When was the last time you told your mom, or anyone you care for, that you love them? Sometimes, we get so caught up with our daily lives that we forget to express the simplest gestures of love to our loved ones. Take a moment to reach out, hug them if they’re near, or ring them up if they’re far — remind them how loved they are. It’s these little tokens of love that stand out. You would never want to make people who you love and who love you feel taken for granted.
I may be biased, but I have never experienced a love as selfless and unconditional as the love I received from my mom. It could be because I had the best mom I could ever ask for, which makes my grief more profound. I am biased because she taught me what it truly feels to be loved. I am biased because she gave me so many childhood memories to cherish. I am biased because she was confident in me more than anyone else that I can make it in my life. I am biased for her love which wasn’t just a part of my childhood, but also the strength I carry with me today.
If I could go back in time and give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to soak in all the love from mom and cherish every moment you spend with her. Hug her tightly while she holds you in her arms and talks to you every morning by the window. Despite all these years without her, it’s as if a part of me still hasn’t fully accepted that I will never see her again.
One of the core memories that still gives me strength today is when I called myself “the unluckiest” in my middle school journal and my mom cut the “un” off, stating I am the luckiest. I am pretty sure everyone has their own share of favorite unforgettable memories close to their heart, for me, it’s all of my birthdays. My mom used to get me a new customized outfit made from her saree every year. My birthday celebrations with all my friends, decorations, and her doing everything for me to remember it forever keeps me grounded and grateful.
I often see my friends and flatmates sharing about days with their mothers, hearing their moms tell them how proud they are. It’s a bittersweet reminder of what I no longer have, which is why I feel so strongly about this: no one will ever love you more than your mother. While you are growing up, she’s also growing older. Take the time to cherish her, love her, make memories with her before you are left with the regret that you didn’t.
I think the love of a mother is immortal. It’s the love from her that keeps me going even when I don’t have her around anymore. I am grateful to have had a mom and best friend within the same person. I find her around me as the brightest star in the sky. I feel it’s her motherly love still protecting me in unknown ways. I know, without any doubts, she is watching over me.
If I could, I would tell her, “Mom, dad has been trying to make up for your role but he misses you and so do I. We love you so much. Your little son is all grown up and taller than his older sister. We might continue living without you, but we can never truly learn how.”
Time flies; before you realize, you have missed out on making memories with your mom. I may not have my own mother around, but if you have yours, tell her — tell everyone you care about — that they are loved. Check on them and show up; soak in love from them and give it back double.
As bittersweet as it is, it’s just one life. You wouldn’t want to lose anyone you care for and regret not telling them enough that they were loved.
