Maa ka food – Mom Magic

Mother’s Day always brings a swirl of emotions for me. I’ve been thinking so much about my mom lately – her love, her magic, and especially her food. Growing up, I was lucky enough to eat fresh, home-cooked meals four times a day.

Looking back, I realize what a luxury that was, though at the time it felt normal. My mom knew exactly what I liked – my favorite dishes, the little tweaks to recipes that made them “just right” for me, and how to turn even a simple meal into something special.

Those days feel like a dream now. It’s been almost 14 years since my mom passed, just as I was about to become a mother myself for the first time. There was so much newness, so much unknown, and yet a deep excitement, too. But becoming a mother without my own mom by my side was incredibly hard.

Now, as I raise my two daughters, I often find myself reflecting on everything my mom did for me. Each act of care, each meal, each quiet sacrifice – I’m living those moments now, and in some small way, repaying her love and dedication by paying it forward.

With every passing year, I miss her more. I often wish for just one more moment with her – to hug her, to thank her, to tell her how much her quiet strength shaped me. Her legacy lives on, not just in me, but in every meal I cook, every tradition I pass down, and every bit of love I pour into my own family.

And to all of you reading this: let’s take a moment to honor the incredible women around us. You know what they say – MOM upside down is WOW – and that couldn’t be more true. These women are superheroes in disguise, doing above and beyond every single day for their families and communities. Let’s celebrate them while we can. Don’t wait for a “perfect time” – show them your love, your gratitude, your hugs today.

 

 

 

Through my storytelling work, I’ve had the privilege of hearing so many powerful, emotional, and inspiring stories of motherhood – each one a testament to the strength and heart of these SHEROES.

I’d love to hear your stories, too. If you have a special memory or tribute you’d like to share about your mom (or a mother figure in your life), please feel free to submit it to my Taste of Community project at tinyurl.com/TasteOfCommunity.

To all the tough, hardworking, loving, patient, and all-around amazing mamas out there – including my awesome self – here’s a big air hug. Kudos to you. Happy Mother’s Day!

* * *

Because every recipe holds a story, and every mother leaves a legacy, Maatru Devo Bhavah – honor the mother as divine. My mother’s name was Bharti, meaning “of Bharat (India), keeper of knowledge, culture, and tradition.” She truly lived up to her name – not just through her wisdom and nurturing hands, but through her radiant spirit. She was full of life, always happy-go-lucky, and her selfless acts of kindness were larger than life itself. I am forever proud to have grown up in her aura, wrapped in her love and guided by her blessings that knew no boundaries. Her kitchen was a place of love, her words lifted us up, and her legacy continues to inspire me every single day.

My daughters, Bhavya and Navya: one is my pride, and the other is my joy. Together, they remind me daily of the powerful legacy my mom left behind. Through every meal we share, every story we tell, and every value we uphold, I see my mother’s love living on. We are three generations bound by an unbreakable thread of care, resilience, and unconditional love – a legacy I am determined to nurture and pass forward.

#TasteOfCommunity
#MaaKaMagic
#SHEROStories

Pooja Thakkar is working to build connections through cuisine. You can read her column each week in the pages of The Reporter.