John's World...Mother's Day...



I think by now every one of you have seen the impact this journey has had on us.  I’m back to basics living the life as a homemaker-still fulfilled.  James and Ashram have grown in this new country and new school, fostering friendships along the way.  As all of you have witnessed reading this blog, Brinda has grown as well in so many ways. 

I don’t think what comes across in her entries is the growth she has undergone as a mom.  This Mother’s Day I wanted to celebrate her growth.  Brinda was an incredible mom before she came here.  Every step, every meal, every visit to temple, every moment on a weekend, every family talk is “for them” (the kids).   

Pure selflessness.

As a dad I had to succumb to selflessness.  Realize there was nothing else.  Brinda just did it.   

Naturally.

We are hitting what a lot of parents call the “sweet spot”.  The kids, not yet teenagers.  Not too immature to be toddlers.  It’s a time of wide-eyed discovery.  Brinda is right there as wide-eyed and as enthusiastic as they are. 

Some years ago, I was the one initiating what we would do on weekends.  Now it’s all Brinda.  Not because she wanted to give me a reprieve but because she has a curiosity for the world and wants to light that lamp for our kids as well. 

The boys have loads of homework here in India.  Brinda isn’t just on top of having them merely do it, but she is showing our kids the joys of academics.  Homework. 

That’s just one example of the growth part.  Everyone that knows Brinda, knows she is super organized, committed to work, and loves her family and her friends.  But here something has changed.  It’s the adventurous joy by which she tackles each day. 

The “ooooh” from the twentieth version of mutton we’ve made. 

A new tea cookie at the store.

The mature discussion with James over his homework.

The forty-five minutes spent with Ashram looking at Lego sets online.

The stories she tells about her bus ride that last longer than an actual bus ride.

A mad woman?

No a MOM.  A mom who is open to the world around her and wants to share the world’s joys with her family. 

I love you Brinda.  Thank you for the joy.  And Happy Mother's Day.


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