IT'S THE SMALL THINGS

A mother’s love evolves. And now that I am one, I am most certain of that. Your eldest will always be your greatest teacher because he/she is who made you a mother. Nothing, or none of his other siblings will be able to replace that. It is with that child you try, and you test. Perhaps, you are most careful and precautious, but you are also most excited over the tiniest things. So to speak, I guess grandmotherhood is the same thing – it will always be an exciting concept, but you never quite know how it will hit you until you become one.

I was the eldest grandchild on my mom’s side, and so I share that similarity with my son now. Admittedly, I may have been doted on quite a bit more than the rest, but I suppose, that privilege also came with a certain set of responsibilities. I was the one who spent a lot of time with them, and who would help my mom tend to their care and health needs as they aged. I have seen my mother evolve through the years – she was the disciplinarian we feared as children with standards seemingly set to the sky. She navigated us through our adolescence and difficult teenage years with the perfect balance of discipline and allowing us to discover real life hardships on our own. She has one of the kindest, and most giving of hearts – generous, in all ways. She would rather get hurt than see her loved ones hurt, but that is also why one would readily stand in front of a truck for her. She gives with no expectations, and she only knows to love in wholes. She has become a friend, the staunchest ally, and a confidante in our adult years. Suffice to say, I have seen and felt her love all my life, but it was not until I had my own that I realized her heart was capable of growing – of loving even more.

So to my baby boy’s “Meema” who celebrates her birthday tomorrow – you always call him an angel, and your little prince, but in reality, you are one of his angels on earth. I did not know you had more love in you to give, until I saw you with him. From his care, to his clothes, to the butter in his food – thank you for only always wanting the best for him. What a lucky and blessed boy he is to have a Meema overflowing in love to give, and an unlimited bank of affection, attention and time for him. I cannot wait to see your togetherness and love continue to evolve in the years to come. Your little prince will surely only grow to love you even more – always, and in all ways.

Happy, happy birthday.