Day 3: Pandemic Reflections

As long as I can remember, I always wanted to be away from home. Being the eldest in the family, I became independent at quite a young age. So staying away from home was never a challenge to me. I rarely feel any homesickness when I am away. In fact my dream was to build a life as far away from any familial entanglements. So you can imagine my disappointment when I had to leave my 1BHK and move in back with my parents. That is how one virus changed my life.

I always had differences with my parents. So I knew that the life with them was never going to be an easy one. I was prepared for that. But I was not prepared for the ease with which I would fit into their laid back life. The main reason for this, is they have mellowed down and so am I. Our roles have been completely reversed. Even though I have been supporting my parents financially for years, moving back with them made me realize the power such a position holds. Also they have learned to accept my life choices. It might not have been easy for them. But we have reached that stage of mutual agreement.

In my entire life, I always separated myself from the identities of my parents. But this lock down time spent with them made me realize that how similar our characters are. I inherit the kindness, the way I appreciate little things in life from my mother. Together we planted a garden, made organic compost and talked about the strange birds and flowers around us. At the same time, I inherit the constant yearning for knowledge and the strive to be a better person from my father. If it wasn't for him, I don't know if I would have had the same passion for reading and writing.

The pandemic is still looming around still. Instead of complaining about the sedentary life, I have learned to appreciate the stillness. May be we all needed this time to realize and appreciate what really matters in our lives.