W and X is for Walks and XO with Mom

My mother has been a working woman from as long as I can remember.  When I was a kid, I used to eagerly await spending our evenings together. We would go for strolls on the sidewalk outside our residential society, my tiny hand wrapped around her pinky finger. I would recount my activities for the day and bombard her with questions. She had the knack for making up stories that kept me engrossed until my father returned from work as well. This was our way of spending quality time with each other.

Walks with my mother are something I look forward to till date. It hasn’t only been about the walks; it’s about the conversations we’ve had whilst we walked, be it anywhere –  in and around our locality, on the beach, in a park, on MG road, down the quaint streets of Switzerland and the list goes on. Walks with my mother are about getting her undivided attention, updating her about the current happenings in my life, occasional complaints about an annoying friend, confessions, healthy debates, and rants about being stressed. Post a great session, I feel rejuvenated and refreshed. I love early morning walks as they set my mood for the day. When I walk in sunshine with my most favourite person in the entire world, my mood shines like the sun as well.

This brings me to the next thing I love about my mother. Amma has been the quintessential mommy, never holding back on physical affection. She showers us (my sister and I) with hugs (X) and kisses (O). I presumed XO was the motherly norm until the topic cropped up while conversing with a friend. He confessed that his mother didn’t indulge in hugs or kisses. I was incredulous. All you mothers out there, y’all know what the take-home message is.

I’d like to mention that I’ve never been embarrassed about openly hugging my mother. I love pulling her cheeks. Her hugs and kisses make me feel secure and loved. They ease all traces of tension and stress that burden my mind. No matter how dejected  I feel, a squeeze from my mother is all I need to lift my spirits. In fact, the earliest memories I have of her, is of the times she would hum a lullaby whilst tucking me into bed.

What is life without walks with Mom and her warm hugs and big kisses?

My theme for the A to Z Blogging Challenge is the A to Z of some of favourite things. I just have two posts remaining!