Ode to grandparents

Growing up the one major pull factor when we returned home was the extra ghee roast my Patti made for us. Or another vivid memory was visiting my maternal grandparents every weekend. Whether my parents joined us or not we will pack our bags and leave on Friday evening and get back home only on Sundays post dinner. No agenda except being fully pampered by grandparents through stories, yummy food and lots of fun.

The unconditional bond between thatha, pattis and their grandkids is something that is so close to my heart. As I see my kids grow, I recollect these stories with pride and realize what an undeliable impression they have had on me. 

Math and English became my first love thanks to my paternal grandfather. The strong importance to academics and it's advantages couldn't have been emphasized more and I still continue to do so thanks to him. Career growth emphasis for woman  in his generation was unheard of and that's why every time there is a milestone professionally I wish he was here to witness it. Of course we were pampered with cakes when we did well. That dint hurt.

My maternal grandmother is a stickler for discipline and cleanliness. Her kitchen which she managed single handedly is a story by itself and her cooking made my weekends memorable. Perfect organization skills and her hand written letters are a delight to read. She to me is the epitome of perfectionist. 


My maternal grandfather is the most encouraging and positive influence in my life. It was a concious bias he had towards me but I managed to leverage it well. That's a story for another day. His heart of pure gold is known to one and all and I can't recollect any occasion where he has said no to anything. Again he encouraged us to learn music and created platforms for us to perform. Still can vivdly recollect how every small or big milestone of mine he has cherished with utmost pride.Oh and his love and respect for my grandmother is a story for another day.

And then my paternal grandmother. The grandparent who has seen me have two daughters and doled out advice on how I need to bring them up till the very end. Social and leadership skills were her forte and she used to always tell us that if she had studied more she could have become a great politician. I don't doubt that one bit as managing a large complex family with many layers is a great skill a lot of women possesed but was never acknowledged. She was such a strong willed woman who will not bend backwards to any situation. Black and White was how she saw things and ensured we imbibed some of it. Strong would be the easiest word to describe her. 

I did not pause once when I wrote this and it's just an iota of what I wanted to share. The gift of growing up with grandparents is not something all can have and am eternally grateful that my parents allowed me to experience them without any bias. The learnings are tremendous and when I sit in on some trainings and hear examples I can only smile thinking of the enriching knowledge and experience that was handed over to me in a platter. This post is just to say a silent Thank You to a few people who have been my biggest influencers. 

I am sure this will make you nostalgic and think about your growing up years. What's your favorite memory?











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