Woman of Substance

One more Women's Day... this year I become teary as the person I always wished the first, is no longer with us.

She gave up a prospective career to care for her kids. Her children's successes were built on her love and care.

She and Dad accepted their elder child, as they got her, no pimples, no warts but with a rare congenital disability. They ensured that the child did not feel the "handicap" or "disability". They just told her she was different from the rest.

Once the world tried to label the child, she became the kid's friend, philosopher and guide. She told the daughter that the latter was God's blessing to them, and that they never felt 'why we?' as they were sure God hand-picked them as they were extremely capable of taking extra care of her.

On the day the daughter was to take a career determining examination, she only blessed her with a 'may the best children succeed'. So much for her idealism and fair play.

There was consultation and consensus in the home she held fort, and there was Rule of Law. No exemption to anyone.

She fought off a terminal illness with a smile; not just that, she became a source of inspiration to fellow patients at the hospital.

When her end was near, she expressed a few wishes- no ventilator, donation of eyes and donation of mortal remains (for medical research).

Even now, the daughter keeps wondering why God had taken her away, while she could convert a "disabled person" into a top- notch achiever.

Love u n miss u, Amma! You are the Woman of Substance I always look up to!🙏🙏