We found a four-leafed clover to pack for travel good luck. And Nu helped me with the big suitcases and Big A managed to jenga us into one car with all the luggage despite his dinged-up elbow.
When we got to the airport, it turned out that one of their four suitcases weighed more than allowed (50 lbs). So I repacked it so it (and the other suitcases) came in at 49.5. I felt like a hero because we avoided the 100$ fine.
And I felt like a superhero when our little airport picnic of Parsi omelette sandwiches and veggies from the garden was pronounced perfect. But then they had to head for their gate via TSA and that's when my hero and superhero mantle crumbled and I (we all) (predictably) cried a bit.
And I cried lots more when I got home because Nu and Big A were there to be comforting. My poor long-suffering Big A--I spiraled a bit about my mom growing old, my sister not having a job, and how climate change is going to disproportionately affect places like India.
Anyway... we ate leftovers for dinner (yesterday's ratatouille and yogurt bread) and then I found a giant package of Kinder Bueno that my mom hadn't been able to fit into her luggage and left behind. I try not to eat questionably sourced chocolate, but this package was already here and Nu can't eat it (tree nut allergy), so I set to work. I've eaten seven (maybe eight) things this evening. Each one has two bars.
Pic: Amma and me. Photo by Chelli (baby sis).
18 comments:
Be well.
That photo. That's the most perfect image to express the love you share. It deserves the best frame you can find. It's always hard saying goodbye but I can only imagine how challenging that farewell is when those loved ones departing are going so far away, so hard to visit in a pinch, despite the wonders of air travel. There are times when chocolate is the answer, no matter where it came from. Well done with the packing! It's an art!
Your mother is literally enveloping you in her love. And you are sitting there, between her legs, in a neo-fetal position. It's a wonderful photo of mothering and almost a rebirth. So incredible.
I have a happy memory of eating at Dishoom for lunch one day and then having the leftovers for breakfast the next morning before flying back to the U.S. The world is beautiful and food makes it even more so… :)
You are someone who keeps your heart soft in spite of all the ways bitterness might be justified. That also means that things will feel tender/hard. Thinking of you as you grieve the distance and the overall hardness of life. There is space for you to need care! ❤️
-Steph
I love that picture of you and your mom! I agree with Jeanie - you must frame it!
It's hard to say goodbye, especially when the distance between you all is so very far. I am glad you had the comfort of Big A and Nu when you got back from the sad drop off, though!
What a great photo. It says so much! Oh, it's so hard to say goodbye. xoxoxo
Oh, the tears of goodbye are so bitter! I’m sorry. I’m so glad that you had such a wonderful visit with your family.
Thank you.
Thank you, Jeanie. I already treasure this image <3
Now I will always thing of this interpretation. Thank you, Nance <3
thing = think!
I stood in line for Dishoom when it opened :)! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Now for your recs..
And thank you, Steph <3
I've been drawing a lot of comfort from the photo--definitely going in a frame... Thank you, Lisa.
Thank you, friend <3
I'll keep the good memories forever.... thank you, J! <3
Those are all really good reasons to cry. And holy cow, that repacking feat IS superhero-worthy. And why can all the people we love not just live right next door? And should I not have used the expression 'holy cow' on an Indian woman's blog?
Goodbyes can be hard. Noah had to do the same thing with his suitcases when he went to Australia. I was impressed. Sounds like eating the chocolate was the right thing.
<3 Goodbyes like this are so difficult, especially when they come with the fear that it may be the last one. Hugs. I am so glad you got to spend this time with your mom!
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