Happy Mother's Day Mum!

Hi Mum,
You get a special post today that is just for you because it is Mother's Day!!!

First let me wish you a beautiful Mother's Day! I'm sorry that I didn't catch you India time - I caught another tummy virus and have been in bed since Saturday morning. Rich can attest to my grumpiness and insane ability to keep sleeping. I guess the latter doesn't really require an illness though!

Thank you for being such a wonderful Mother! I couldn't have asked for anything more in a Mom. This year I want to let you know 10 important lessons that I have learned from you.

1. Belief in God. Where do I start with this one?? I'm not even sure that a paragraph could capture this so I'll just say this - thank you for creating meaning for my life.

2. "Everything happens for a reason". Although this sometimes drives people crazy when I give them this advice, I truely believe it. You instilled this in me from an early age and I can't tell you how many times it has helped me get through the tough times. Thank you for this wonderful belief that I hold close to my heart.

3. Watch out for the oven. I have, to date, not succumbed to any oven burns on my fore arms. Now of course I still am a clutz and so now and then I will do silly things but for some reason I have stayed away from the oven burn probably because I learnt the hard way from you!!

4. Respect all. Perhaps this is why I am in the line of work that I am. I learnt from an early age to treat all equally and although I am not perfect, I try always to follow in your foot-steps when it comes to saying good morning to not only my boss but the community gardeners. Thank you for teaching us this.

5. Cook for the ones you love. While I am still trying to perfect this one (uh-hum), I learnt that there are many ways to show love and one wonderful way is to cook! Thank you for all the years of terrifically yummy food - especially Chapatthis, Beef Souka and ladyfingers. YUM!!

6. "BEEF...B-E-A-F" - I learnt that spelling words incorrectly but with much confidence is way too funny! I won't ever forget that one Mum!!

7. How to be the foundation of the family. Mum you are the glue that keeps us all together and while I don't envy the task, I am so thankful that you are Mum and that you are there no matter what.

8. Artsy is the way to go! While I think this is more genetic than anything, I am very happy to know that all three of us have been given the wonderful ability to be artsy-fartsy! We are all creative and that keeps all of our minds churning away with new ideas. Thank you for showing us ways to express ourselves.

9. Clean, clean, clean! Oh how many memories of my youth do I have of you cleaning away? More than most people do! Thank you for instilling in me how to clean anything! I am still picking up tricks along the way but thank you for not adding "slob" to my list of qualities. Rich thanks you too.

10. And last but not least, you have taught us the importance of family. More than anything, I love that we are a strong family. Thank you for teaching us what unconditional love is and creating a base for an awesome family!!!

Happy Mother's Day Mum!! And for everbody else, here are some pics of my wonderful Mama.