Every time I look at my belly button, I think of my mother, and also of my children, and the connection between three of us.

My belly button is a story of my connection to my own mother and my motherhood. It reminds me of where I came from, and what came from me, pieces of me. Connected by the umbilical cord. The cord may have been cut but our (mine and yours) belly button would always serve as the reminder that once our bodies were connected and I was a part of my mother and my children are a part of me and will always be. Near, far, or where ever they are.

When I think of my mother, I thank her for nourishing me, and when I think of my children, I yearn to nurture them well and do all that it takes to make them good, responsible and happy beings. Perhaps, it is the best payback for the decades of hard work that my mother has put in making me what I am today. I owe it to her more than anyone else.

When I think of my mother, I realize that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. And will always be. Today, tomorrow and forever. I can imitate her but can never be like be her. Thanks, Ma!