I’m so proud to see my lad, all grown and handsome, in a suit ready for the farewell at school. A flash of memories brings goose bumps and to realize how quickly time has flown is unbelievable.
I remember your first day at school, all of three and half, you clung to my fingers and that following gaze of mixed emotion when I left you in your class cannot be forgotten. Those few days, I was on leave and I’d come to pick you up, you used to come running (I thought then –here is an athlete in the making!) to me. That look of happiness on you face was priceless. You are a brave boy, very cautious with everything you do and a loving child.
Remember the first day of your swimming class? You refused to let go of your instructor and later on even bit him! And look at you, a good swimmer who heads off to the beach for a swim with friends. Lucky auto driver he got to accompany you on all your swimming sessions!
Now that you have grown, I am sure you will understand what my career means to me. It is not an easy task to juggle, though I did fairly well multi tasking. I wish I had the rewind button. I wish I had spent more time with you in your growing up years. My wish list is long and few with regret (you know how bosses are). But I am a very happy mother with great memories to recall of all the times we had shared.
That hug I got, every evening when I came back from work and that smile on your face was my reward and reassurance. I used to look forward to the evening especially when you used to demand answers for the most unanticipated questions. Don’t mean to embarrass you, but those were my silent admiration moments. I marveled at your intellect.
I am very sorry for the times you had to wait hungry and managed with the ready –to –eats .And yet you never once showed that you are angry or upset. You have become a great impromptu chef. Noodles in different ways and that omelet you whip up are so yummy. Thank you for those quick dinners that we shared and all the tasty dishes you created. I miss all the endless conversations that left me awake and you asleep! Your support was my strength to strive and give to you all life’s best.
Sometimes, in fact, most times, I thought you would become a lawyer. The heated arguments and the varied discussions we have had, and though it got my BP soaring, I admired your eloquence. And of course you insisted on winning all the time, dismissing every point in reference in one single line,” ma you don’t know anything!” I wish I was there for all those times you needed me. For the moments you wanted a shoulder to cry on… for the moments you just wanted to rant… I wish I could have been there, to listen to you, to be comforting and to let you know I’m there, yet I know that you know I care.
Today, as I am getting ready to accompany you to school, for one last time, I cannot but help think of my little son with shorts, a big bag, and the water bottle slung across the shoulder and that slow motion releasing tight clasp; is all set to conquer the world. I am proud to see what a lovely young man you have become. Mature, tall and fine looking, my advisor and mentor, my darling son, you make me complete.
To think that I wished to be present for you most of the days, but my absence; on the contrary has made you, an independent, responsible and loving boy, oops! Not any more, a young gentleman. I think I‘d give myself a pat on the back for balancing my act of a mother and a career woman well!
With Love,
Amma