2020 May 9
In his book of Howards End, E.M. Forster says “I am sure if mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars.” And I believe this perfectly encapsulates just how substantial the role of a mother is. They emanate love so uncompromising, strength so uplifting, and perspective that is forever influential.
On this Mother’s Day, we share with you a compilation of heartfelt stories in an effort to celebrate the diversity of motherhood in all its glory.
Tarja De Silva
“Being an only child it was hard to live up to the expectations of everyone. Ammi was a school teacher and determined that I excel in academics. However, I was 13 when I first started ballroom dancing; as I was quite young to attend classes by myself, Ammi would accompany me for every single class.
She was by my side every step of the way. And when I finally got placed at a dance competition, I looked for my mom as I got up on that stand, because I knew at that moment that I owed it all her- my #1 fan!”
Sharan Velauthan
“After going through so much in life: domestic abuse, being cheated on, judged by family – she managed to bring me up working multiple part-time jobs, mistreated at work for being a female and so much more.
Ma is a pain, but she taught me so much about life, about kindness, about resilience. She is someone I can always depend on. I have been bullied by men and mistreated by women but my one constant being my mum who always gave me comfort.
So, who is my mum for me? A force. A force that no one can break, whether it is a fist or words, she never broke. So, I stand here privileged, strong and ready to make a change because of my mother.”
Dinuka Jayasuriya
“My mother cooks the most amazing meals. When she cooks, the whole house gets filled with a beautiful aroma.
Sometimes, she gets the measurements of the rice, noodles or the meals wrong. Which means, she ends up making less food than she anticipated. When we start eating the meal, devouring every bit of it, she comes up to us and says “there’s more, eat as much as you want” and she goes back to the kitchen in a hurry.
One day I discovered that she runs back to the kitchen to quickly make more food to keep the supply for demand alive so that she never has to say, “oops that all I made”.
Shehara
My mom and I were never best of friends. It always seemed we were at each other’s throats. But after I had my own kids, I started to see her in a new light and realized how much she looked out for me and just how much she sacrificed to take care of me.
Ayesh De Fonseka
“My mother is the most giving person I know. As my sister and I were growing up we saw everything she did for us on a daily basis, but what really stood out is when my grandmother (my dad’s mother) got sick and was bedridden during her final years. My mother stepped in and took such good care of her; she fed her, washed her, cleaned her and did everything she needed to make her comfortable during her last years.
One day I asked her how she does what she does and her answer was simple. “She needs me”.
She put the needs of her mother-in-law above her own, just as she would do with anyone and everyone in her life.”
Dinara Punchihewa
“Since I was small, I’ve always feared needles. Every time my mother took me for a vaccine or blood test, I would be crying before we even left our home. She would hold my hand throughout the whole process, and the nurses and hospital staff would giggle and laugh at me- often commenting on how my mother’s face looked more worried for me than my own.
Fast forward 25 years later, and my mother still comes with me whenever I have to get an injection. Although she’d say, “Grow up” or “Get over it, Dinara!”, I know deep down that she cares about my little fears. She’s my best friend for so many reasons, and I wouldn’t have anyone else chaperone me during these nail-biting affairs at the hospital!
And yes, she still holds my hand. Every single time.”
Gangulee Walpola
“When I was a teenager, I went through something that changed me. I couldn’t eat, sleep and even encountered memory loss. My mother realised that I’m not simply sad. She researched, spoke to people, and doctors, not knowing a thing about mental illness, and made me speak to a psychiatrist.
I was diagnosed with depression. I recovered and went on to do well in life (I hope), and recently gave oaths as an Attorney. But I always go back to that moment, because if not for her, I would not have achieved what I did. I will continue to be eternally grateful for her.”
With the joys and aches motherhood brings with it, we take today to remember that mothers are just as human, feeling the feelings of this journey we call life, yet holding their head above water for those they feel the need to protect. We take today to acknowledge their love, their kindness, their patience and most importantly, every nook of their bare feelings. As we celebrate the diversity of motherhood today, we will forever hold our moms in gratitude.
