April 15 is my Mom’s birthday. I am particularly happy that the alphabet for today is M for Mother, Mi to me. She would have been 69 today.
By now you know how close I was to my Mom. As much as she influenced me when she was alive, she continues to inspire me every day through the wise words I received from her, the unconditional love she showered on me, her kindness and her always cheerful attitude and nature.
My Mother taught me some powerful lessons as we went through life together. I was always amazed by her ability to see the good in any situation regardless of the treatment she received. She did not have an easy life and even when her cup of peace came along from one of the most difficult times in her life, she bore no grudge.
I often argued with her about being too nice for her own good. And she would playfully say that no kindness goes waste. One thing is for sure – she smiled most of the time and kept me smiling too.
Perhaps the biggest thing I learned from her is seeing the lighter side of things.
I remember, during summer, we would get ants in the kitchen. To keep them from getting to the food, we would fill a large tray with water, place a stand in it and the food container on the stand. One day we stacked the containers in a hurry, and did not notice that it touched the edge of the tray, giving the ants a convenient bridge to reach the food. A couple of hours later, when we went into the kitchen to make some tea, imagine our shock to see a steady row of ants feasting on the food! I was about to disrupt it when my Mom held my hand, and said, no – don’t do that. They’ve worked so hard. Let them party! Then we both burst out laughing!
Devi. 1945-2010In 1995, Mom had a major freak accident. She fell from the second floor at her school – they were renovating and the staircase from the second floor had some loose steps. She slipped and landed directly on the ground floor. Luckily, she did not break anything, but the impact on her back was severe. She was advised by the doctor to go on complete bed rest for six months, which meant she had to quit school. She was upset. Then, the next day, she laughed and said she’d consider it early retirement and decided that she may as well enjoy the forced rest and started teaching children at home. This led to English speaking classes – something she always wanted to do! I learned that the best way to enjoy life is to embrace the situations life presents us with and make the best of it!
I inherited my Mom’s penchant for lists. I would always tease her about listing every little thing – like trimming nails, bathing, and other trivial stuff – and she’d say “it is the little things that matter. See how you feel when you do those things you usually do, and check them off your list. The motivation is priceless and keeps you going”. I am glad the habit stuck with me, helping me stay focused, and now Vidur lives by lists, too.
My Mom was a school teacher and her students adored her and it was not difficult to see why. She never had a harsh word for anyone. When I was old enough to understand, I discovered her secret. “Think twice before you speak” was her mantra. Especially to yourself, she said. She taught me positive self-talk. And most of all, she fed me the classic: Be remembered for being positive, not for saying something hurtful.
I am filled with Gratitude that I am her daughter.
A tribute to Mi.
♥
Day 13 of the Blogging From A to Z Challenge
M for Mi.
♥
62 comments
Moms are always silent and enriching influence but if they happened to possess admirable qualities as your mom did,the children are doubly blessed.It was a glowing tribute to the lady who braved it all with a smile on her face.Her legacy,the positive smile,I see is being carried on!
KP recently posted…The old man’s worry
Thank you, Sir.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Mi
Hi Vidya,
First up, A warm post about Mi, and as usual, the memories cascade out with the perfect rhythm. Loved this post for all the warmth it radiates, and for the lovely messages that it weaves through till the very end.
It is fortunate that the ‘M’ letter coincides with ‘Mi’ and that coincides with her Birthday too, the 15th. I remember reading your Mi post for 2013, and again that was on 15th too.
We won’t need to take an effort to remember these things, because we don’t forget them in the first place. You’re living these memories every day ! M for Memories ! 🙂
Sreeja Praveen recently posted…A to Z Random Post # 13 M- Most wanted !!
What a lovely comment, Sreeja! Makes me feel warm all over! You know, April 15 every year is reserved for a post about my Mom 🙂
I love how you notice every little thing! I appreciate you very much!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
Happy Birthday Mi! We have all had the privilege to know you through Vidya and the beautiful posts she weaves around your memories!
This was a wonderful tribute Vidya and her radiant pic just adds to this post!
Today is my Dad’s birthday too! 🙂
Aditi recently posted…Lilac Diaries
Huge hugs to you Aditi! The way you started your comment made me cry instantly!
Thank you for your love!
Happy birthday to your Dad!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade” applies aptly to your Mi! Happy Birthday to her!!
With her inspiration, you have been practising these words by Ron White:
“I believe that if life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade… And try to find somebody whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.” 🙂 🙂
Proactive Indian recently posted…Matrudevo bhava (Mother is God)
🙂 Thank you, Pro! My Mom would have carried the vodka, too, just in case.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
When you speak of her, I can hear the love, admiration and joy in your voice and that tinge of longing.
Those words in tribute are straight from the heart. I burst out laughing when I read the anecdote about the ants. Such a wonderful perspective. So much to learn and so much to imbibe. I consider it an honour to share my day with her.
Much love and many hugs,
Shailaja
Shailaja V recently posted…Music in parenting
Oof! I totally missed seeing the Birthday wish at the end of your post 😀 Thank you, Vidya 🙂
Shailaja V recently posted…Music in parenting
You’re welcome, Shailaja! 😀
Thank you for your comment!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspired Every Day
You had me in tears with this one, Vidya. The poem was beautiful! The ant story is delightful! 🙂
What a happy confidence that her birthday and the letter ‘M’ coincided! Memories are treasures – and you really know how to nurture them well!
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…11 Things I’ve Learned Since Your Murder
Thank you, Corinne. Unconditional love was something my Mom excelled at. I am blessed. :)Some days, it is the memories that keep me going.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
What a beautiful tribute to your Mi, Vidya! The story of the ants is so memorable. Thank you for inspiring me today.
Martine Joseph recently posted…Money and Life
So happy to see you here, Martine! Mom was a delightful person. Thank you for your presence here today.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Happiness. A Habit
Thanks for sharing this, Vidya. It’s tearing me up. The tribute and the poem are both lovely and I can see how she has influenced to collect smiles.
Monica Deshpande recently posted…M is for Mustard and Honey Chicken
Thank you Monica!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Family
very heart warming post..
simple girl recently posted…AtoZchallenge – M for ..Mango
🙂 Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Eco-Living
A post that is so full of love and warmth. I was so touched by this, Vidya! What a tribute to Mi. The poem is so beautiful, just like your Mom in that picture. Thanks for sharing her with your readers. The ant story is just so delightful, I am telling it to all the kids I know 🙂 Lovely.
Beloo Mehra recently posted…M is for Mind, Mental Education
Thank you, Beloo. Of all the photos of my Mom, I am in love with this one the most. I have lots of her stories in my head. Every moment I am in the kitchen, she’s with me as I remember all the funny things she said. Sigh
Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Family
A lovely tribute to your mother. Your love for her shines through.
Suzy recently posted…Life’s Jigsaw – Meditation
Thank you, Suzy!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
your mom is simply beautiful. sadly I don’t have many pictures of my mom smiling but i do cherish the few i have. i can very much see you in your mom and i wish i had personally known her sis. hugs and love to you. v
vanita recently posted…BB 007: Niche Blog Success Story with Maryann Collier
I’d love to see one of her pictures, Vani. I am so glad you stopped by. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
Your mom is an amazing person Vidya, and you are lucky to have her in your life 🙂
Gauri recently posted…M – Mason Jar Lantern DIY (A2Z Blogging Challenge)
Yes, Gauri. I am indeed lucky!. Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
You have written a beautiful tribute to your mom. She would have been so proud of you and the happiness you bring others. She was such a lovely lady, as are you. I am so happy we are friends. ♥
Kathy recently posted…M is for Memories
Me too, Kathy! So happy we are friends. Thank you for your kind comment!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Limericks
I love reading the posts about your mom. They are so positive and heart warming to read. It is almost like I have known her.
I can imagine how your mom must have been, because you are in many ways like her through what you describe. Loving, caring, helpful and guiding! Love to you always. You know my oldest nephew shares his birthday with her. 🙂
Pratibha recently posted…Pain Relief Lotion Bars {DIY, Stay Healthy}
Wow! Happy birthday to your nephew, Pratibha!
I’ve never quite met anyone like my Mom, so full of positivity and humor. I am very lucky. And blessed.
Thank you, Pratibha! 🙂
Vidya Sury recently posted…Eco-Living
I simply love how you have imbibed your mums’s values and have passed them on to Vidur… The positivity, the smiles, the happiness – that’s why I enjoy coming here.
Obsessivemom recently posted…M is for Mark Twain
🙂 thank you so much, Tulika!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspired Every Day
Hi Vidya, a very warm post radiating your love for your mom through each of the words..There are lots of life lessons you mother taught you and the below one resonates with me the most…. Her reaction in the ant episode is simply amazing. Thanks for sharing this.
“by her ability to see the good in any situation regardless of the treatment”.
Jayanta Tewari recently posted…M for Mind
Thank you, Jayanta! She set high standards for herself but did not impose on others. That’s what made her a great example to emulate.
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
Happy Birthday Mi! Your posts about your mum sum up your relationship with her and her picture shows what a lively person she must have been. Btw, April 15th is my elder brother’s birthday too. 🙂
Priya recently posted…Food Chart/ Meal Plan for 10 Months old baby
Wow, Priya! I love thatso many people are celebrating their birthday today! Happy birthday to your brother!
Loved your post about meal plan for babies! Not sure if my comment went through, though.
Thank you for visiting!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
My dear friend, the apple has not fallen far from the tree. The lessons and love your mother imparted are embedded in you, and you share them graciously with the world. Lovely tribute: love you. Cheers! Kaarina xo
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted…The Conundrum of Content Creation
Oh thank you, Kaarina! Your words mean the world to me. I am not shy to admit that the “tribute” I wrote just flowed naturally. Did you notice the first letters of each line add up to “Gratitude”? Blush!
Hugs! I am glad you are in my life!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
How beautiful and eloquent. She has a beautiful smile and she would be very proud of you for how thoughtful you are and this is seen in your writings and feelings on life
Birgit recently posted…M for James Mason
🙂 Thank you Birgit! I loved her laughter!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Happiness. A Habit
Such a beautiful story of a beautiful lady; both on the inside and out. Love the smiling snap of your mom, its a perfect picture.
Thank you for sharing this, its exceptional.
Inderpreet Kaur recently posted…Love with Bloglovin’
Thank you, Inderpreet! I love that photo too!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
I would not have missed this post for anything in the worlds…like many out here I am in love with this bond you shared with your Mi. That picture is a masterpiece. What a smile she had…it shows all the positive thoughts she had around her. I loved each and every line of this post..
Shiva recently posted…Money Money
Thank you Shiva! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
A lovely tribute to your mom. May she bless you with all happiness 🙂 🙂
~S(t)ri
Participant|AtoZ Challenge 2014
Smile, it makes (y)our day!
S(t)ri recently posted…Mad As Cut Snake – AToZ Challenge 2014 – Day13
Thank you Sri!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
Your Mom is truly so inspiring! Loved the ant incident. The ability to see good in everything is such a wonderful quality. Loved the happiness and positivity she radiated!! Happy birthday to Mi! ♥
Shilpa Garg recently posted…M is for Misunderstandings
Thank you dear Shilpa!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Inspired Every Day
Lovely tribute to your mom, and thank you for sharing her with us. What a fantastic perspective on life. The story about the ants speaks volumes–as does the photo you included. That smile! That spark in her eyes! How lucky you are to be her daughter, to have grown up with her. Congratulations, Vidya!
Guilie @ Life In Dogs
Guilie Castillo recently posted…Memory (#atozchallenge)
My Mom always said life has a way of balancing things out and she was right, Guilie! Focusing on the good is a great practice.
Thanks so much for visiting, especially this post. It means very much to me. Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
There is something about the way you write about your mom. I’m not sure if it is just your love for her or that you are similar or what, but after reading a posts that talk about her, I feel like I knew her a little bit. Thanks for sharing. I love the ants story. That simple story speaks volumes about her. I explain my dad as someone who will go to get an oreo and find one in the sleeve and then offer it to everyone in the house first, where I would just scarf it down and bury the gab in the trash! I saw one photo you had in another post of her and my image of her is sitting on the balcomy with you laughing at your red bra blowing in the wind!
Susan Maccarelli recently posted…Dollar Shave Club Suspects That I Have A Funky Bathroom – 5 Prehistoric Spring Cleaning Finds
Ah, that red bra, Susan! She never stopped teasing me about it. After that incident, whenever I looked for something, she’d remind me of it and we’d end up laughing like we had gone crazy. You know, people thought she and I were very different – in terms of nature, but I now realize I am more like her than I imagined. Not surprising, considering we were always together. She was very unique.
Thank you for visiting today, Susan. I am glad we met 🙂
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
Vidya,
You are one of a kind – a gifted, prolific writer with boundless enthusiasm, irrepresible optimism and a singular talent for whom no subject matter is off limits or too difficult. Your dear mother must be proudly watching you from afar, with increasing satisfaction with every passing day as you hone your multifarious skills. Keep those sublime thoughts flowing.
Best wishes
Chandra Senan
Chandra, I am blessed to be connected with you. I love how you are always encouraging 🙂 Thank you!
Love, Vidya
Vidya Sury recently posted…Natural
As I was reading it I was learning a lot from your mom. I do believe that Kindness never go waste! My nani was same. My mom got traits of my nani(grandma). I loved the ‘ant’ part a lot. We could have never thought of it. It was amazing. Also accepting the situations and then making another move (accident incidence) sounds so inspiring!
‘Thinking twice before speaking’ prevents a lot of trouble! Lovely and soulful post… Heartiest Regards to your mom!
Shesha Chaturvedi recently posted…Nightmares and Solutions
Thanks for sharing Vidya. I so need to learn and practice lists and positive self-talk. A much needed lesson. 🙂
Also Mubarak. 🙂 We have a peculiar family custom, where we wish the immediate relations too. Your Mom is so someone to celebrate. 😉
Freya recently posted…C for Charlie, C for Celebration
Beautiful. Memories.
Your mother is stunning, Vidya.
I LOVE when you write about her.
She hears you, dear.
xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Luv u more than 5 black panthers in Kisumu.
My Inner Chick recently posted…11 Things I’ve Learned Since Your Murder
What a beautiful, warm tribute. Moms never get enough praise and you did a beautiful job. It is wonderful having such a close relationship and I loved the ant story. I lost my mom when I was a teenager and it has bothered me all my life when I hear people put their mothers down — we are to raise them up. Thank you for doing that!
Carol @ Battered Hope
carol graham recently posted…Dogs – P is for Perky
What a wonderful tribute to your mom, Vidya! <3
She was an amazing woman.
(You should put those beautiful words you created on a fridge magnet, or a wall hanging, or a bookmark, or even a rug…)
Michelle Wallace recently posted…Q is for Questionnaire
Such a beautiful tribute! Mi was an amazing person, Vidya. It’s tough to be like her. You’re blessed. Loved reading this. Stay blessed and spread positive vibes like you do, always. 🙂
Thank you Tarang! Yes, I love that I have such a wonderful Mentor-Mom to live up to. Thanks again!
Vidya Sury recently posted…18 Powerful Parenting Hacks to Prepare Your Child for the World