My dad fell down and fractured his left wrist while he was innocently carrying on with his dusting and cleaning routine at home. Poor thing, he has been in acute pain for the past few days and will have to undergo a minor surgery to correct the damage. Today as I spoke to him letting him know that we will be thinking of him, praying for him, and sending positive vibes along, I could sense the shakiness in his voice. Rightfully so.

I have lost count of the number of surgeries my dad has had in his life so far. He knows too well what a surgery entails and what being in physical pain means, which is why when I was bed ridden after a c-section, my dad's words and reassurance mattered the most because he knew what he was talking about.

Appa is my role model when it comes to taking care of one's health. He is someone I will always look upto and draw inspiration from. I have not seen him once succumb to temptations and cravings. He is very particular about eating healthy and nutritious food, keeping up with his daily walks, and taking his medications. He would not push the limits of what his body can do. Inspite of doing the right things, setbacks do happen, and what does one do. As hard as it is, accept and face it, that's what I learn from appa's experiences.

If appa has endured a lot physically, amma is the one always by his side bearing the burden of being positive and taking care of the practical aspects without being emotionally drained . It's not easy being on the other side of the surgery room knowing that your loved one is under the knife. It's not easy seeing your better half writhing in pain, and knowing that there is not much you can do to make it vanish.

Although we are half way across the world, the knowledge that my grandma, aunt, uncle and the extended family are there means a lot to me and my brother. We are immensely grateful for their presence and moral support.

Appa, you are likely in the surgery room as I type this post. Here's wishing and praying that all goes well, and that you have a super speedy recovery.

As I took a trip down the memory lane for the Earliest Memory tag, I couldn't help taking detours to the streets that lead to memories revolving my mom. You see last week was her b'day, a special one too. I fondly thought of the times that she would come to pick us up from Chinmaya Vidyalaya, which is where we did our elementary schooling. If we missed our regular bus, she would treat us with bread, butter, and jam at the local Abilasha bakery. I remember the evenings that she slogged with us to get homeworks done, and to get us prepared for the exams. She was the one that taught us how to play shuttle, and carom. Narrated us short and inspiring stories from the Tamizh weekly magazines. Her vengaya vatha khozhambu, and mysore sathumamudu are worth dyeing for. I remember as a child how my chest puffed with pride when I saw her buzzing around, making her presence felt, making herself useful during weddings and family reunions, and wondering if I will ever make such an impact when I grow up.

Today as a grown up, we have had our share of role reversals. We talk to each other like two mature adults rather than as a mom and daughter. I have learnt some of life's important lessons, that of confidence and optimism from her. Now that I am a mom myself, I have a greater appreciation for all the things she has done and continues to do for us.  Here's wishing heartful of happiness, pinkest of health, peace of mind, and bestest of best to amma dear. You are the best!

Normally, I am wary of posting family pictures on the web. But this time, I do feel like showing her off. A picture of my mom taken three years back under the cut.

Yes, it's hard to say that this lady has a grandson to pamper!