Happy Mother's Day

As I listened to, read, and reread Gurumayi ji’s profound poem, my entire being shivered with gratitude, humility, awe, and love—for my own mother, for the mothers of the world, and for the ever-benevolent Divine Mother of whom they are all manifestations. A vivid mental picture was being painted as I moved from one line to another.
 
As I pondered the qualities that Gurumayi ji speaks of, multiple instances of how they’d come alive filled my mind effortlessly—examples from my own life and the mothers that I’ve observed. First, I said a prayer of deep gratitude and respect to all mothers in the world for all that they do, their ever-giving nature, their unconditional love and warmth, and I prayed for their safety and happiness. Second, I was drawn to introspect on how I can honor, respect, and take care of all the mothers I meet—my own and others who shower this world with their greatness.
 

Every single word of Gurumayi’s Mother’s Day poem touched my heart deeply. I read it over and over and every time it filled me more and more with immense love. I am writing this share at an altitude of 34,000 feet as I fly today from Turkey to the United States to go to the aid of our daughter who needs Mom’s support. This wonderful poem will light up my coming days like a torch, helping me to be strong and giving in every situation. 
 

In my life, I have not only experienced love and care from my own mother, but also gotten to know many other mothers. I have always been fascinated by their wisdom and strength. Each one showed me her love in her own individual way. Some treated me like their own daughter and were strict with me and showed me my shortcomings. But I was always allowed to grow in their warmth and unconditional love.

I lived with my mother for a number of years near the end of her life. I was so fortunate to be able to share Gurumayi’s love with my mom. I had brought her to meet Gurumayi on a few occasions while we lived together. At night we would listen to lullabies that Gurumayi sang. It brought my mother great comfort and peace.
 
Our lives were imbued with grace and love. I was happy to help my mom during this time since she had always tried her best to help me. Reading this poem honoring mothers is a sweet and powerful reminder of the precious love which mothers are always offering.
 

I experienced Gurumayi’s poem, “The Noblest Volunteer,” as a warm embrace woven with words, a symphony of love for mothers. Each line is a cherished reminder of a mother’s unwavering presence in the lives of her children. This poem is a beautiful gift that ignites gratitude in my heart.
 

My beloved Gurumayi asks, “Haven’t you noticed how a woman glows / when she is carrying a baby in her being?”
 
Yes, I have noticed it, in particular, in my sisters and sisters-in-law when they have been pregnant. I remember a special moment, full of divine amazement, when one of them was pregnant with my niece. It was night, and we were finishing a festive event in a room. Coming out of a corridor between the tables, she came toward where I was. Her face was shining, her skin was soft with a delicate pink tone, and, just as Gurumayi describes it, “a celestial light surrounded her” and I was “touched by her gleaming light.”
 

I loved each and every word of Gurumayi’s Mother’s Day poem. Really, mothers are the ones who give endlessly, love unconditionally, and nurture tirelessly. Their strength, love, and wisdom are the pillars of our lives.
 

At age 97, I still have photos of my mother (and father) on my kitchen counter, but I greet my mother every morning and at times speak to her with thankfulness for the good memories of our many years together. I keep repeating what has become a mantra for me: “Who can ask for anything more—than the love of a mother?”