Motherhood has been by far the most rewarding and the most challenging role of my life. I am a proud mother of three children - two girls and a boy - and each one brings me joy in their own special way. My children are at various stages of their lives - Ayesha 21, Shiv 11 and Mia 7. This is what makes our household full of fun, chatter and warmth.
Being a mum means everything to me. It is how I define myself first, before all other roles - as a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a colleague and a professional.
It is also the role that sustains me when all else fails.
I have enjoyed watching my children grow in as much as I have cherished every moment of their early years as newborns, toddlers and preschoolers.
My kids have taught me a lot - and I marvel at their individuality, their trials and tribulations. Sharing this journey as a family is the greatest blessing of them all.
I enjoy the feeling of collecting my younger kids from school when I can - (which I am sad to say, is not as often as I would like given my professional commitments).
I call the time period from 4.00 - 5.00 in the evening "the magic hour" in our home - when mum can be around for her kids after school. These are perfect moments for milk shakes, sandwiches and other yummy snacks.
A time when kids can unravel their stories of the day. This is my favourite time of day, on days that I am home. I must admit technology has invaded that "magic hour" in more recent times and this is worth pondering on.
My greatest endeavour and my most fervent wish is to be a "much loved mother". Mother’s Day is one day in the calendar when my kids (and their dad) really go out of their way to make sure they let me know just how much I mean to them. It is full of surprises, gorgeous hand drawn cards, the excitement of opening presents in bed and endless cuddles. It really is my most favourite day in the whole year!
- Rohini Kappadath
(Rohini Kappadath is Director of Cross –Border Business at Pitcher Partners and Chair of Multicultural Business Ministerial Council by the Victorian Government)
In January 2014, Rohini penned a poem on her son, Shiv’s first day at Grade 4 school.
This son of mine
He's only nine
And his love is so sublime
Gentle hugs, kisses soft
Rain on me all the time
It seems to me
He's in the mood to be
A bit of a little man
Chivalry erupts when I least expect
Well for now, I have a fan
I know this wont last forever
But I wish that time would stop
As my little boy has stolen my heart
Just like his handsome pop
Moments snatched
Heart to heart chats
Tell a tale of what's brewing inside
I can clearly see my little man
Has a heart growing deep and wide
It's back to school
To Grade 4 today
Wasn't it Montessori just yesterday
Days tumble and it's all a blur
As time sweeps time away
Let me carefully pack
His lunch and snack
This chore is just a sign
My sweet little boy
Is still just a boy
This beautiful little son of mine
It won't be long before he shoots
To full size before my eyes
I mustn't lose even a moment or two
With this sweet little son of mine
(Written for Shiv on first day of Grade 4)
