.

There were times mummy just posed the question and let our imagination run wild. When I was only in Grade-3, she had asked me "do you think you can say your religon is better than others' faith, when you do not know anything about their religion?" That started me on a never ending quest for knowledge! I remember reading my classmates' Hinduism text books and trying to learn what it is all about, which I still do. Surprisingly, while I have developed great appreciation for Hindu faith and ancestral customs, my faith in Christ has strengthened further over the years. I will be successful as a mother, if I could motivate my kids 10% of how mummy motivated and inspired us to respect others.

Mummy never made us sit and study or interrupted our endless, 24/7 playtime. She was smarter than that!

I remember the one hour bus ride going to grandma’s house; me and my brother would have read every movie poster and advertisement we saw as fast as we could or counted the bicycles and cars that we passed by. She was constantly sharpening our brains--without us even realizing--brushing up our reading and math skills. My brother could do math in his sleep; he never enjoyed reading. But, reading stories and reciting poetry with my mom are among my cherished memories. She fed us tonics and vitamins, made sure we drank our daily glass of milk and had a good night sleep-especially, before exam days.

As mischievous and playful as we were…, we still understood Mummy’s higher standards of expectations and knew we had to be the best we can be. I am sure we measured up to her standards and fulfilled her dream--she had for us.

I still strive for the best in everything I do; I have no choice. I constantly feel her presence, cheering on and challenging me to do the best and to be the best I can be. It is a comfort zone for me!

I am my-mother's daughter!

-by VeerajaR