What could have been...

A vivid recollection that haunts me.An inadequate representation of a special woman's unconditional love

 

She came hurtling down the stairs and I froze in my tracks! There she was falling head downwards and I was staring dumbstruck by shock.

 

She had been up all night or rather I hadn’t allowed her a wink of sleep and she didn’t complain. I kept snapping at her when she dozed." If you sleep I will feel drowsy and I can’t afford to sleep." I had a vital exam the following morning and too much was left to be covered and time was too little. I wanted her to sit next to me or at the most lie down and let me snuggle up to her warmth and clutch on to her sari. She has this unique fragrance and this comforting softness. Each time my eyes drooped she said she was off to the pantry. She came back with a piping hot cup of coffee or something to munch.

 

“Do you think I can finish the syllabus and do the test tomorrow?” I asked with despair expecting a lecture about how my negligence was unpardonable and how I should have done my work earlier. I knew it would be terrible to hear all that and I was asking for trouble by voicing my misgivings. I couldn’t help it. The books were open and the words were swimming. The amount to be covered within the remaining part of the night was like a gaping chasm. All she said was “I am here by your side you will be able to do it. Wait let me get you something while you go and splash some water in your eyes.”

 

Then I said “Please read aloud for me and I will assimilate. My eyes are hurting.” She read and also kept a watch on whether I was alert. I snapped at her when she stumbled at a word. She was apologetic. She let me put my head on her lap as she read.

 

After a while I just couldn’t keep awake any more. I asked her whether it would be alright if I just caught a little nap and made her promise that she would wake me up at 5 am. She assured me she would. I slept eagerly.

It was almost as if I had just closed my eyes and she was calling me again urging me to wake up and finish the remaining bit. I stretched and yawned at yanked myself out of bed reluctantly. She was up and about getting things ready. She looked as fresh as ever. I grimaced at her. " Now I have to go for an exam and you will enjoy your afternoon siesta."

 

I overstayed with my books and I was running late. It was a very important exam and I couldn’t afford to be late. I was panicky and began to rush   She was at my heels entreating me to grab a bite and I was impatient. Why did she consider breakfast so important? She came rushing down the staircase in order to see me off and wish me luck and then…she slipped missed a step and came hurtling down.

 

I seemed paralyzed as I stood on the landing watching her fall. Then suddenly in a flash I moved and rushed forth to the bottom of the staircase. I don’t know what prompted me but I went and held her head and sat down to cushion her in my lap .She fell into my lap and the disaster was averted. She had bruises on her arms and legs but I shudder to think what it could have been.

 

She is my mother and she would do this again for me. I can’t think of life without her.

Reviews

[None]

A mother's love goes beyond all barriers. Best friends can love us, but mother's have been with us from day one and it becomes unconditional love for the fortunate. She is beautiful to love you like she does and she always wants the best for you, as I read here. I'm sorry she fell, but I'm glad she is alright. Your story is full of anticipation, love and tenderness. Forgiveness comes easy to a loving mother, as I see in your beautiful story.

[echo]

All I would like to say in appreciation of this story has already been expressed in earlier reviews. So I guess I'll cover the negative criticisms. Only I couldn't find anything to negatively criticize, unless I count the few grammatical mistakes that could easily be corrected later.

[Tania Leigh]

Your appreciation for her shows in this story, as does her love for you. She sounds like an amazing woman, wholeheartedly dedicated to her her daughter.....I am so very glad you were there to catch her when she fell.

[Blackbirdsong]

This is really a wonderfully told story and you certainly have a gift for storytelling and writing out your experiences that makes them feel immediate. I felt myself getting upset right along with you as I remembered nights like this where I had to stay up and study before a test. You beautifully describe your mother's tireless affection for you - even in the face of your irritability - and that is truly wonderful to read. When she fell down the stairs I felt my heart race right besides yours. Only a master storyteller can move their reader in this way.

[Phil Sanders]

This is so beautiful and so expressive and full of so much love .. delightfully written and so powerful ...

[Floating on the feather..]

I don't know how do i review this....
But I certainly like the piece a lot, the compelling emotions behind it as very evident.
Glad that you wrote this.

Shinjini