How would you define your relationship with your mother?

As I grew older, I began to see my mom in a different light. I was the firstborn, a rebel, a little forward for the small town we lived in. That led to a lot of arguments with my parents. Amma was stuck between social norms and her love for her children. Once I got married and moved to Pune, Singapore, and then Boston, she saw me in a different light. Over the years, she has become my biggest admirer.

Motherhood changed my view about many things, and amma sure was at the top. I saw firsthand how difficult it is to feel solely responsible for a tiny human being you just created, and she did it four times. Over the years, we became something different to each other. I am her confidant, gossip person, mother, daughter, friend, and therapist. Her enthusiasm, childlike curiosity, willingness to go above and beyond for the people she loves, her unconditional love for her daughters and grandkids—I so wish I inherit that someday.

My amma, my love, my morning and goodnight call, and my biggest cheerleader—I love you.

 A cotton saree for a saree meet hosted by a daughter in Boston. I adore her mother, and seeing them together reminded me of how much I miss mine.

 She never looked this happy with any of us in any picture.