This Mother’s Day holds a special meaning for me. It’s a day where I celebrate not just motherhood and daughters, but also the flexibility offered by work-from-home (WFH) arrangements. Here’s my story, a testament to the power of nurturing and the unexpected beauty of a career path that allows me to be there for my loved ones.
The Pioneering Work-From-Home Mom
In 2012, when I returned to India, I embraced the WFH model. This was a bold move back then, even before the COVID-19 pandemic normalized remote work. Hence, I proudly consider myself a trailblazer for adopting this culture. Without a roadmap or anyone to guide me, I navigated the challenges of WFH through trial and error, learning from my mistakes and adapting every day to changing situations. It was made easier thanks to a supportive boss, helpful colleagues, and a strong internet connection.
Today, I’ve completed 12 successful years working remotely. This flexibility has helped me to manage multiple roles: a dedicated mother, a caregiver to my ageing parents, a student pursuing an international MBA, an entrepreneur, a published author, and a freelancer taking on projects on my terms.
The Journey of Motherhood, Multiplied
For 18 years, I dedicated myself to raising my daughter, instilling strong values and encouraging her to dream big. When she spread her wings and flew off to college, I chose to return to my hometown to be closer to my parents. But life took an unexpected turn last September. My mother suffered a stroke, leaving her bedridden and requiring constant care. Suddenly, I found myself a mother once again. The woman who had nurtured me, now needed my assistance to do even the basic tasks.
Confession time: Caring for an adult can be surprisingly similar to caring for a child. There are moments of pure joy, shared laughter, and heartwarming progress. But there are also frustrations, tears, and yes, even tantrums!
My mother, a trailblazer in her own right, was one of the first 30 female engineers from Kerala. She dedicated 34 years to academia, inspiring countless students with her passion and knowledge.
The Tables Have Turned: Rekindling a Bond Through Rehabilitation
Now, the roles have reversed. Due to the stroke, my mother requires rehabilitation for speech, cognition, and physiotherapy. Witnessing her regain control over basic motor functions in her paralyzed left side feels akin to witnessing a child’s first steps. Every milestone, every successfully identified object on a flashcard, and every flicker of recognition brings immense pride and a renewed sense of connection.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Her battle with dementia adds another layer of complexity. But during a recent physiotherapy session, when she squeezed the therapist’s hand with a spark of regained strength, a wave of emotions washed over me. It was a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s incredible resilience and a testament to the unwavering bond between mother and daughter.
There’s also a touch of playful banter involved when I tease her for mistakes – an act of revenge for all the childhood scolding I got from her! Her “control-freak” tendencies haven’t entirely disappeared, and she knows how to push my buttons – much like my daughter’s teenage drama!
The truth is, our relationship hasn’t always been smooth sailing. But our past resentments melted away when she needed me most. This journey has brought us closer, reminding us of the love that transcends age and circumstance.
Celebrating Motherhood and the Power of WFH
This Mother’s Day, I celebrate my daughter’s homecoming for the summer break and my mother’s steady progress on her road to recovery. Being a mother to my mother has been a demanding yet rewarding experience. It has taught me valuable lessons in patience, resilience, and the power of love.
Most importantly, it highlights the invaluable benefits of a WFH arrangement. Without this flexibility, managing these responsibilities would have been an impossible feat. This Mother’s Day, I not only celebrate motherhood but also the freedom and empowerment that WFH offers women. It allows us to thrive in our careers while nurturing the most important relationships in our lives.
To all the mothers out there, especially those juggling multiple roles, know that you are strong and capable. Your love is a powerful force, and the challenges you face are a testament to your unwavering dedication.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Submitted by,
Deepa Perumal
Author Bio: Deepa Perumal is an MBA student & management professional and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. As a career mentor, entrepreneur, and multilingual author, she shares her insights through blogging and writing features on history, world cultures, travelogues and memoirs. Contact her at deepabperumal@gmail.com
