Role reversal

"Let me see what you are planning to wear to school", she said. "Make sure you are not late," she continued. Finally with an admonishment to "be good", Aparna left to board the school bus. I was supposed to leave a few minutes later to reach her school. A teacher had called two days earlier to request me to be a judge at a debate competition in the school. I agreed. All weekend Aparna alternated between excitement at the prospect and worry at any potential embarrassment caused by my presence at her school.

I had been invited twice previously. Unfortunately I had declined both times due to work conflicts. Aparna was convinced I would never again be invited. That explained the extreme thrill at the impending visit to her school. It was interesting to see the role reversal as she became the mother, echoing words that I have said to her many times before. "Don't be late. Be safe (implying, be sensible). Be good."

The seventh and eighth grade students spoke eloquently on the topic of child labor, making their points clearly and confidently. I was asked to say a few words and then announce the winners. I did my part and stepped out, escorted by a couple of teachers. I saw her then. Peeping into the room to see what I was upto. We exchanged a few words and I left.

Later she confessed that she was "proud" of me. A friend asked her "Why did they ask your Mom?". "Because she is awesome", Aparna replied. "And why is she awesome?" came the prompt response. "Because she is MY mother." With these words, Aparna made my day. Just as a few words of praise go a long way to raise a child's esteem, the same applies in reverse order as well. Motherhood is a long haul job with few opportunities for positive feedback. Today was such a day. By her words, Aparna acknowledged my role in her life; not by my "awesomeness" but by her confidence in her own sense of self.