Day 8

India has imposed a 21 day lockdown in the country. My family lives in India. They are still coming to terms with their new reality. Still trying to figure out what their reaction should be. Thankfully, I am ahead on the lockdown curve by 2 weeks. 😉 So, today, I spent some time explaining my mom how to go about things. How to stay busy. How to schedule things. How to not go insane. I also helped her find the closest supermarket which can deliver essentials at home so that she or anyone else doesn’t have to step out. We ought to thank thousands of such “essential” workers around the world for making people like me feel safe in the comfort of our houses.

20 minutes of conversation with mom made me realize that my parents have started to look up to me. Less than 10 years ago, I used to call my mom to ask about how to deal with things when I first moved out of the house. And now, my mom trusts me enough to ask me how am I dealing with this so that she could learn a thing or two. Makes you feel different, grown up. It is not everyday you realize that your parents are not perfect and they, like any other person, don’t know stuff. Growing up, I had never imagined to be the one telling my mom how to go about managing the house. It also tells you that your parents are growing old and that they need you now, more than ever. It kind of makes you feel bad about yourself and question your intentions and moral behavior as you go spiraling down and down into the guilt.

But, it also makes you feel good about your parents’ humble nature and that they don’t mind not knowing stuff and are willing to learn. You feel good that they trust you enough to be vulnerable around you, knowing that you would hold them if need be and take them where they need to be. You don’t need to be physically close to your parents to show them that you love them and that you are there for them. Taking out time to help them do their simple chores or simplify their daily life is enough.

During the lockdown, while you are doing nothing, sit by your parents’ side or give them a call. Just check up on them about their routine. If you are with them, apply some moisturizer on your dad’s dry feet or help mom out with a chore. If you are away from them, like me, order groceries for them or help them find that favorite movie, the one whose songs they still hum. Video call them and tell them that you love them. Many a times, we take these emotions for granted and don’t tell it enough.

 

If you are new here, maybe reading the previous posts in this series will give you some context. Stay safe.

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