It's hard being the mother you are,now I know

Until I had to do my things by myself,

I never really have dwelled upon why being you is really hard.

How you managed to be the never resting ‘walking miracle’ by yourself,

Why you used to get angry at us for minor mistakes and be on constant guard...

Now, when it’s my turn to do things as you fared to do,

It’s hard being the mother you are, now I know …

I remember your sari and then your long shawl and the comforting support it gave me umma,

to run and hide in to flee from strangers as a child,

How did you find the energy, umma!!

To do all the things you did and not be wild.

You never let me know how difficult it’s to be a working mother!!!

I heard you get up at 3 and 4 to pray, cook and get us ready for school,

I watched you put a purdah over yourself and get ready for office in 5 mins, just when your van was honking at the doorstep like a ghoul.

I heard the phone ring before we opened our doors, you so wanted to hear about our day even when you had tons pending at work,

You coaxed us to bath and eat and warned us to sleep before you returned with your usual smirk.

In spite your advice, I saw you reach back home and persuade us to sleep,

I smelled the tasty fried snacks trick every single day but couldn't resist the taste long enough while asleep.

You sat with me and helped me study like a buddy.

I never ever wondered once what it meant or

How you managed to be there always for us.

How did you do it all, umma???

Be a caretaker cook and friend,

Yet find time to be a playmate,

I just can’t comprehend..

Now when I think about how I can barely move a hand after office,

It’s hard being the mother you are   now I know…

You raised me up the best you could,

and taught me all you know about good.

You were strong through all the stress I caused,

You were always willing to put your life on pause.

So I want to thank you, umma for always being there for me.

Because without you I don’t know where would I be..

Now when I think about how little I offered you help,

It’s hard being the mother you are   now I know…

And it was not just me that you had to look after,

There were three others and four now including uppa who gets the same. :D

Your unfailing love without limit,

your ability to soothe my every hurt,

the way you are on duty, unselfishly,

every hour, every day,

makes me so grateful

that I am yours, and you are mine.

Now when I think about how I expect to be loved just the same for the love I give,

It’s hard being the mother you are   now I know…

Most times I took you for granted, umma,

but I don’t now, and I never will again.

I wish I had enough words to tell

How much you mean to me.

I am the person I am today,

Because you let me be.

Now when I think about how much I hate to be taken for granted,

It’s hard being the mother you are   now I know…