Category: reflections
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What are you thankful for?
“What are you thankful for?” “Family” says Ammu. “Turkey” says Pattu and runs away with an impish smile. I look expectantly at Saathi. “For the lovely ladies in my life” he says with a twinkle. I turn inward. “What am I thankful for?” Each year the answer evolves. All years include family, friends and food…
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Guardian angels
An impromptu food drop off from a friend turned neighbor. A text that says “Vetti? Call??”. Weekly check in calls. GTalk conversations that start with “Oye” and end with a promise to visit. Emails that offer to pick up favorites from a store away from where I live. Unplanned afternoon meet ups. Conversations that hum…
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The smell of memories
I stand by the sizzling tawa pouring the batter and swirling it into a geometric shape. You stand by my side on a little chair, the top of your head nuzzled against my side. My left arm is positioned across your trunk protectively to keep the heat and oil from getting to you. You lean…
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Taking pause
The sunlight streams in from the mullioned window in the foyer. I pass the room where your toys lie scattered. A momentary annoyance creases my face. I stand debating if I should clear it up or have the two of you do it when you are back from school. I pass your bedrooms. The crumpled…
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A year in review
Sometime this week a year ago, I traded in my full-time job for something more flexible. A stay at home, work at my pace kind of compromise. The past year has been rewarding and in some ways been reshaping my views on financial independence. The first few months were heady. I did not miss the…
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Adrift
I watch you as you bend to place something in your overnight bag for the umpteenth time. Your forehead is creased with lines. Laugh lines. Worry lines. Anxiety lines. Sad lines. The lines that tell me the story of your life. I stand by the stove stirring the boiling pot of water with specks of…
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Cocooned
I walk the length of the home from the study to the kitchen my eyes taking in the mound of clothes to be folded. I spy the book on the server desk and smile as I pass. Grating ginger over a pot of water yet to boil, the conversations in my head are ongoing. Even…
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Push or let go?
Time seemed to slow. The half eaten sandwich on Pattani’s plate mocked me. I surveyed the space around me. Lunch bags half filled, the stove messy, the sink cluttered and my eyes scanning the clock as if staring at it would magically cause the next half hour to fly past and let the blessed emptiness…
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Mirrored memories
Taking a break from work yesterday afternoon, I made my way upstairs carrying a load of freshly laundered clothes. Putting them away, my eyes fell on the suitcase I had taken with me on my trip last week. It stood mute as if challenging me to open it up and relive the good times. I…
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Shifting sands
The silence that accompanied the gradual rolling down of the garage doors was loud. I stepped into the peaceful expanse of my living room and took stock. The tables were clear, the documents filed away. The kitchen counters gleamed and not a vessel was out-of-place. I walked upstairs lost in thought. Unpacking, my mind was…