By Sam Trailerman
Mother's Day dawns, a day when the world pauses to honour the incredible women who shaped us. Yet, beyond the bouquets and heartfelt cards, lies a deeper truth, often only fully understood through the crucible of experience: the profound, unwavering power of a mother's advice. It is a embroidery woven with countless threads of love, caution, and foresight, a symphony of guidance that plays a constant, sometimes insistent, melody in the background of our lives.
We all have her, this singular force, this one mother whose counsel is as boundless as the ocean. From our first tentative steps to our boldest leaps, her voice echoes, a gentle yet firm hand guiding us through life's labyrinth. "Do this, not that," she'd say, her words a compass pointing towards integrity and wisdom. "Always read books; strengthen yourself with knowledge." In a world that often values fleeting trends, she instilled in us the timeless pursuit of intellect, a fortress against ignorance. Her lessons extended beyond academics, delving into the very fabric of our social existence: "Choose friends with noble hearts; reject self-serving companions; choose friends who guide you; reject friends with bad habits." These weren't mere suggestions; they were blueprints for building a life rich in genuine connection and free from corrosive influences.
How many times did we chafe under the weight of her vigilance? The memory is vivid: standing at the threshold of adventure, only to be met by her watchful gaze, her gentle interrogation. "Where are you headed?" she'd ask, her eyes scanning for unseen dangers. "Always take care of yourself; outside, disaster might be waiting." We, in our youthful exuberance, often dismissed these warnings as overprotective, a mother's unnecessary anxiety. We yearned for freedom, for the unburdened flight of our own wings, oblivious to the storms she saw brewing on the horizon.
Indeed, there were moments, countless moments, when her endless stream of advice felt like a burden, a monotonous hum in the background of our vibrant lives. Even the most mundane, seemingly trivial concerns were met with her unwavering attention, her relentless pursuit of our well-being. We'd roll our eyes, sigh dramatically, and perhaps even offer a sarcastic retort. We were young, impatient, and convinced of our own infallible judgment. But a mother, in her infinite patience and boundless love, remains steadfast. Her advice, like the seasons, continues its cycle, each piece a testament to her enduring commitment.
Then, life happens. The world, in its often-harsh reality, begins to teach us lessons that no textbook or casual conversation ever could. I recall a poignant evening, an adolescent voice heavy with despair, lamenting the cruel sting of a lost love. It was a relationship built on deception, a "fox in rabbit's clothing," as this youngster painfully realized. The cunning disguise, once so convincing, had ultimately failed, leading to heartbreak and the stark reality of betrayal. This young SYT, in her raw vulnerability, expressed a profound regret, a deep sorrow for her own negligence. "My mother always told me," she whispered, tears welling, "'Choose quality friends; don't choose ghostly friends.'" In that moment, the weight of her mother's long-forgotten words descended, not as a reprimand, but as a beacon of truth, illuminating the path she had strayed from.
Witnessing the kiddo's anguish, a wave of profound longing washed over me. She yearned for her mother's advice, not the kind she once found tiresome, but the kind that now felt like a precious balm, a shield against the world's sharp edges. It was a yearning for that unwavering wisdom, that innate ability to discern between the genuine and the deceptive.
"Yes, mother's advice," she thought, a silent prayer of gratitude forming in her heart. Mother, I now understand. You possess an uncanny ability to see beyond the superficial, to distinguish "which is a gem, which is glass; which is culture, which is a devil in disguise." Your insights are not born of malice or control, but from a wellspring of unconditional love and a lifetime of experience.
So, give me countless pieces of advice, even tens of thousands; I will not grow weary. This is my solemn promise, for I now know, with every fibre of my being, that a mother is truly complete, truly magnificent, with her countless pieces of advice."
On this Mother's Day, let us not just celebrate their presence, but truly listen to the enduring wisdom they so freely offer, for it is the greatest gift of all.
"HAPPY MOTHERS'DAY
Nganasegaran (tapessam@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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