My grandmother has been gone for 8 years now - I miss her so much at times.
We were like the best of friends - the years between us used to melt away as we would sit and talk about our common points of interests. Both of us shared the joy of growing our own vegetables. I remember the look of absolute pride on her face as she would announce the first zucchini that she had spotted. Yesterday, I saw this little swollen bud on my indoor lemon plant that potentially could be the first lemon ever that I might harvest - the first thought that came to my mind was - Amma would be so happy to see this.
She used to sit amongst her vegetable plants and there was almost some unknown bond between them. My grandfather used to joke how she would know if you so much as broke a leaf off of one of her tomato plants. If I would ask him where Amma was, he would say "must be outside counting the leaves of her plants".
I remember how one time we wanted to remove this plum tree so that we could extend out the patio - she told us that it was a sin to uproot a flowering tree. She had tremendous compassion for any thing living.
She loved to talk. I loved listening to her. I had listened to each of her stories a hundred times, and I never tired of them.
She was a big advocate of doing with less and not wasting. Now as I try to simplify my life and reduce my resource consumption I often think that I all I have to do it learn to live like Amma.
Lately I have noticed that my mom is reminding me a lot of her. Her body language, the phrases she used - I often catch myself thinking that she sounds so much like Amma. Two days ago I even told her "mom, you sound just like Amma" - mom said "of course I do, because you have started to sound just like me :)" Also, I notice the same kind of bond between my mom and my daughters - especially when they conspire against the evil mother (me) who would not let them sneak a bowl of ice cream before dinner.
Amazing how this circle of life perpetuates.
We were like the best of friends - the years between us used to melt away as we would sit and talk about our common points of interests. Both of us shared the joy of growing our own vegetables. I remember the look of absolute pride on her face as she would announce the first zucchini that she had spotted. Yesterday, I saw this little swollen bud on my indoor lemon plant that potentially could be the first lemon ever that I might harvest - the first thought that came to my mind was - Amma would be so happy to see this.
She used to sit amongst her vegetable plants and there was almost some unknown bond between them. My grandfather used to joke how she would know if you so much as broke a leaf off of one of her tomato plants. If I would ask him where Amma was, he would say "must be outside counting the leaves of her plants".
I remember how one time we wanted to remove this plum tree so that we could extend out the patio - she told us that it was a sin to uproot a flowering tree. She had tremendous compassion for any thing living.
She loved to talk. I loved listening to her. I had listened to each of her stories a hundred times, and I never tired of them.
She was a big advocate of doing with less and not wasting. Now as I try to simplify my life and reduce my resource consumption I often think that I all I have to do it learn to live like Amma.
Lately I have noticed that my mom is reminding me a lot of her. Her body language, the phrases she used - I often catch myself thinking that she sounds so much like Amma. Two days ago I even told her "mom, you sound just like Amma" - mom said "of course I do, because you have started to sound just like me :)" Also, I notice the same kind of bond between my mom and my daughters - especially when they conspire against the evil mother (me) who would not let them sneak a bowl of ice cream before dinner.
Amazing how this circle of life perpetuates.
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My "Nana" passed many, many years ago but not a day goes by without a thought of her making me feel stronger, making me smile. A whiff of her favorite perfume (I keep a bottle) makes me feel hugged. She loved to hug people til it hurt.
On another topic... the book you referred to, my favorite book... (I love so many!)... Did you mean the Alchemist?
Have a good day!
Sue - I cannot believe this - how did you ever know that I just finished reading Alchemist yesterday - one of my all time favorite book - so much wisdom there. Have a great day yourself :)
My mom does not resemble her AT ALL.She takes after her dad.
And me--I don't resemble my mom at all! I too take after my dad!
But it is amazing how the circle of life goes on and on and on.
ps: I also look like my dad (facial features wise), but overall I am becoming like my mom - I get the best of both I guess :)
I traveled to Japan with my Gram when I was 22 and she was 73, it was the trip of a lifetime that I really couldn't afford... but it created a forever bond between us.
I liked your post, esp the last statement about the circle of life. It's true.