Saturday 5 February 2022

Love And Grace of Mother

On Saraswati Puja 2022, the writer, Anita, felt blessed as she sat at her desk invoking Maa Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of knowledge, speech, wisdom, and learning.

Maa Saraswati, Pattachitra- art of Odisha

A fair beautiful woman, radiating beauty, holding a Veena... the face of her mother always came in front of Anita’s eyes whenever she thought of Maa Saraswati.  Her mother’s Sitar was in its place, but the Sitar-player was no longer there...

Her mother embodied the arts and learning with such finesse! She was an accomplished singer and Sitar-player, and was so talented that she could play any and every musical instrument! A voracious reader and a gifted writer, she pushed her children and others to pursue the higher ideals.

The focus-light was on memories.

-*-

Anita remembered all the encouragement from her mother – words that had set the foundation for her writing journey:

“You must write a poem on this theme!”

“A journal/edition will be published- you write!”

“I have ordered/bought books and subscribed to magazines- you read and write!”

“Keep participating!”

“Do your best!”...

Anita felt lucky. 

Whenever Anita got her reviews and articles published with her name and city’s and state’s name in print in leading print-media, her mother was overjoyed! Visitors to their home, including her grandparents, made Anita loudly read all what she had written, with grandfather animatedly translating all the English for the benefit of her grandmother!

Anita’s mother was so dynamic and full-of-life that even as she was in the last stage, afflicted by a dreaded disease, those who knew and loved her, believed she would spring back to life with a spring in her step. The doctor’s ominous prediction came true. God called her early that fateful January 20, 2012, leaving Anita and her family-members heartbroken...

-*-

Later that year, there was a contest ‘Soak No More’ organized by Femina magazine. Anita participated and was pleasantly surprised to receive a call that she had been chosen as one of the three winners! Her photograph would be published on the Femina-cover!

In January 2013, Team Femina invited Anita to Mumbai for the photo-shoot, arranged at the apartment-cum-studio of leading fashion photographer, Shri Jitu Savlani. The hairstylist, make-up artist, and the costume-designer gave their respective artistic touches. The photographer created magic with his lens.

-*-

The pictures found publication in Femina magazine!

“Pictures speak more than a thousand words.” Inexplicable developments also speak.

Anita’s family was preparing for her mother’s first death anniversary celebration. It would be an elaborate affair at her native place, attended by members of both Anita’s maternal and paternal sides of the family and hundreds of guests. Though the calendar date was 20th January, the tithi date was 8th February, 2013.

Within a couple of days, Femina magazine’s latest issue was released. 

Anita admired how efficient their team was! She had not expected such quick publication!

Anita checked the issue date. On the cover page, it was clearly mentioned- February 8, 2013.

Anita felt overwhelmed realizing - It was the tithi date of her mother’s first death anniversary!

That Femina issue was an extra special gift as it was a loving mother’s grace, assurance, and stellar role for her child.

While death anniversaries are painful, there was something to cheer that day as the publication made all the guests happy. 


All marveled at the grace of Anita’s mother, who used to be the “life of the celebration” and the “light of the home” and always loved gatherings, feeding people, and making things easy and comfortable, and spreading smiles. 

Even after her death, she had succeeded in her primal mission in her super-efficient style... 

                                                                                 -*-

This 600 words story is written for StorytellersBlogHop FEB 2021 by Ujjwal (https://mywordsmywisdom.com) & MeenalSonal (www.auraofthoughts.com).

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A note to the reader-

This is the first time I have written a story with a character that has my name. :)

This is not fiction. This is a true story. 

Sharing it here as "Truth is stranger than fiction."

We celebrated the tenth death anniversary of my mother this year on 20th January, 2022.

This year was the first time I wrote a blog post and social media post regarding her death anniversary:  

Remembering Mom On Her Tenth Death Anniversary

The tenth death anniversary tithi date was last week on- 30th January, 2022.

The month of February reminds me of her first death anniversary and also the Femina magazine publication. So many years have passed. I have been planning to write about this real-life experience. Life is short and with this "Volatile Life" we do not know whether we will live to tell the stories we have planned. Yesterday, I felt blessed to have survived a near-death experience as a fast-moving bus whizzed past me by just a whisker. Had it decided to move one-two inches to its left, my lifeless body would be left. 

I had to share this cover-page story as I found it truly a sign of my mother's divine grace that the issue date should be dated- February 8, 2013- same as the tithi date of her first death anniversary. Some may argue that it is a mere coincidence. I feel there is a lot that we do not know and cannot explain. 

The pain of our mother’s loss and our loss to see our mother's happiness, witnessing our achievements, is still real. The joy is real too. The copy of the Femina still brings a smile. The realization is always there that such achievements are thanks to the grace of God and love of well-wishers. Mothers always earn and retain the number one spot in lists of unconditional love.

It is Basant Panchami or Saraswati Puja, today. 

Maa Saraswati, Pattachitra- art of Odisha

My mother used to celebrate in the traditional way by setting up and worshipping an idol of Maa Saraswati at our home. I remember her a little extra on such festival days.

May Maa Saraswati bless everyone with lots of knowledge, creativity and skills. 

50 comments:

  1. More power to you anita. Your are looking marvelous in those pics.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much :)
      Trust the highly experienced and professional Team of Femina magazine to create such magic. They have been doing this for decades now!

      Delete
  2. I loved reading this Anita! yes, it is a volatile life, and mother's embody unconditional love. Take care

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, Harshita. Glad you liked this.
      True that life is volatile and mothers are the best.
      Be well.

      Delete
  3. I had tears while reading this Post! More power to you . Each words convey the longing that you have for your mother. Yes, life is volatile and we have to live each moment. On a different note, OMG you look awesome in your photoshoot pics. I have always been inspired by you . You are a warrior ! Keep shining!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your constant encouragement and support, Chinmayee.
      I shed many tears writing this. The emotions got reflected then...
      The photoshoot pics are thanks to their super Team. Like magicians, they transform the look with gentle care and expertise, and capture the best presentation of the well-planned projection!
      Small wonder, models and movie-stars look even better in all such professional pics!

      Delete
  4. Wow Anita. Empowered daughter of an empowered mother. It's your mother's blessings that you continue to shine in a sea of writers and bloggers. More power to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your extremely kind words, Sonia :)
      "Empowered" is a truly powerful word. You know the right word for her!
      True that we need divine grace and blessings of parents to shine in life. Best wishes.

      Delete
  5. Your mother is a role model for all would be mothers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your wonderful words for my mother.
      She is truly a role-model. Tough to match up to her standards.
      She was a genius who could do everything- right from driving car to solving Sudoku puzzles!

      Delete
  6. Wow. While reading the story I was wondering how you could get those images. Somehow I was feeling that this is your story and yes! It is.loved it totally

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot, Rakhi :) Glad you liked it.
      Images make the story more believable.
      You guessed it right! Full marks to you :)

      Delete
  7. What a lovely true story. Celebrating life even in the most trying times, the light of hope in the darkest moments - her spirit continues to guide and shine. God bless !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your kind words and wishes. Glad you liked the story.
      Totally agree with your wise words.
      This is what life is about- celebration and hope. Divine guidance and grace helps us for our journey.

      Delete
  8. A touching one. Hope the future holds you more success!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your nice words and wishes.
      Best wishes to you too :)

      Delete
  9. When the bond between people is strong there will be such incidents that will make us feel their presence or their grace. It might seem silly to the world, but the heart knows. Hugs to you and a wonderful way to celebrate your mom's life and her essence.

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    Replies
    1. So true, Neha.
      Strong bonds and deep connections make such miracles possible.
      Thank you very much :) Glad you liked this. Hugs!

      Delete
  10. A very touching story Anita...well expressed.

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  11. Replies
    1. Thanks, Mayura.
      Glad you found it interesting.

      Delete
  12. Such amazing post and emotionally touched as heaven. More power to you. I know penning few things down will make us more low. But you on the other hand handled it like a gem.

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    1. Thanks for your kind words and appreciation, Sadvika. Glad you liked it.
      Very true. We keep hiding some incidents and emotions. We do feel low, but then lighter after sharing. "Life is fleeting" and we do need to make the most of every moment.

      Delete
  13. Parents determination and belief in their children gives them the power to overcome any obstacles in life. The blessing of our elders always walk with us. More power to you Anita.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your constant understanding, support, and encouragement, MeenalSonal :)
      Yes, their blessings are with us.
      Happy for this opportunity to share. Great to connect with amazing bloggers and our super February #storytellersbloghop theme.

      Delete
  14. Like mother like daughter. Keep shining and carry the legacy forward.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your nice words, wishes, and encouragement :)

      Delete
  15. More power to you Anita. This was such an emotional post. Blessings of mother's never leave us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot, Diya.
      True that mother's blessings are with us like Lataji's song- "mera saaya saath hoga".

      Delete
  16. Blessing of our parent always make us successful. I felt this post. More power to you and lots of love.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot for all your emotional connect, love and encouragement, Monidipa.
      Blessings of parents do mean a lot.

      Delete
  17. It was a lovely read, Anita. Never knew your story before, you didn't share your life's story. This is equally heart-warming and empowering. Your story will remain with me forever. I can't forget your words. I know, Aunty is still alive in your heart and she will bless you all forever. Hugs and more power dear. - Swarnali Nath

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you liked it.
      Thanks a lot for your extremely kind, empowering, and lovely words, Swarnali :)
      Yes, she's very much here, and must be feeling happy reading all this.

      Delete
  18. It is a wonderful and inspiring read. A chapter of your life that truly empowers others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Jhilmil :)
      Thoughtful observation. We really don't know the effect the chapters of our life can have. We better write good chapters.

      Delete
  19. Thank you for sharing this humbling story with us, Anita. The magazine cover was surely your Mom's blessing.
    Mayuri/Sirimiri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot, Mayuri :)
      Humbling to share. This year is my Mom's 10th death anniversary and I had to share this.
      Great opportunity thanks to our hosts- MeenalSonal & Ujjwal.

      Delete
  20. What a beautiful story. It sounded good as fiction but in reality it is all the more alluring. Your Mom must be super proud of you!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot, Varsha :)
      Glad you liked it. My mom was always happy and proud of any and every achievement of ours'! :) This one would have made her super proud for sure. Wish God had granted a couple of years more to her & us...

      Delete
  21. Sorry to hear about your loss but I am happy at the same time that you found your happy place. It is wonderful to know you in this way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We are dealing with our loss for a decade now. Every human has to experience such loss sooner or later.
      Thanks a lot, Neha :) Great to be connected.

      Delete
  22. I know how it is to be appreciated and encouraged by a loving mother. This is beautiful beyond words 😊👍👌🤗🤗🤗

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    Replies
    1. Wish we could have our moms with us forever. And the appreciation and encouragement too would last.
      Thanks a lot, Sivaranjini :) Glad you liked it.

      Delete
  23. Sometimes, life events come in front of you in a manner that you confuse you, whether to be happy or sad? But with time, you realize that things happen at their pace and are totally uncontrollable.
    Good to listen to your important life event that changed you in some aspect.

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    Replies
    1. Very true, Geethica. Agree with you.
      By the time we understand what's happening, it has already happened & too late... such is life.
      Thank you for sharing.

      Delete
  24. A heartfelt true story. Your mother came alive in your words!
    Good one.

    Noor Anand Chawla

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    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for your nice words, Noor.
      Glad you liked it.

      Delete
  25. I had tears in my eyes while reading your story. Behind every empowered daughter is a progressive, determined and empowered mother. More power to you.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for reading and sharing your wonderful words and encouragement and support.
      Totally agree with you. Empowerment of daughters begins at home thanks to their parents- especially mothers.

      Delete

Your words mean a lot to me.

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