Dear amma,

I never thanked you for all the wonderful things you taught me. I never appreciated everything you did for me until I moved out and started earning on my own. I never thought that being a mom is so rewarding and terrifying all at the same time until I became a mom. I don’t think I ever told you this, but you are a great role model for me. I grew up seeing you working hard at your office and at home. You taught me that we could really have it all. You taught me that patience is golden. With patience, many problems can be solved. When ever you yelled at me for something very small, I always got mad. Now, I understand why you did it.

You taught me that hard work is everything. And the bigger part is thinking that we can actually do it.

When nanna was not well, you were the rock to our family. All of us owe you everything for nanna’s speedy recovery. Me and D were little at that time. But, I remember a lot of it. You just ignored people who were rude and made rude comments. You only focused on what you needed to do for our family and you did it. You took help when ever you needed it and you always knew to ask the right people. You were amazing amma!

You were and are still the only person who can get me to talk and forget my migraines. You are the only person who can understand all my non-sense phone calls when I don’t have anything to talk. Before I got married, remember I lied down in your lap and cried like a little girl? I was terrified amma. I was really scared about getting married and moving in with another person for the rest of my life. I know that I chose to marry S and I knew him and his family for a while before we got married. But, I was still very scared. You let me cry for as long as I wanted to and comforted me. Crying on your lap was such a relief.

You are very good at finances. You and nanna always took care of finances together. I regret the fact that I never learn’t that from you.

When I was pregnant the first time, I was so happy and also sad that I could not tell it you in person. I did not understand why you were so worried about me having the baby before you could get here. But, anyway, it was a relief when I saw you. I let out a breath I never knew I was holding until then. You were an amazing person even then. We did have a few fights about what I can do and what I cannot. But, you took care of me and the kids until you left. You also let me do things so that I would be okay once you went back to India. Thank you for all of that. The best part was when I could walk in the middle of the night to your room and give the kids to you. That used to be such a relief. I used to sleep in peace until the next feeding 🙂 I missed that the most when you left for India.

I am really happy that Sarath is able to learn music from you even we are continents apart. It is so nice to see you two practicing music and you teaching Sarath new songs 🙂

Anyway, I could go on and on about all the amazing things that you did for me and taught me. The list would be endless. I just want you to know that even though, there are so many things that we do not agree upon, I will always love you just like you love me. Thank you for everything that you taught me. I love you amma 🙂