By:- Reshma Shaikh
Life comes to full circle, when your teenager daughter does something you disapprove & says sorry in a very thoughtful heartfelt way…which makes you realise your past mistakes as a child, getting tons of scolding for mistakes, which made u cry & your mother used to say “It’s better that you cry now, then you cry later.” When you have a child, you will understand. Trust me, I now understand….

There’s nothing like becoming a parent to give you perspective and appreciation for all of your mom’s sacrifices through the years….

Today is my mum’s birthday & there’s no gift I can buy that matches the gift of life she has given me. Instead of some materialistic gift, i want to give my mom, a heartfelt honest thank you and apology for the way I acted as a youth, to a mother who never gave up, from a daughter who is forever grateful for her support in every way & every stage of life.

“Mumma, I know that when you have rules and consequences, it’s because you loved us, the way I love Haniya & Haadi (my kids), thanks for setting limits and disciplining me even though it was no fun for you & at times exhausting, but it helped me learn and have good character. Thanks mum to help me grow into who I am today. Thank you for being you!

Also, I am sorry mumma, for all the crap i have put you through when i was growing up, especially my teenage years, for each and everything I did, intentionally or unintentionally, which may have hurt you. Mumma, I want you to remember that…..I LOVE YOU!!!!!! &  I will be always be there for you, the way you were always there for me, no matter what. Happy Birthday Dear Mumma!

As for my daughter, Haniya…lets not get into what she did, it’s irrelevant, what’s more noteworthy is the way she regrets & how beautifully she does it. I loved the way she has written the card with right mix of words & emotions…(FYI she is a “writer” in making…she is coming up with fiction novel very soon)

I want to convey her that….”when I look at you and see myself in so many ways, only you are the better version of me – the version I always wished I was… more confident, more adventurous, less neurotic and so very fun & charming. I am sure I will continue to indulge you in ways that I probably should not.This is unchartered territory for both of us. As hard as it is for me not worry about you when you are out of my sight, I am going to let you go at times, just to be fair with you, but,please also know that I will also be tough when needed and that you will not always like me & it will be okay. I will still love you & haadi like nobody else ever could and will always be there for you. You will not know it at that time, but I will tell you “no” at times, because it is best for you, like my mother told me… “It’s better that you cry now, then you cry later.” When you have a child, you will understand…life comes to full circle…..