Wishful Thinking

We weren’t difficult as kids, my brother and I. Perhaps that’s why I had never seen my mother praying or wishing for things were easier.

However, on a family trip to Kodaikkanal, we visited a century’s-old church, and to my surprise, my mother insisted we sit down for a while. And though we raised eyebrows, we waited while she spent a few minutes in silent rumination.

I never asked why or what she prayed for. Maybe she was tired being the tireless mom. Maybe she just wanted a moment to herself — away from all the noise and distractions of running a family.

Or maybe she wished her easy kids had grown up to be easy grown-ups too. I know we’re a pain now.