The Many Shades of a Mother

Motherhood is a journey filled with countless shades of love, strength, and silent devotion. Through this article, I share a piece of that journey, seen through the eyes of a daughter, a mother, and a teacher.

A mother is not just one person. She embodies a world of emotions, strength, love, and quiet sacrifices. From the moment life begins in her womb, she starts to give her time, energy, dreams, and heart not because she has to, but because she wants to. Motherhood isn’t just about giving birth; it’s much more than that. It is about how someone shows up when you need them, listens without judgement, and stands beside you even when you try to push them away. It is all about unconditional love. Each season of motherhood brings something new. There are days filled with joy: watching your child learns to walk, hearing them speak their first words, seeing their dreams take shape. And then there are the quieter seasons. The ones filled with worry, long silences, and hopes whispered in prayers. Your heart stays with them. Today, as a mother to a 26-year-old son who lives in the United States, and a daughter to my 79-year-old mother in India, I find myself standing between two generations, carrying them wisdom and resilience with me daily. Now, I have realized that no matter how many years have gone by and how many miles lie between us, the bond between a mother and child only deepens- it never fades. My mother was not just a homemaker; she raised us with love while finding ways to support our family. Her hands were always busy, but her heart was always present. She never spoke about her silent acts of giving. And, I understand what it means to love so fully and quietly, giving without being asked, and remaining steady even as the world around you changes. From her, I have learnt what motherhood means. I have taken that lesson with me into my journey as an educator. I have been a teacher all my life. I have taught hundreds of students, watched them grow from childhood into adults, and feel proud every time they come back to tell me that I have made a difference in their lives. They stay connected with me to say they remember my words of encouragement and my belief in them. Moments such as these have been one of the greatest joys of my life. But even as I gave myself to my work, I never stopped being a mother at home. I took good care of my son even during my busy hours. And now, even with oceans between us, I still call, check in, and listen when he’s had a long day. Motherhood has taught me that we grow alongside our children. We adapt, we learn when to let go and when to hold on. Each stage of their growth brings us new lessons. Motherhood carries a hidden weight. It involves emotional labor, a never-ending checklist, and the selfless giving done silently, without asking for anything in return. Whether at work or home, she carries responsibility. And yet, she keeps going. We see these other mothers around us: grandmothers raising grandchildren, teachers ensuring their students’ safety at school, friends stepping in with helping hands when life becomes too difficult to cope with. Their love may not carry a title, but it lingers with us forever. What stays constant is the lesson a mother leaves behind. She provides strength, even in the face of exhaustion. She teaches how to rise again when life pushes you down. This is the resilience I have acquired from my mother. Motherhood today takes many forms, whether it’s about balancing demanding careers or dedicating oneself wholeheartedly to the home. Each story is unique, and each deserves respect and celebration. It is a journey of the heart that deserves honor every single day. Modern motherhood also comes with new challenges, juggling responsibilities, societal expectations, and often the pressure of “being perfect.” Learning to be kind to oneself, accepting help, and letting go of the need for perfection can make the journey lighter and more joyful. “In essence, motherhood is not defined by perfection, but by presence - being there in both small and big ways, offering warmth, wisdom, and love.”