Mama may I tell you how much you mean to me?

By Amornrat Sidhu

I laugh when I think about how one of my students encouraged his mother to buy him a gift for Mother’s Day because as he explained, without him, she would not have been a mother. A complex role that make these women our angels that live on Earth, this month we’re celebrating all the mothers who go above and beyond for us even when we don’t deserve it through the memories of the people who love them the most.

HARLEEN DIPSHAN
Mother of One, 30 years old

Growing up, celebrations were very much an integral part of our family. Mother’s Day was always special, but Mother’s Day in 2020 is one of my happiest memories. Due to the pandemic, I had not seen my mom for almost a year when I found out that I was expecting a baby. I found that all I wanted was my mother when I found out I was going to become one myself.

So, I went on an epic journey to reunite with her on Mother’s Day. I endured numerous doctor visits, embassy visits, days spent waiting, long procedures to bring my dog with me to Thailand, and of course, the notorious 14 days of quarantine.

My whole family and I spent Mother’s Day in bed catching up and watching old movies we loved. I cooked for my mom and she cooked for me. We had our own little sleepover. All the hassle I experienced trying to get home was absolutely worth it. It was definitely my favourite day in all of 2020!

A Message for Mama

My experiences taught me first-hand, the many facets of your love. I viscerally understand the sleepless nights, the aches, the pains, the worry, and your unrelenting devotion to ensure I am always doing well. Thank you, Mom.

POOJA PATHELA
Dance Teacher, 33 years old

In pre-COVID times, I rarely managed to spend Mother’s Day with my mum because August is right in the middle of wedding season and I found myself constantly away for work. However, one year I made it a point to plan a surprise trip for my mother, my brother, and myself in honour of Mother’s Day. When I told her about it, she was ecstatic. She knew the trip was FOR her and it was SO her.

I planned a three-day trip to see Tilosu Waterfall in Umpang district, the biggest and arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand. My mother loves nature and embodies the green lifestyle, so it was the perfect gift to show my appreciation for everything she has done for us. We went rafting, hiking, and just sat in awe of nature together!

A Message for Mama

Thank you for letting me fly and follow my dreams. Without your support, it would not have been possible. I wish you eternal bliss.

VISHUKA MATHUR
University Student, 22 years old

My family isn’t particularly nostalgic, so my most memorable Mother’s Day was this one time my parents literally drove me down memory lane.

It was the weekend before I left for university in 2018 when my mom realised that we had not visited a beach the entirety of my summer break, so my parents packed our bags for a quick trip to Pattaya. We spent a lovely weekend watching sunsets instead of Netflix and enjoying outdoor meals complemented by live music and sounds of the ocean. However, the highlight of the trip was a detour to my parents’ old home in Si Racha that they lived in from 1995 to 1996.

This home was special to my parents because it was their first time living in an independent home abroad, which came with both excitement and hardship for a young couple. For example, my mother shared that getting basic groceries was a struggle because they had to walk a long way to reach the community gate, after which they needed to use public transport to take them into downtown Si Racha for shopping.

This experience made me better understand how far my parents have come. It made me realise that leaving India meant embracing changes in a place where their cultural identity was no longer woven into the fabric of everyday life. It wasn’t until I left for university that I truly understood how difficult that is to cope with.

A Message for Mama

I am not sure what you are made of, considering you have come such a long way from home and still put up with my tantrums! I will spend the rest of my life trying to be a better daughter for you and I hope that you are pleasantly surprised when you read this! Love you!

TEJALE BELLANI
University Student, 21 years old

One year, my sister and I decided to make breakfast in bed for my mother featuring some of her favourite treats. We brewed fresh coffee, made eggless pancakes, squeezed orange juice, laid out digestive biscuits, and constructed a cheese and fruit platter. Considering we each had our own qualms about entering the kitchen, we thought our mother would be pleased with the eff ort. We even added a handmade card and some fresh flowers to make it extra special!

The entire family spent the morning celebrating my gorgeous mother, and in the afternoon, we took her out for lunch at her favourite restaurant where we indulged in yummy food and even better company.

A Message for Mama

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Thank you for doing what you do for us. I love you!

Time spent together, whether at home or out of town, seems to be the perfect gift that’s enjoyed by both Mama and the people whose lives she has impacted. Although we celebrate our mothers every day, Mother’s Day is the one day we are reminded to consciously value the women who raised us and inspire use to do more every day. What is your favourite memory with your mother? Share it with us by emailing ashima@masalathai.com.