Early this Sunday, Mumbaiâs Nair hospital experienced nothing short of a Mother's Day miracle.

After being turned down by seven hospitals, an expectant mother was taken in by Dr Ganesh Shinde of Nairâs Gynaecology department, where despite having tested positive for COVID-19, she delivered a set of healthy triplets - each of whom tested negative for the deadly virus.

Itâs not too much of a stretch to say that sheâs been through one of the most dire 24-hours of her life this weekend, but if thereâs a Motherâs Day message to take home from here, itâs this: There is nothing more difficult on this Earth than being a mother. 

via GIPHY

I think we all deserve some slack for not realising this as children. After being asked countless times about our ambitions and plans for the future, many of us wanted to grow up as soon as possible - no more rules to follow? That sure sounded great back then.

And so, as we grew older into our teenage years, we threw ourselves into friendships, relationships and personal interests that came and went - all with the hope that we wouldnât grow old with regrets. All while our mothers stood by our sides and dealt with our mood swings, our avoidant behaviour and tendency to jump the nest.

© Trimurti Films

While we make progress on the front of women's rights inch by inch every day, itâs only been just over seventy years since the first womenâs rights movement marched onward in the western world - just a blink in the eye of human history.

When our mothers were growing up in the late 20th century, many of them had to fight against social pressures the likes of which we take for granted today - especially as men. 

Having a child as an Indian woman came with many expectations that remain invisible to us today, especially if weâre not actively looking for them. 

Our mothers have sacrificed so much in the name of raising us - everything from career opportunities as working women to late nights and early mornings spent on household chores and family expectations.

© Hope Productions

Thatâs why, perhaps this Motherâs Day, when weâre socially distanced and donât have the means to produce grand gestures or expensive gifts, perhaps the most important thing we can give our mothers is the chance to open up. To have a tougher, but more honest conversation about the realities theyâve faced and the sacrifices theyâve had to make. 

One that they could not have with a young child by their side, but can definitely have with an older, matured one who also isnât just a son or daughter - but a friend to lean on as well.

View the full article