"A Mother 's day I never expected "

Some moments in life come quietly, unexpectedly — yet they stay with you forever.

They don’t arrive with grand announcements. They simply show up, touch your heart, and leave behind a memory that warms your soul for a long, long time.

It was a regular afternoon at work. I had just finished lunch and was walking back to the department with a few of my team members. We were chatting casually, and everything felt like any other day — predictable, routine. On the way, I happened to see one of our doctors and paused for a quick conversation about a patient's rehabilitation progress. We discussed the usual — goals, improvements, functional milestones — the rhythm of my professional life that I know so well.

And then, everything shifted in a moment I never saw coming.

Just as the conversation ended and I turned back toward my team, one of them walked up to me, holding something behind her back. With a shy, almost nervous smile, she brought forward a single rose bouquet and softly said,

"Happy Mother’s Day, ma’am."

I froze. For a moment, I didn’t know how to react. My first instinct was confusion —

“What? For me?” I asked, completely taken aback.

She smiled warmly and replied,

“Yes… because you are like a mother to us.”

It’s hard to describe what that did to me. I stood there, rose in hand, heart full, speechless. No one had ever wished me on Mother’s Day before. It wasn’t about the flower. It wasn’t even about the words. It was about how they saw me — not just as a leader, but as someone who nurtures, supports, corrects, listens, and lifts them up in silence and strength.

They saw me like a mother.

And that, to me, was everything.

We walked back to the department, and I was still processing that moment. But it didn’t stop there. As soon as we reached, one by one, all of them came over to me.

“Happy Mother’s Day, ma’am!”

“Here’s a chocolate for you!”

I laughed, deeply touched. “You all are up to something today,” I said, still in disbelief.

They didn’t say much — just smiled, with a sparkle in their eyes that said more than words ever could.

From their expressions, I could read what their hearts were trying to convey:

“Ma’am, you’re always there for us. Today, we just wanted to let you know — we see it… and we feel it.”

It wasn’t about the material gifts — the rose, the chocolate, the toffee. It was the emotion, the intent, the quiet acknowledgement of something that often goes unspoken. We lead teams, we make decisions, we guide people. But rarely do we hear what we mean to them. That day, I did. And it touched a part of me I didn’t even know was waiting for such love.

That day, I didn’t just feel like a team leader or the Head of Department.

I felt like a mother — seen, appreciated, and loved in the most unexpected way.

And just when I thought the surprises were over, one of my sweet champs giggled and said,

“Ma’am, this was my idea too!”

I looked at him knowingly and smiled,

“I know, dear. You two are always partners in the cutest little mischiefs.” I said, my heart full, as I soaked in the warmth of their love.

To my dear team —

You have my heart, my love, and my deepest gratitude.

Thank you for seeing me, for valuing me, and for making me feel something I will never forget.

Always yours, with love. 💖

         - Divya