Dear Mama: A Cherished Moment

Not all the moments that shape us as mothers are loud or grand.

Some come quietly, in unexpected places —

and they remind us of everything we’ve done,

everything we’ve given,

and everything we’ve become.

This is Dr. Letha Ram Mohan’s story — a proud mother of two grown-up daughters, reflecting on a moment that still stays close to her heart.

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You asked me to share a moment that has stayed with me as a mother.

For a second, I didn’t know what to say — not because I had nothing,

but because there were too many moments, all rushing in at once.

I am the proud mother of two grown-up, loving daughters.

Each phase of their lives brought its own challenges.

When the elder one was throwing tantrums and struggling with sibling jealousy,

the younger one’s casual attitude toward studies made me anxious.

There were countless times I felt exasperated,

frustrated, even helpless.

And yet — time and again, they’ve more than made up for it

with their love, their care, and their concern.

One moment, in particular, stays with me.

It was during my elder daughter’s graduation ceremony at Columbia University.

The hall was filled with anticipation as we, the proud parents,

waited for the ceremony to begin.

Sitting beside me was a parent who had traveled all the way from Korea

to attend his son’s graduation.

We struck up a conversation,

and at one point, he asked which course my son was pursuing.

I smiled gently and replied,

“It’s actually my daughter who just completed her Master’s in Public Policy —

after earning an M.Phil in Sociology in India.”

He looked surprised — pleasantly so.

Then, a bit hesitantly, he asked,

“How did you manage to send your daughter to an Ivy League university?”

I smiled again and added,

“Well, my younger daughter also graduated from Columbia —

with a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering.”

It took him a moment to process.

He stared at me in disbelief,

then stood up and said:

“I salute you, Ma’am.

Your children are truly blessed to have parents like you.”

I looked at him, smiled, and replied,

“Actually, it’s the other way around.

It is because of my daughters that I am a proud mother today.”

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Not every moment of motherhood is easy.

Some leave you exhausted, wondering if you’re doing enough.

But sometimes, in a quiet hall or a passing conversation,

you’re reminded:

You are enough.

And the love you give — the care, the sacrifices, the lessons —

they matter.

This is Dr. Letha Ram Mohan’s story.

A reminder that pride in motherhood often blooms in the softest, most unexpected places.

If you have a story to share — big or small, quiet or loud —

you can write it, speak it, or whisper it here.

Your story matters.

Share Your Story Here