Mommy dearest

My mom is so warm. Literally. When I hug her, I am enveloped by the incredible warmth of her arms. It makes me feel like I'm "wrapped up like a taco" (a quote from Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel). No blanket could provide the warmth that her very palm provides in an instant. When we settle down after a tiring day, and lie down side by side on the bed to talk, what we say gradually slips into the realm of nonsense, and we doze silently. It's like I'm in some kind of cozy little lair she built, where the single, glowing lamp radiates comfort, safety, acceptance, trust, love.

When I look at her sleeping, I wonder how in heaven I am ever going to give her everything that I owe her. It's not a question of repayment, or of any kind of duty towards my parents, or anything like that. It's just - I feel suddenly that if anyone on this planet deserves my unconditional, everlasting love, it is my mother. If there is anyone on earth I would love to pamper, it is my mother.

I'm not going to beat myself up here with the oh-look-at-what-she's-done-for-you-and-how-you-repay-her routine, though I am very tempted to. It would honestly do no good. Instead, I'll write down all the little things that all of us love about my mom.

She's always forgetting things. =] She's always trying to coax people into eating more. She's extra nice to her kids, and infra nice to herself. =X She's always rushed, but always happy and smiling, and ALWAYS ready to help solve the problem. I love the logical, step-by-step way her mind works, and sometimes hate the world for not giving her her due, because she always plays fair, and I hate seeing her lose. I wish I had half her ability to pacify, calm, soothe. She's so simple and safe. I love that about her, and wouldn't trade it for the world. She laughs easily and gives anyone who needs it a leg up and a smile, without ego issues barring her way. And finally, the best, BEST thing about my mother dearest, is that she understands me ... totally. She understands every shade of meaning in my words and actions. Communicating with her is one of the most enjoyable things I do everyday. She appreciates me and loves me for my brand of fun, and for my personality. Thank you God, for putting such a person in my life.

That was getting a bit too senti, no? =] Well. I'm just glad I can wake up in the morning and call out "Mummy!" and hear a reply from mother dearest. Mummy, always remember that you can hope for the same thing from me.