Thursday, August 21, 2008

Independence Day 2008

The birthday surprise wasn't a surprise. My son went to visit his grandparents before leaving for New York, and told them about my visit. No, I didn't murder him for that either.
It might have been too much of a shock for my old folks to suddenly have me land up at their door.
Well, not only was the country celebrating I-Day, so was the local residents' association, in the park just below my parents' flat. And at full volume. So our greetings took place against a loud background of patriotic songs, which went on for quite a while. Rather than bond with my parents and sister, I tried escaping to the farthest room, but to no avail. The noise was still deafening. At last the songs got over, only to be replaced by one very very loud and shrill 'auntieji' who was giving away the prizes for various races and games, and who seemed to be most delighted to have access to a microphone. We were all most relieved when the festivities got over.
I had bought some Corelle plates and bowls with a green leaf pattern as a gift for my mother. (Green is her favourite colour), which we promptly used for lunch. After a post-lunch siesta, my sister and I went out for the usual vegetable, fruit and bread shopping and had a couple of rounds of the now blissfully quiet park. Back home, we dug out our family prayer books and had a beautiful prayer session, both sisters not really melodious, but more or less in tune. This was, I think, something that our mother really appreciated. (It has been years since she has been able to attend the Satsang we belong to, though she tries to read our holy books as regularly as she can). Various grandchildren called up at different times of the day, and when the SRE called up to wish her, he told her about the many blog readers who had sent her their good wishes. Thank you, everyone.
My sister had to go home on Saturday morning as her son and his wife were coming over for Raksha Bandhan. I gave my father a haircut, more difficult now as he is stooping much more than before. My sister wondered where I learned to cut hair. ( Nowhere, but I'm willing to try as long as I have a willing guinea-pig!) I managed to prepare lunch and dinner in a kitchen which now seems so unfamiliar. Conversations. My mother was relieved that we didn't have a big party and call all our cousins and their families, which is something my sister and I had thought about and rejected. It would have been way too exhausting for both parents! I did trim my father's nails. (Scary because he's on blood thinners and he scares me when he squeals!) Telling my father to make more of an effort to walk. Giving him a soothing pedicure and foot massage. Before I knew it, it was time to go.

It'll probably be another couple of months before I can bring my parents back to Kolkata. My energy levels are still low, and my parents do need a lot of care. I am glad that I went, though. And I know that my visit was the best possible present I could have given my mother on this milestone birthday.

17 comments:

Space Bar said...

It sounds like y'all had a wonderful day, Dipali. I've realised that the best git one can give one's parents after a certain age is the gift of one's time and attention.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Space Bar. That was the best gift you could give them. They'll be talking about your visit for a long long time.

Sue said...

She looks so pretty in the photo. Glad you went. Don't you feel guilty for taking a break, baba, it's not like you've sent them into exile!

I'm trying to work out a secret visit to MDR for the mother's birthday or before, let's see.

Anonymous said...

you're her gift. a year-round one. and i can see why. :0)

Mampi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Mampi said...

You inspire me to be better, to be more caring and to give more time to my mother and my parents in law.

It was so great to read the account of the day.
thanks for sharing.

Preeti Aghalayam aka kbpm said...

that sounds fantastic. hope the trip did not (physically) tire you out too much.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great birthday celebration! I'm sure they would have enjoyed the quiet time with their daughters much more than any noisy celebration with the whole extended family!

Choxbox said...

sounds like just the right way to celebrate.

Anonymous said...

amazing!!

Its so nice when families get together!

I am sure she had a good one and is really glad u visited!

Neera said...

Such a sweet daughter u r Dipali, reading about ur day - trimming hair, nails, foot massages left me misty eyed. Thanks for sharing ur day with us.

Sukhaloka said...

:hugs:

Anonymous said...

i liked the way u made the effort to visit your mom and spent time with the family. ur IDay was SO much better than mine!

Unknown said...

Aw hugs dear Dipali :) You're giving them a break in a familiar land , maybe? Cheer up !

Airspy said...

A wonderful way to spend the day. It seemed so meanignful and what a way to bond, with prayer books and stuff. Brilliant!

Indian in NZ said...

awww. that sounds like a perfect birthday for your mum!

Savani said...

Wow. I think giving her the gift of time and great memories is the best gift you can ever give a parent.