Mother’s Day Special: ‘You are the best’: Letter by Shivi Singh, Apeejay School, Noida

To Mummy,

I address you by many names— Maa, Ammi, Ammu, Mummy, and countless other variations. Usually, different names imply different meanings, but this collection of synonyms means the same – माँ – My mom. The strongest lady I have ever known. You asked me not to be conventional this year, so I’ll try my best. However, it is difficult to describe you within a word limit because, honestly, it’s challenging to put my feelings for you into words. So, like every year, I would’ve written things like “You are amazing” or “You’re so kind.” But since you wanted something unique, your wish is my command.

Allow me to introduce my mom. Fair complexion, short in height, beautiful eyes accompanied by an equally beautiful smile, and a first-grade mind. You think you’re ordinary, not unique or exceptionally intelligent, and so on. But mummy, you are one of the ‘BEST’ person I know. I remember the time, about a month ago, when we were having the “PCB” vs “Humanities” debate. You were persistent in encouraging me to choose humanities, so I did. A few weeks later, during our conversation about whether you found it strange that I took up Humanities, you replied, “A little strange.” I asked, “Then why did you encourage me so much?” and you said, “Because I knew you wanted to take Humanities.” I didn’t tell you then, but those few words meant the world to me.

I also remember the recent incident when I was sick about a week ago. It was 2:30 in the morning when I called you, telling you that I wasn’t feeling well. Without a moment’s hesitation, you were by my side in seconds. Even waking up at 6 in the morning for school is a challenge for me, but you didn’t think twice about your own sleep.

You have played numerous roles in my life, Mumma. The peacekeeper between me and Nishtha, the wise guide through all my decisions, the teacher, the friend, and the over-enthusiastic mom when it came to participating in something.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is my mother. And I’m beyond lucky to have her. I don’t always do the right thing, especially when it comes to you, Maa. But I love you because you’re always there for me. Through the good times and the bad, through everything in between. I know I can never repay all that you have done and continue to do for me. It takes a lot to be so awesome, but you do it with perfection.

So, thank you, for staying with me, believing in me (more than I believe in myself), encouraging me, and loving me (even when I don’t always deserve it).

I want you to know that I’m incredibly proud to be your daughter. And I promise to make you proud of being my Mom too.

With all my love,

Shivi