This refers to the articles on Mother's Day (Open Page, May 8). Mothers are always taken for granted. We often fail to recognise their unconditional love and the sacrifices they make for the family. All hell breaks loose if she is ill for a day and we have a terrible time managing the house in her absence. As a teenager, I used to get angry with my mother whenever she asked me probing questions on everything I did. How foolish I was not to realise that mothers are like birds that keep their young under their wings, protecting and nurturing them always.
Rohit R. Nair,
Chandigarh
***
I head a centre for challenged children and reading the articles made me think of the real supermoms — mothers who have children with special needs.
While we heap praise on “regular mothers” (who are definitely doing a great job), I often think that their work as mothers is easy, normal and pleasant when compared to the challenges faced by mothers who have to deal with autism, cerebral palsy and Down's Syndrome. It can stretch for years as there is usually no growing up, no “independence” for these children. I have heard arguments about fathers taking care, while mothers go to work. This is fine, but a mother is always the first preference as far as a child is concerned. I wonder what God planned when he made mothers of children with special needs. He created “super special moms.” I am but an ordinary mortal mother compared to these true goddesses.
Usha Ramanathan,
Bangalore
***
Reading the articles reminded of my mother who is no more. Though she lacked formal education, she was graceful. She was deeply interested in my academic progress. I remember the days when I had to recite answers to her. She would correct me if I went wrong. She had a great memory and stunned me by naming characters in the various novels I read. She got me interested in cricket, and also improve my English, by making me listen to the radio.
Finally, she taught me to be humble. She would always say that water — even a drop — finds its level and that there is nothing wrong in being humble.
T.R. Maragatham,
Chennai
