It was one of those regular routine days of life. We woke up, got ready and left the home to our daily schedules. The kids to school and me to work. As always, the son reminded in the last minute that he had Special Friends lunch at school. The lunch was being ordered from his favorite food place. And as usual, I apologised that I will not be able to make it as I have to take half a day off from work. My mother jumped in to cheer him up saying she would join him for lunch. The perks of having your mom live with you! Content that something is better than nothing, the son left to school gleefully. I left home feeling gratified that mom is able to make it even though I am not and tried not to go on another guilt trip. I made sure to leave enough cash with mom for lunch for both of them.
I normally don't make phone calls during the day either to the husband or mom or kids' day care to check on them. However, I called mom to see if she was able to meet him at school and the lunch went well. To my dismay, mom informed that the lunch has to be pre-ordered and he was the only one who didn't have the lunch. What??? Yeah, he was upset and sad. Mom said she herself felt really awful for the kid. Cursing myself for my negligence and forgetfulness, I hung up the phone. I spend the rest of the day regretting which we moms always do.
I reached home that day filled with remorse and guilt. I apologised to my son profusely. I hugged him tight promising that I would never forget anything like that and would make it up for him. He said, he was the only one who did not have the pre-ordered lunch. While my sorry saga continued, may be he sensed that his mom might turn into a drama queen; he said, "Amma...that's okay. You didn't forget it on purpose. That's okay Amma". While I was almost on the brink of tears, he stood firm and hushed me in an embarrassed tone. "Okay, Amma, please stop crying. Now, will you cry for this? That's okay. I forgot to remind you earlier. That's my mistake. You don't have to feel bad about it so much". I had to be the silent spectator who looked at this grown up 5th grader in awe.
*Amma - Mom
This post is written as a part of 1000 Voices Speak for Compassion, where bloggers across the world are coming together to write their own experiences, feelings and expressions on Compassion. Glad to be a part of this wonderful event.
I reached home that day filled with remorse and guilt. I apologised to my son profusely. I hugged him tight promising that I would never forget anything like that and would make it up for him. He said, he was the only one who did not have the pre-ordered lunch. While my sorry saga continued, may be he sensed that his mom might turn into a drama queen; he said, "Amma...that's okay. You didn't forget it on purpose. That's okay Amma". While I was almost on the brink of tears, he stood firm and hushed me in an embarrassed tone. "Okay, Amma, please stop crying. Now, will you cry for this? That's okay. I forgot to remind you earlier. That's my mistake. You don't have to feel bad about it so much". I had to be the silent spectator who looked at this grown up 5th grader in awe.
*Amma - Mom
This post is written as a part of 1000 Voices Speak for Compassion, where bloggers across the world are coming together to write their own experiences, feelings and expressions on Compassion. Glad to be a part of this wonderful event.
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Awww our wonderful kids. So many times, they give up their own pain to take care of ours. Hugs to both of you.
ReplyDeleteYou are right my dear. Thank you for reading...Hugs to you too.
DeleteYou're raising a compassionate child. No guilt trip there!
ReplyDeleteAww..thank you Corina. Makes me feel so good whenever I hear this :)
DeleteOkay - a big hug for you and forgive yourself. These things happen. Try to catch the notice next time and move on. My eldest is only two years into school and, as a working parent, WOW, it's overwhelming the amount of stuff you have to keep track of. Missing something is in no way a reflection on your love for your child and they know that. - Louise
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. We don't intend to forget our kids' stuff. These mistakes do happen with all of us. And when he forgave me, it made me more responsible from the next time on wards :) Thank you for reading and a big hug to you as well.
DeleteAww! This really warmed my heart! Loved this compassionate gesture from your son. Kids, they grow up so quickly, dont they!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Shilpa. They do. Before we even realise, they leave the coop and fly as mature and responsible young adults. Thank you for the warm words :)
DeleteThank God for mature kids!! :) Sometimes we are the ones who become children in front of them!! :D
ReplyDeleteHehehe...true that..even when I watch a sensitive scene in a movie, he looks at me and starts of..."Amma, are you crying?"..oh god..
DeleteVery often the wheel turns a full circle and we are the receiving end of our children's empathy and understanding. It is an humbling experience and it is only when we look at it in the right perspective can we rise above the guilt. Rushi is a fine kid and before you know it, he will be a fine young man making you proud. And believe me, kids never remember these things. I know :)
ReplyDeleteYou are right, BM. Kids forget these things easily and don't even remember most of them. That is my only wish. I want him to turn into a fine gentleman. That's what I keep telling him also all the time. Your education, your status nothing matters to me. If you are not a fine human being, then everything is waste.
DeleteChild is father of the man! :) We learn so much from children about compassion, it comes easily to most of them!
ReplyDeleteYes, we do...many times, Vidya :)
DeleteHe has made you so proud of him by his maturity.
ReplyDeleteHe did that day for sure. Thank you for reading, KP sir.
DeleteThat was a very mature reaction on his part--must have made you so proud !
ReplyDeleteyes Aunty, that's why it remained in my memory...though it happened just last year, I am sure I will never forget it. :)
Delete<3 what a son..and how they grow up! Just a heartwarming story...how compassion shows itself in such small ways.
ReplyDeleteTrue Bhavs...they amaze us sometimes. He is growing up, fast :(
DeleteAwww, you are rsising him right :) A tight hug to you and him, both
ReplyDeleteThank you so much my dear. I am giving him all of your hugs and he loved the post..he was like, it's awesome amma. He is all for praises :)
DeleteAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW......I miss my Mom now. She cries easily. :D
ReplyDeleteI so miss her now.
This was so cute. Your kid is a good boy!!
hehee...did you call her then? immediately? lol..you mom must be someone like me :D Thank you for reading, Red.
DeleteThat is why parenting is so important. You've inculcated compassion in your kid. A heartwarming post. Hug him on my behalf, will you?
ReplyDeleteI will, my dear. And he would be so happy to receive all your hugs. I really hope he becomes more compassionate as he grows up.
DeleteLatha di say hello to the young man from me .. GOd bless
ReplyDeleteand lucky is he to have beautiful parents like you ..
How about giving him a treat and sending him over to uk for a holiday .. My house doors are always open anytime ..
Bikram's
Bikram bhai, pakka...will give your wishes to him. :)
DeleteAww..thank you for that wonderful comment. ahhh..that is such a tempting offer...if he hears of it, he will start scheming on it from now itself....hahah...thank you thank you so much for the offer :)
A very sweet post Latha! May the young one and you stay blessed:)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Rahul sir.
DeleteHow sweet of your son. He sounds very grown up indeed!
ReplyDelete:) He is sometimes, Marcia. Especially on those days when I am super tired and anything I cook becomes a flop and still manages to eat without grumbling. When he is full and doesn't want to eat anymore and there is more food left in his plate, he feels bad to throw it away and rather ask me to save it for him for the next day.
DeleteYes, Ashwini...he tries to understand when we explain to him calmly without getting excited and hyper :) Thank you for the blessings!
ReplyDeletethe real compassionate moment :)
ReplyDeleteSure, it was. Thank you Sahitya. Welcome here :)
DeleteSo sweet of the little one... We need to learn the art of forgiving from them rt ?
ReplyDeleteTrue Jaish...sometimes they amaze us...:)
DeleteI read your post the day you published it and thought I commented, Latha. I'm glad I came back to look. When I read this post, I thought of how your son had shaved his head! What a wonderful lad you are raising! ♥
ReplyDeleteFirst thing, I am happy to know you still read my blog when you can. 2nd, you came back to check....that's even wonderful :) Above all, your comment made my day and the mommy in me swell with pride. :) I am trying my best, Corinne. I hope he turns out to be a fine and sensitive man. Lots of love to you!
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