It's Amma's 80th birthday today. I spent quite a long time at the temple. My sister made her a mango cake, I made her a kulfi with pistachios, cardamom, and rosewater. For the past couple of years in the lead up to this big birthday, she'd been joking that I would not make it home for her 80th birthday celebration as I had done for my Dad's 80th. She would set me up, teasing me about loving dad more than her--just so I'd profess my love for her above all else and promise to be there with her today. This turned out to be such a not-funny joke.
For my dad's 80th, I flew to Bangalore to surprise my parents. My mom was also on her way back to Bangalore after visiting my sister who was on assignment in Amsterdam. And... BY SOME AMAZING TWIST OF SERENDIPITY, we were both booked on the *same* flight from Frankfurt to Bangalore on the second leg of our respective journeys . I called the airline and arranged to sit next to her, and I started to moo like a cow (one of our silly joke things) as she approached the row... SHE WAS SO BOWLED OVER when she found me! This picture is us reunited on that plane; She looks a bit dazed from the surprise and has her hand wrapped so tight around my upper arm... What I wouldn't give...
9 comments:
Wow, what a story about the plane, Maya. That is some kind of serendipity for sure. I love that photo so much.
What an emotional day, your mom's 80th. I wish she was here on this earth still and that you were on your way to see her. Sending all the love, my friend. I know that's a difficult celebration.
Take care.
What a wonderful photo of you and your dear mother. The joy between you is palpable. So many people I know would give anything to have had a similar relationship with their mothers, and for any amount of time.
It's very kind (and brave!) of you to celebrate her and her birthday today with this memory here and with your kulfi. I know this is such a tough time for you. XOXO
That is such a wonderful picture of you and your mom! I am so sorry you are not able to celebrate this birthday with her on this side of heaven. :( It's quite the double whammy w/ the proximity of her birthday to Mother's Day, too. I'm sending you lots of love!!
What an amazing photo of beautiful you and your beautiful mom, and I love the story (mooo!) I’m glad you were able to celebrate her birthday…that’s really hard, especially this year (but every year). Lots of love to you, Maya.
That's such a wonderful memory, Maya -- and what a delightful one. That photo says it all, all the love you shared and the joy at your reunion! This one, I'm sure, is especially difficult and I love that you are choosing to remember her with a favorite dish and sharing hermemory with this beautiful post. Those May birthdays and Mother's Day -- me, too, and I've been in a horrible, tearful funk for most of the month. Poor Rick. Having a mom and a relationship like yours is such a gift. That's what we celebrate. The gifts they gave us.
What an amazing story about the serendipitous plane meeting and a lovely picture, too.
I have been thinking of you a lot. ❤️
Happy 80th birthday to your mom. I love learning about her sense of humor. It is so evident that you both loved each other deeply.
-Steph
Thank you, dear friends 💗
Post a Comment