Life, however, is seldom a straight path.

Recently, I found myself reflecting on the extraordinary journey of my mother—a woman who traversed two worlds throughout her life. Born in Lahore, India, she embarked on a remarkable path that led her to Minnesota as a young mother. After spending two decades in the vibrant embrace of California, she eventually returned "home" to Minnesota, where she reached the final chapter of her life. Her journey encapsulated a rich tapestry of experiences, blending cultural heritage, motherhood, and the enduring search for a sense of belonging.

In the depths of my heart, I carry the tender memories of my mother who was torn from her mother's arms at a tender age amidst the turmoil of the India partition. Her life's journey began with a loss that resonated throughout her existence, shaping her in ways beyond imagination. Yet, she found solace and strength in the love she shared with her adoring father and in turn, his affection became the beacon that guided her path.

As a child, I witnessed the resolute spirit that my mother embodied, standing tall despite the early scars that life had etched upon her heart. She never let the pain define her; instead, she embraced it with grace and resilience, for she knew that her trials were but stepping stones to a deeper understanding of the God.

In times of darkness, my mother's words were a source of light and wisdom. She would often quote from the sacred Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, sharing profound verses that seemed to bridge the gap between the earthly realm and the divine. One such verse echoed in my mind: "Bin bhaga satsang na labhai bin satsang binse sukh" - Without the blessings of good company, one does not find joy or peace. (Guru Granth Sahib)

My mother believed that the presence of good company, of loving souls filled with laughter, who embrace us without judgment, brings comfort even in the most challenging moments of life. Her bond with her father, my Nanaji, was an epitome of such satsang - the profound connection that transcends time and space.

Through the prism of her own experiences, my mother taught me the value of love and companionship. She showed me that our relationships, no matter how brief or enduring, shape the very core of our being. The love she received from her father became the foundation upon which she built her life, and it became a legacy she imparted to me - a testament to the boundless strength of love in the face of adversity.

As the years passed, our roles seemed to intertwine. My mother came to live with us and became not just a guiding force but also a friend, someone with whom I could share the joys and sorrows of my own journey. Watching her, I learned to find peace in embracing the past, for it is through acceptance that we transform wounds into wellsprings of compassion and understanding.

In moments of contemplation, I often find solace in another verse from the Guru Granth Sahib: "Gagan mein thaal rav chand deepak bane, taarka mandal janak moti" - In the sky of the heart, the sun and moon are the lamps, the stars and pearls are the studded lamps. (Guru Granth Sahib)

In my youth, she was the sun that illuminated my darkest days, the moon that brought tranquility to my restless heart, and the stars that shone in the tapestry of our shared memories.?

As I carry forward her legacy, I embrace the beauty of her life's journey, the love she bestowed upon me, and the profound connection she shared with her adoring father. The pain of her early loss has become a canvas for understanding the depth of human emotions, and through it, I have come to appreciate the transformative power of love, even in the face of heartache. As I became a mother, I embrace the unwavering love that my mother and carried it forward to my children and then her great grandchildren. Letting love be the foundation of a relationship with them, nurturing their growth, and providing them with a safe and secure environment to thrive.

Though she is physically no longer with me, I find solace in the eternal love she left behind. The verses of the Guru Granth Sahib echo in my heart, reminding me that love is the ultimate bond that unites us all, transcending the boundaries of time and space. I am grateful for the privilege of being her child, for her presence will forever illuminate my journey, like a guiding light from the heavens above.

Goodbye to you, my trusted friend, my first friend. Together we climbed hills and trees, you taught me of love and ABCs, skinned our hearts, and you kissed my skinned knee. In loving memory of my mother, who embraced life's trials with grace and etched her love upon my soul.

#sikh #sikhlife #motherhood