The Only Expert I Know; #MyFirstExpert Mum

We were at the threshold of a new century and I turned a new age milestone and started a new phase of life. An age and status when you believe that you know everything, you think you understand everything and you behave as per the situation. But I couldn't have been more wrong. 

We got to know that mom had bagged the ‘Woman of the Year’ award for which she was reluctant to give a speech. We coaxed her to take the audience through her journey, writing a brief for her to follow and she practiced the speech numerous times…. 

“Armed with an MA in the late 70's, I went on to become a teacher to fulfill my aspirations of being a change initiator. Motivated not only by my parents but also my favorite literature professor I excelled in my profession, quickly moving on to become the youngest Vice Principal of the school. Marriage and motherhood added springs to my feet and I moved from strength to strength career-wise. Content with what life had blessed me with I wanted to enjoy motherhood. Thus began my best career phase... full-time mommy and wife. Travelling all over with my husband I developed an interest in handicrafts and started a small business venture. As the venture tasted success, delegating responsibilities on the women I decided to go back to my first love. Volunteering with Teach India I am revisiting my past to shape and initiate change in the lives of under-privileged children. It’s an honor being nominated as the Woman of the Year award by the Mumbai Kutchi Jain community and bagging it for what I love doing."

When she rehearsed it, it sounded perfect as we cheered her from around the dining table and then the D-Day arrived. 

As she walked up on stage I could hear the soft caresses of her georgette saree and the tic-tac of her little kitten heels. The overhead light caught the diamond on her ring as she greeted the audience. Amidst all the cheering and the clapping I heard whispers of her beauty, her commitment and her zeal to help others. I looked around and felt myself rising above the ordinary in the adulation showered. Just as my husband gently tapped me on my shoulder and pointed onto the stage, my MOM began to speak.

I knew what she was to say, however when she took to the mike she hesitated. In the few seconds that passed I sent out a silent prayer as she began speaking, "The seasons of life offered me varied opportunities which I grabbed with both hands. The weather chose to shine on me through infinite love and I basked in the sunshine of what I love to do. Whether teaching a student a geometric evaluation, my children the values of life, the business partners marketing techniques or my house help a particular dish - It’s never been about work. Teaching is my inspiration, to be the best I can ever be. Thank you for this. It truly belongs to everyone who was willing to learn, for without them I'd be incomplete.”

In the thunderous response that followed, my mom taught me how greatness lives in humbleness. I blinked as I couldn't see clearly. Pearls of water were clouding my eyes and through those a diamond shone bright and beautiful, #MyFirstExpert, my mom. 

Sitting in the auditorium I learnt the most important lesson of all, that no matter how mature I get, there is always something I can learn from my mom. She was, is and will always be the only 'Expert' I’d need in my lifetime.  

So who is your go-to expert? 
~ Heena