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COLUMN: Celebrate all the mothers in our lives

Large number of ‘maasis’ in Western culture, too
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The word ‘maasi’ in Hindi, and some other South Asian languages, is actually a compound of two words: Maa jaisi.

It literally means ‘exactly like mom.’

Maasi is a title reserved specifically for mom’s sister but is also used to respectfully address any woman who is particularly close to mom.

In the midst of all the Mother’s Day hype, I’ve been thinking a lot about this word and where it fits in in my personal story, and I’d like to get you thinking about this term and its meaning, too.

Though it’s a word with South Asian origins, it certainly has a place in Western society. Or it should, in my opinion.

My paternal grandmother used to introduce all her friends to me as her sisters. As a child, once I discovered these women weren’t actually related to her, I decided my grandmother didn’t know what ‘sister’ meant.

Now, as a woman and a mom, I am drawn to this all-inclusive concept of sisterhood. I recognize its vitalness. I revel in my tribe that has felt more solid in recent years.

My tribe is made up of my grandmother, my aunts, cousins and strong friendships I have made.

My tribe literally surrounds me in my neighbourhood and has come to be my support system. My children have a multitude of maasis to celebrate this Mother’s Day, and I want to take this opportunity to thank them all for what they mean to me and to my children.

Because, when women hold each other up and celebrate each other’s successes, and joys – when some live like sisters – it’s the next generation that benefits. It’s our children who feel that sense of security and belonging, and absorb that into their value systems.

So, while May 14 this year has been set aside as Mother’s Day, let’s think of the maasis in our lives, too. The ones who are exactly like mom. Because these are the women our own moms need(ed), who help them be the women they are.

I know that the women in my life mean something to my kids, and as my kids are getting older they are forming their own special relationships with some of them.

They hear me laugh and chatter with my neighbours in my living room when they are supposed to be asleep in bed. They know I turn to my network for help with childcare and see that I return the same favour. They’ve hugged me goodbye as I head out the door for a walk or dinner or book club with my friends. And they’ve seen me FaceTime with my cousins from out of town.

They may not recognize it now, but I am certain that one day it will dawn on them that these were avenues from which I drew strength and balance.

And I hope they will have created the same for themselves as adults.

I love the attention my children give me on this sacred second Sunday in May. The handmade gifts I anticipate plus the inevitable presents of stationery are much-appreciated by this writer. It truly is my day.

In my heart, though, I share this day with the women who hold me up and help me do what I do.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and the women who are exactly like mom. This one’s for you!

Taslim Jaffer writes monthly on multicultural connections.