Navigating grief and cherishing memories on Mother’s Day
Published on May 10, 2025
By Henlly Phom Odyuo
- A visual representation of timeless love and bond between a grandmother and granddaughter.
- DIMAPUR — As Mother’s Day arrives—a time usually filled
with warmth and celebration—Mongsen Phom, a photographer and father of two,
finds his heart instead filled with a void. It has been a year since his mother
passed away, marking the second Mother's Day he observes without her.
- Speaking to Eastern Mirror on the eve of the occasion, Phom
shared his reflections, hoping to comfort others navigating similar grief.
"The bitter truth that my mother is no longer here is hard to
process," he admitted. Despite the sadness, he finds solace in her
memories, which continue to comfort him.
- Phom recalled the happiest moment he shared with his
mother—the day he gave his life to Christ. "That was the happiest day for
her. She cried and hugged me. I still carry that moment in my heart," he
said.
- However, his most painful regret was not seeing her one last
time. “I still regret that day. I was leaving for Dimapur from Guwahati and
didn’t know it would be my last chance to see her. I told her I’d come back,
but I never got to see her again. It doesn’t haunt me, but I deeply regret it,”
he said.
- Growing up with his mother, who was ‘strict and
God-fearing,’ Phom and his two brothers were raised in a deeply spiritual
environment. “I was mischievous, but she never gave up on me. She always
prayed, hoping I’d encounter God one day. The way she raised me, I now want to
raise my children—so they too will love Jesus,” he shared.
- Reflecting on his own rebellious youth, he recalled her
words: "One day, when you're a parent, you’ll understand." Now, as a
father himself, he said that those words ring true.
- “Whenever I stayed out late, she couldn’t sleep until I was
home. Now, I understand that fear. Especially in a state like Nagaland,
struggling with issues like drug abuse, I now carry the same worries for my
children.”
- Phom expressed pride in his mother’s honesty and strength.
“I used to be angry when she embarrassed me in front of my friends, but I now
know she was protecting us. The person I am today is because of her, and I
carry that pride with me every day.”
- To those facing Mother’s Day without their moms, Phom
offered a message of hope: “The Bible says God is a father to the fatherless
and a mother to the motherless. Trust in Him, and He will show you the way.”
- A mother’s prayer
- Vanjamo Murry, a social worker who lost his mother in 2020,
recalled her as strict and disciplined. Though he found her parenting style
difficult as a child, he has come to understand and appreciate her intentions.
- “Mother’s Day is emotional for me,” he shared. “I remember
her prayers every time I travelled. I cherish her discipline, her guidance, and
the good moments we shared.”
- Murry also hopes to pass on his mother’s teachings to his
own children—especially her devotion to God. “Her values taught me to be brave
and to stand for truth. I miss her prayers the most,” he said.
- Paying tribute to mothers, he reflected, “Motherhood isn’t
just about giving birth. It’s about sacrifice—of time, energy, and love—for the
family.”
- Growing up in a society where expressing emotions wasn’t
encouraged, Murry said he regrets not telling his mother how much she meant to
him. “Now, I encourage children to be expressive. Don’t miss the chance to show
your love.”
- He concluded with a reminder: “No one is here forever. Let’s
celebrate Mother’s Day with gratitude—for all the good things our mothers
taught us. Even if they’re no longer with us, let’s live out their values.”
- Her first role model
- Nyupa L, who lost her mother six years ago, cherishes every
happy moment spent with her. According to her, her mother was someone who made
her feel like the best child in the world.
- Having lost her mother during a formative time in her life,
Nyupa shared that she clings to the values her mother instilled—kindness,
courage, and resilience. “She used to say failure is the pillar of success and
taught me not to give up,” she recalled.
- Though she still misses her mother’s presence, morning
wake-up calls, and prayers, Nyupa said she is grateful for her sacrifices and
unconditional love. “Mother’s Day is hard for me—a day I often wish to avoid.
But I want her to know her strength inspires me.”
- Losing a mother, she said, is the saddest and deepest sorrow
one can go through. “But on Mother’s Day, let’s honour their love, sacrifices,
and legacy with gratitude and purpose.”
