Every morning, as the sun peeks through the curtains, she rises—before the world, before the rush, before anyone asks anything of her. The house slowly wakes up to the sound of her moving through the routine she has mastered over the years. Packing lunch boxes, tying shoelaces, giving a quick kiss on the forehead before rushing out the door. And then comes the little voice, the one that tugs at her heart. “Mumma, will you come early today?†She kneels down, looks into those trusting eyes, and says with a smile, “I’ll try my best, sweetheart.†And with that, she steps out—walking towards her work, towards her purpose, carrying in her heart the love that fuels it all.
At work, she’s more than just someone earning a living. She’s someone who loves what she does, someone who believes in standing on her own feet, contributing to something bigger than herself. It’s not just about financial security—it’s about being part of the world, about making a difference in her own way. And while she does this, something incredible is happening back home.
Her child is learning—not through lectures, but through watching her. They learn that responsibilities are not burdens but a part of life. They learn to pack their own bags, handle little mishaps, and solve problems on their own. They realize that happiness comes not just from being cared for but from learning to care for themselves. Each time they see her manage work and home with a quiet determination, they absorb the lesson that life is about showing up, about giving your best, about moving forward no matter what.
A little boy who watches his mother return home after a long day, still smiling, learns that strength is not about never getting tired, but about pushing through with a full heart. A young girl who sees her mother contribute to society, work with dignity, and still find time for her family, grows up knowing that she too can shape her own path. The resilience, the self-reliance, the ‘never-say-die’ spirit—these are not things she teaches; these are things she lives, and in doing so, she passes them on.
She may not be there for every single school drop-off, every evening game, or every little moment. But she is there in a far greater way—in the values she instills, in the confidence she builds, in the strength she nurtures. And one day, when her child faces a challenge and does not back down, when they step into the world with courage, when they find joy in their own work and independence, they will realize where it all began.
And in that moment, she will know—she was never just working. She was preparing them for life.
The writer is Chief Manager (HR) at CMPDIL, Ranchi. Views are personal.
