This vision shaped my every decision. I encouraged her to explore the world and try new things, always standing by her side through the inevi- table tears and disappointments. She began to show her incredible potential in primary school, consis- tently ranking among the top five in her grade. By grade four, she had become the top achiever and maintained that position throughout her primary school years. Through her hard work and our unwavering support, she earned a scholarship to an excellent high school. Even now, she continues to ex- cel. In her first year, she ranked second in her grade. The scholarship has opened doors and given her opportunities that were previously beyond our reach. I have worked tirelessly to ensure she has a safe space to land when life becomes overwhelming. I have pushed myself beyond my comfort zone and tried to be the example she deserves. The opportunities we’ve created together have shown her that a life beyond the struggles of our environment, a place where violence and gang culture are a daily reality, is possible. Watching her grow into an incredible young woman has reignited a light within me that I thought was long extinguished. It made me determined to fight through challenges and savor life’s beautiful moments. Being a mother has taught me that we are all doing our best with the tools and lessons life has given us, whether those lessons are good or bad. I have learned to be more empathetic and compassionate, striving to reflect this in my daily interactions. Above all, my journey as a mother is my greatest joy and privilege.
Damandeep Kaur TP in India
My mother: a testament to resilience and inspiration My mother was my hero, inspiration, strength, and everything. Her life story and unwavering support have defined who I am. Even though she is no longer with us, I continue to draw strength from her memory. Born as one of seven children in a small village in Punjab, my mother defied expectations. She was the only one among her siblings who chal - lenged her parents’ wishes by moving to the city, studying medicine, and becoming a nurse. Through her work, she met my aunt and her future sister-in-law, who recognized her qualities and helped formalize an ar- ranged marriage with a kind-hearted businessman. Even after marriage, my mother continued to work, embodying dedication and independence. Her journey, however, was marked by challenges. Her first child was a daughter, followed by me—also a daughter. When she bore her third child, again a girl, my grandmother refused to see the newborn, all be- cause of an age-old preference for a son. To my mother’s relief, her fourth child was a son, which was viewed as essential for carrying on the fami- ly name. The family dynamics shifted further when we moved from our small town in Punjab to the bustling metro of New Delhi after my brother was born, compelling my mother to leave her job to care for her children. Despite these hardships, my mother insisted that all her children receive equal opportunities, particularly in education. From my early years, she taught us that education and financial independence are the foundations of a meaningful life. She provided us with the best resources and encour- aged my father to support our educational pursuits. I still remember the day I landed my first job at the court in New Delhi and returned home with a small gift just for her. It was her first microwave, a long-awaited wish that brought her immense joy. The course of our lives took a difficult turn one year before my marriage. Just as my parents had finally agreed to my union with the man I had
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EXAMPLE OF RESILIENCE
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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