It’s time to say – “Thank you Mom”

The other day my sister and niece had come to stay over at my place. We were chatting till late night when we started talking of my niece’s plans to get married . My sister asked her daughter that what kind of a groom and family she wanted. Her reply was instant, “Mom, I want a home which allows me to work and pursue my career. I don’t want to be a housewife like you, all my life. My teenage daughter too agreed with my niece’s opinion and asked me, “Mom , what is so great in being a house-wife? Anybody can do that.”


I was almost taken aback to know that in my daughter’s opinion ,what I have been doing all these years was good for nothing. My sister told me , “ Nandini, to some extent it is not their fault. Almost every teen today has the same opinion about house-wives.” I felt a strong urge to tell them that what they thought was so untrue. I could see the last two decades of my life flashing in front of my eyes and how I placed the needs of my family before me, letting my every wish take a back seat.


I asked a question looking at my daughter and niece , “ Tell me when was it the last time you had an holiday ?” My daughter Priyanka replied, “ Mom , I had a holiday just last weekend.” I again asked , “ Now tell me when did your father take a holiday from work?” My sister Rhea interrupted , “Why are you asking such silly questions to the kids. I didn’t pay any attention to her words and asked one more question, “ Will you kids tell me that when was the last time your mom took a holiday?”


There was pin drop silence in our room . Both Priyanka and my niece Shraddha went quiet. This was certainly a question they had never come across before. Both the girls meekly replied , “ Probably never.” I could feel the change in their tone and their facial expressions .


I said further, “ Girls do you know that if there’s one occupation you do for which you don’t even get paid any salary then that’s being a home-maker. Where else in the world will you get such a package which I would like to call as an ‘All in one super luxury package’ . She can do all the work your maid does , listen to all your orders , make a coffee for you at half past midnight, take your tantrums , listen to you patiently ,raising her kids , cater to the needs of every individual in the family . Think of one day when the lady of the house is ill , you can’t get one thing done properly . Indian housewives deserve a grand salute for beautiful juggling the role of a wife, mother , aunty , teacher , care taker , friend all at the same time


It’s time we acknowledge them , respect them and love them not only on Women’s day or Mother’s day but for every single day of our lives and thank God for blessing us with such caring souls who only learnt to give without expecting anything in return.