Saturday, February 03, 2007

A quick tale 162

Sun TV is on Channel 56

Your daughter is sleeping in her cot at the moment. She has had a difficult morning. She was very tetchy and wouldn’t let me put her down. I had to carry her around in my arms as I went about the chores. I think she is teething. The reason I’m telling you all this is because I don’t want you to worry about her after I’ve gone back.

How funny that I should be the one reassuring you now. Do you remember how it was when I first came here? You had to teach me everything and would call me from work almost half a dozen times a day! Don’t put the metal spoon in the microwave oven. Don’t burn your incense inside the house (that will set off the smoke alarm, I now know). This is for hot water and this for cold. Sun TV on channel 56. Dial 911 for emergencies. It was like being a child again. You even had to teach me how to use the bathroom without getting the whole place wet.

At first I was worried about being left alone in your large house while the two of you were away at work. The silence was unfamiliar and overwhelming. I found myself frequently in tears. But with every passing week and with the arrival of the new born, I’ve grown accustomed to the surroundings. Days slip by quickly and I look forward to the weekends when you take me out. I get a chance to look at the country I’ve heard so much about. I’m proud of how far you’ve come my child and I love you dearly. Soon I will have to leave you. I will miss you. But I will also be happy to be back home.

Amma.

p.s. Don’t put off having a second child. Your mother is getting old. And the winter here is very painful on her knees.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

That was absolutely an amazing post. Liked it a lot for I have seen my mom take care of my sisters'.

Am a fan of your blog. You write very well about everyday stuff.

Looking out for more everyday.

- Meena

Unknown said...

Just imagine what we daughters would be without our mothers! Nice to have you back...

Anonymous said...

Wow Ammani.., so true. You have written a mom's feeling so beautifully. This is exactly what I have heard from parents returning back to India after taking care of their grand kids.

Oracle said...

Occupational hazards...

both for mom and the daughter! :)

karrvakarela said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Should have been signed Amma alais Ayah!Anda velaikkagathaane ponaanga.

Mahadevan said...

True reflections of a grandmother's feelings. Excellently conceived post.

monu said...

reminds me of my mom who kind of says the same thing
get married soon , have kids soon..am getting old..how will i be able to look after u and ur child?
:)
what would anyone do without mothers.

very nice post

D LordLabak said...

Gotta confess, this post made me feel good about quitting work.:-)

Harini said...

Beautifully written!!