Gratitude: Heaven Lies Beneath Their Feet

Feeling thankful for the mothers in my life, at a time when they are going through so much; praying for their health, their strength, their resilience. A mother's love, a mother's care is the most precious in the world. Here's a post from 2012, '30 gratitudes', in honor of all our moms.I am grateful for the mothers in my life – my mom, and my mother-in-law,  my khalas and mamis who love me like a daughter, and all the other mothers in my family, young and old, from whom I continue to hone my own mothering skills.I probably call my mom three or four times a day – to share a quick thought, find out for the umpteenth time what spice to put in what, ask a mundane question about what to wear or what to gift or what to do – things no one else in the world would find the least bit interesting, but she’s always there at the other end of the phone, seems like almost waiting for my call. Of course there are the big things too – the problems and struggles and major life decisions, that I would never get through without mom by my side. My mom-in-law, “Maman”, is larger than life, in the best sense of the word. She’s someone who sees art in a cloud-filled sky, hears a symphony in a downpour, and dances to the sound of cicadas. She’s taught me so much about living joyfully, loving unconditionally, and persevering boldly. And her special chicken sandwiches have sustained us through many a hard time.I don’t know anyone kinder, more giving, or more compassionate than my Dr. Khala. I can’t remember a milestone in my life, either joyous or painful, where she hasn’t been by my side. And I don’t dare say thank you – that would just upset her. Bari Khala exudes a serenity and peace that makes you feel so calm and comforted and ensconced in her presence. It stems from her strong faith and her gentle disposition. Khala Jani has a resoluteness that’s both caring and spirited; she's the head of our DC/MD/VA clan, always clipping articles or connecting us to issues or people of interest. Mami jaan is incredible, a perfect balance of traditional sensitivity and worldly intelligence and someone for whom I have so much respect and admiration; and I love Talat mami's contagious laugh and fun loving spirit and wish I could see her more often.We lost two beautiful mothers last month. My sister-in-law’s mother – a gentle soul with a huge heart, who would make sure everyone was well fed, even strangers in far off villages to whom she would send money without anyone ever knowing. She knitted little sweaters and caps for both my children, even for Saanya’s favorite doll. And my cousin’s mother-in-law – such a graceful woman, quiet and cultured with a sweet smile. Her son told me, “some people lead with their intelligence or their looks or their position, for me it was always my mom. She was the coolest person I knew, and the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen.” May Allah look after them both. Ameen.