March 1, 2021

A close acquaintance of mine once told me, you write very well and in fact all my family members love to read your writing but why do you so often write about your parents? She further continued by saying to me that I need not have to exhibit my love for them by writing about them and it was enough if it was in my heart and that I should concentrate writing about other serious issues prevailing in society.

I choose not to reply and yes, this article can also be considered as a subtle reply to the rather profound question she thrust at me.

They say our talents are given by God and what we do with it is the gift we are giving back to God and what better way to use God giving talents to express our love and admiration for our parents.

I particularly love to write about my parents, because of the upbringing, guidance and support I have received and have been receiving from them.

My very birth was a result of their sacrifice. I remember my grandmother always telling me, how when my mom conceived, she had to undergo tremendous struggles, yet despite the poverty and the pain my parents continued to love me and protect me in the womb despite a few doctors suggesting termination.

I remember how my dad and mom chose to eat radish and beets every single day due to lack of resources and bring in a little meat and keep it aside for me so that I could eat it.

I remember how dad and mom struggled at their work places, working in shifts just to put me in the best school and assure that I received the best education.

I remember how my parents encouraged every talent of mine without interfering and influencing my thoughts to fulfil their dreams.

I remember how they made our little house into a beautiful home with their love and fun.

This write up is not just dedicated to my parents but to all those parents who silently work every day, swallow every hardship, tackle every insecurity, wipe every tear, forget every aching knee just for the happiness of their children and expect nothing in return except for their love and time.

I still remember when I was 10 years old, I had penned my first write up. I had submitted the story in school and it was published in a newspaper. I remember the day, when dad and mom rejoiced and were filled with pride. Even today after almost 20 years, my dad and mom never fail to congratulate me even if it's the silliest of articles. Their appreciation and encouragement have helped me to cope at those times when I have felt extremely demotivated and decided to stop writing.

I first wrote about my parents when I was in college and even to this day, I remember those tears in my dad's eyes out of pride and happiness and that's when I decided I would write about them whenever and whichever possible way, because that's the only way I could express my gratitude to them for all that they have done for me.

Many of us are blessed with innumerable talents, but how much time do we take to use those talents to bring happiness to our parents? Each of us is busy striving to exhibit our talents to the world, which is wonderful. But have we spent a little of our talents to help our parents relax and unwind?

Recently my parents stepped into the 33rd year of their married life. Their marriage and life have been exemplary. Most of us are blessed to have wonderful parents in our life. When we are young, we are with them but as we grow up and branch out with our families it's important that we spend some precious moments with them and see them in gratitude.

Yes. No parents expect anything in return. I have hardly heard my parents talk about their struggles and have asked me something in return for the same. But, aren't we supposed to express our gratitude for all that they have done for us?

I have attended a few funerals, where children come on stage and cry and talk about their dead parent and express gratitude. I have always wondered why they couldn't do the same when they were alive and let them know how much they meant to them.

All of us expect appreciation at work, we expect certificate of appreciation in competitions, we expect I love you messages from our spouses and happy Birthday wishes from our relatives but why is it so hard to tell a THANK YOU to our parents?

A thank you need not be just a word it can be through our gestures. A surprise dinner with them, a holiday with them. A pair of new clothes for them. Accompanying them to the doctor's appointment. A phone call every day. There are plenty of ways where we can express our gratitude and love.

As I express my gratitude and say thank you to my parents for the wonderful life they have given me through my writing, I encourage each one of you, take a little effort today to let your parents know that you truly acknowledge their efforts and love them for what they did, are doing and will do.