12. A Sleepless Night and a Journey of Love: A Mother’s Day Before Maramma Jatrehttps://mysticalmomworld.com/feeling-like-the-odd-one-out/

A Sleepless Night and a Journey of Love

Some days in a mother’s life are not just busy – they are unforgettable journeys of love, patience, and strength. Last night was one such day for me. We had slept very late, almost around 1 AM, yet by 6 AM, I was up again. The alarm clock was my mind itself – reminding me that I had to send my elder daughter to school and my husband to the office. No matter how tired I was, my heart didn’t let me rest because my family’s day had to start smoothly.

Morning Hustle Before Maramma Jatre

I prepared breakfast and packed the snacks box for my elder one. She had only a half day at school since it was Maramma Jatre, a local festival that brings spiritual energy and cultural celebration to our town. My little angel woke up with sleepy eyes, rubbing them gently as if pleading for five more minutes of sleep. But as always, her sweet smile and cheerful spirit made the morning brighter. We laughed, teased each other, and started the day with joy instead of rush.

Soon, my elder one and husband left for school and office, leaving me with my younger one still fast asleep. That peaceful silence – right after everyone leaves – is something every mother knows. I used it wisely to finish my packing, as that very day we were leaving for our hometown.

The Packing Marathon

“Oh God,” I kept saying to myself, “there’s so much to pack!” Every mother has this invisible checklist in her head, yet somehow we always feel something is forgotten. I wanted to ensure everything was perfect, from clothes to medicines, from kids snacks to chargers – every detail mattered because the journey was 14 hours long by train.

My husband was advised by the doctor not to lift heavy luggage, so I divided everything smartly into two trolleys, one tuck-back bag, and a laptop bag. It might sound simple, but the mental load of remembering every small thing for a family trip is enormous. Yet, as mothers, we carry it with pride.

By afternoon, my elder one returned from school. I decided not to go to the shop that day – family came first. I fed both my kids a wholesome lunch and started preparing homemade food for the train journey. I wanted them to eat healthy, comforting meals – something warm from home, not station food.

A Quick Dash for Gifts and Goodbyes

In the middle of this chaos, I realized I needed to buy a gift for my niece. So I took both my kids and went out shopping. Thankfully, we finished everything within 20 minutes! Back home, I made sure the house was clean, all switches turned off, gas checked, and things safely locked before leaving for 10 – 11 days.

It’s funny – every time I leave my house, I whisper a little prayer: “Deva, protect this home, and bless our journey.”

The Rush to the Railway Station

Our cab arrived right on time. My husband was to meet us directly at the station after work. The cab driver drove quite fast, overtaking vehicles as if we were on a racetrack. In a calm yet firm tone, I told him in kannada, “Anna, namge urgent yenu ella” (Brother, we’re not in a hurry). He smiled and slowed down. It was a small but beautiful moment of human connection – a reminder that respect and kindness always travel faster than speed.

We reached the station about half an hour before my husband. I waited with my daughters in the waiting hall, watching people rush around – some emotional goodbyes, some excited reunions, and some, like me, holding onto both children and luggage, managing everything in silence.

The Challenge of Luggage and Steps

When my husband arrived, I asked him to just hold the kids hands while I managed the luggage. I was shocked when the coolie asked for almost the price of our train ticket to carry our bags! Without hesitation, I decided to carry it all myself.

There were 28 steps to climb – two trolleys, a tuck-back, and a laptop bag – and I carried them all, one by one. My husband watched with pride and a little worry, but I felt empowered. At that moment, I wasn’t just a mother or a wife – I I was my own strength. When we finally reached our platform, I took a deep breath and silently thanked Lord Ganesha for the energy.

A Train Ride Full of Emotions

Once we boarded the train, everything seemed to settle. The rhythmic sound of the train wheels always has a magical way of calming the mind. My parents kept calling repeatedly, insisting that they would pick us up and that I should drop them and take the car. I said “No,” even though my parents were heartbroken. It’s strange how love sometimes means saying no for the right reasons.

As the train started moving, my kids said they were hungry. I opened the food boxes I had packed lovingly – rotis, sabji, some sweets – we shared our meal as the train swayed gently. There’s something sacred about eating food cooked with love during a journey – it feels like home even when you’re miles away.

Motherhood Never Sleeps

After dinner, I helped my daughters settle into their berths. The younger one struggled to fall asleep, tossing and turning. It was past 2 AM, when she finally dozed off. I couldn’t open my laptop or do any pending work. My husband and I kept a close watch on our elder one, who was sleeping alone on the opposite berth. She’s 7 now – independent but still our baby. We both made sure no one disturbed her and that she didn’t roll off the seat.

As the train moved through the silent night, I stayed awake, gazing at the dimly lit compartment. I saw people of every kind – some kind-hearted, some with rough behaviour, some unhygienic, some caring. Each face told a story, each story a reflection of humanity itself.

Somewhere between exhaustion and contentment, I realized – a mother’s journey never pauses. Even in sleepless nights and heavy luggage, in forgotten items and endless checklists, there’s a quite beauty – the beauty of giving without expecting.

Reflections of Gratitude

By morning, I was still awake but my heart was full. Watching my family sleep peacefully – my husband beside me, my daughters in their blankets – I felt blessed. Life might be tiring, but it is also tender. Every challenge, every sleepless night, every bit of struggle brings us closer to the meaning of love and responsibility.

This was not just a train journey – it was a journey of motherhood, a story of endurance and care that  every woman silently lives through.

And as the first rays of dawn touched the train window, I whispered a silent prayer to Mahadev – “Thank you for the strength, thank you for this love.”

Takeaway:

Every day in a woman’s life is a story of divine balance – between duty and love, strength and softness, self-care and sacrifice. Whether you are traveling, working, or just managing your family’s routine, remember – you are enough, you are strong, and your journey itself is sacred.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maramma