www.akswrites.com

September 10th is Grandparents Day- a day to celebrate the special bond, say a thank you, give a hug and make our beloved grandparents feel special. Though, we shouldn’t really a day to do that, the feelings and love should be everyday.

I have never met my paternal granddad and I do not have many memories of my paternal grandma. But my maternal grandparents (whom I call dada dadi- though ideally it should be nana nani) have always been an integral part of my life.

As an baby, I spent the initial few years in their home where being the first child in the family after my mom (which means a child came into the family after 22 years)- I was and am the apple of their eye.

They moved to Goa for their jobs when I was around 4 years but we always looked forward to the summer holidays where we went to visit them. Their sprawling bungalow in Goa, the visits to the park, beach, endless cups of ice cream, wafers and cold drinks and lots of love and cuddles. I grew up and the distance grew as I was busy in discovering a new life. There were ideological differences at times, defiance, outbursts but the love remained.

We also went on a fab trip to Thailand- yes just the 3 of us my grandparents and me and contrary to the rolling eyes and disbelief (Thailand with grandparents!) we had a fab time!

My grandfather breathed his last 3 years ago- it was so sudden and it was the first death of someone so close that I had to deal with. It was emotionally draining for me, I thought of so many times when I could have been gentle, kinder, spoken to him but I was too busy with my job and life in the city. His fond memories still linger in my heart.

My grandmom who is one strong, inspirational woman continues to be the wind beneath my wings. She was the one who broke the trend, defied odds and was a working mom in the 60’s, she studied in night college and was the primary bread winner for her family. She encourages me to pursue my dreams, not give them up because I am a wife or mother, continue to love myself, be fiercely independent just like her and live my life on my terms. Her constant motivation is what eggs me on.

I couldn’t celebrate the day with her as we live in different cities but I did wish his this morning and had a soulful talk with her. She loves reading and what better way to celebrate the day than share this post with her where I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for being such a fabulous grandparent and role model.

 

Dear Dadi,

There were times when I faltered in life, when we went through rough patches but you stood firmly behind, Your priority was always to see me and Ronak (my brother) educated, and stand on our own feet. I know your chest swells with pride seeing us scale heights in our professional life, a big chunk of that credit goes to you.

The day I became a mom, a part of me worried about my child Angel, how would she manage when I went to work. You willingly took up the responsibility of raising her and when I see how she bounces up and down with joy when you visit, I know that you are so precious to her. I love you for being unapologetic, bold, for loving yourself and living life as per your will, though alone, you are not lonely. You set an example before so  many young people and specially women that its so important to love yourself.

Much love

Akshu

I look forward to hear from you how would you celebrate Grandparents Day. Do share a selfie with your grandparents on Sept. 10, 2017 on Twitter or Facebook with #LoveJatao & tag @blogadda to win a goodie from Parachute Advansed.