Monday, September 22, 2025

the next time I see you

I guess I'm at that stage where I'm telling random people that my mom died.  As I was checking in my luggage at the airport, the desk attendant asked why my suitcase was so heavy and I told her it had my mom's saris. Then I started sobbing. And then to make it less awkward, I explained that my mom had passed away. Super awkward. This young person who couldn't have been more than 25 touched my arm and said gently: "It might seem like she's not here anymore, but she's always with you. So I helpfully cried harder.

I saw the same attendant at the gate too, and when she came up to me, I bashfully said something like--hi, look I'm not crying anymore. And she said "Ma'am, the next time I see you, you'll be strong and happy." I was so moved by her goodwill, I asked for her name.

It was Lakshmi. Mom's name. 


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Pic: My mom's favorite sibling, her only brother, gave me this life-size blonde, blue-eyed doll who shut her eyes when you laid her down when I was a baby. I didn't play with her much, but "Sofia" became quite famous amongst my friends... for instance, the kid who's in the first photo with me wanted to take a photo with Sofia. My dad thought it would be hilarious to use my sister in the next picture as a switcheroo.

Another one from mom's archive.

4 comments:

StephLove said...

Maya, it's nice to see your blog back. I will read the other entries later today, but I just wanted to say that right off the bat. What a nice story about the kind attendant. There's always kindness in the world, even in the worst of times.

Nance said...

Oh my. That is too, too heavy to be a coincidence. I don't care where in the world you were. The Universe does have ways to Let You Know. XXOO

Jeanie said...

Oh Maya, that woman was chosen to cross your path. She is with you, always. In your heart and at the airport.

I am reading backwards but I'm glad to see your blog (and you) have returned. I confess, I've been a bit concerned, knowing your closeness, how deep grief is. I"m glad you were able to go to Bangladore now. More reading to come here.

J said...

That doll is creepy (as are all dolls). I love that the person you spoke to shared your mother’s name. That is beautiful. Xoxo

the next time I see you

I guess I'm at that stage where I'm telling random people that my mom died.   As I was checking in my luggage at the airport, the de...