I did not wish my mother on Mother’s Day. For me the last 33 years have been Mother’s Day.
A week back I received a call from my mother around 10.40 AM. It was a sad news. One of my cousin’s husband passed away. He was in his mid 30’s and survived by his wife and 2 tiny little kids. It was a moment of silence on the phone for me. That day it dawned on me that similar news was conveyed to our small world on June 5th, 1984 when two tiny kids and a mother were left without a hope in this world.
Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant in their new book Option B captures what, in my world, my mother had gone through in life.
The unimaginable pain and loss which she went through also stand testimony to human beings nonetheless has the capacity to endure and thrive. There is this power of rehabilitation, recovery and redemption if we are to overcome adversity.
Rehab came in the way of donning the responsibility of bread winner for the family after his demise.
Recovery was her aim when she had to forget the past and create a new future for her children.
Redemption was in the form of staving off all the challenges in this hyper sensitive world towards our well being.
I knew from my mother that Karma is practical. She used to make us clean all the windows during weekends. On reflection , that was her way to keep our mindset clean and positive. The letter ‘n‘ in Wi”n”dow to me were the two non negotiable’s. Work ethic was one of that I have noticed. She loved her job. Another virtue is to be selfish to become selfless. She was taking care of herself so well that she started supporting her parents , mother in law and extended family. She is not a keyboard activist in today’s terms. She activated all those life keys for us to become a better version of ourselves in those 33 years.
We have two lives, and my mother had lived those two lives: A life with and without. When I recollect my life with Dad , I remember scenes from the movie “Life is beautiful” that touched me so deeply and so emotionally. I savour the conversations between Dad and Son.
Option B through my mother’s life can well be summarized as the world is for you to create, you warp your world with your will.
Very nice blog. A great tribute to your mom and her Resilience. Kudos to your wonderful mother Vinod.
Thanks Ian and appreciate, Will be eager to get her to meet you next time when she is in Blore
Dear Vinod,
What a lovely blog … an emotionally charged one ! I like the line where your wrote that your mom activated all your Life Keys. Mothers have a way of doing this without even knowing sometimes. It’s only later in life that we realise all the ‘Keys’ they have handed us that open so many doors.
Thanks for sharing !
Kavitha Garla
Thanks Kavitha and i am sure we have to create new keys from new generation
Hi Vinod … Going thru life’s ups & downs is one thing, but being able to articulate emotions/learnings is generally tough. I think your blog is exceptional.Lots of respect for the way you were brought up by your mother.
Regards
Ajit
Thank you Ajit and appreciate your comments and the inspiration which you mentioned.
Great blog Vinod. Your mom being the great lady she is not only supported you all but have also instilled the right lenses in you with which you look at your life so beautifully.
Thanks,
Saikat
Thanks Saikat , yes you are absolutely right