Friday, July 10, 2009

Packing Up And Moving Out: The Story of My Life

My life is a story of packing up and moving out. I was only ten the first time I left home. I could still recall the tears rolling down my mother’s cheeks as she packed my things in a nice little trunk. I and my sister Maria were to leave for the city the next morning. We should be thrilled. Every child in the village thought we were lucky. It was everybody’s dream to see the big city. That night before we left, we tried to talk our father out of his decision to let us study under the missionary nuns in the city. We told him we would rather study in the local school, having studied there for the past three years. We did not want to leave our friends. My father dismissed as silly our protestation. I saw my mom shake her head as father tried to convince us everything was for our own good. I knew she understood the torment we were going through. I guess because women invest much of their lives in caring and nurturing they understand the pain involved in uprooting yourself from what I call your world space. That evening, my sister and I cried ourselves to sleep.

My father was right about the big city. It was a beautiful place where lights danced at night and people never went to sleep. He was also right about big stores where we could find plenty of chocolates and toys. I smile as I remember that each time I pass those stores, I could not resist dipping my hands into my pockets trying to search for some coins I know were not there. I wasn't alone longing for what I can not get. The picture of dirty-faced kids in tattered clothes just staring at the candies with their sunken eyes and protruding bellies being shoved out by the store's security guard is still etched in my mind. I remember writing to my parents about these children. I guess even as a child, I was already puzzled as to how a place can shimmer in such glitter and look so alive while its children roam the streets wearing empty looks in their unwashed faces.

There was something on those dirty faces that I found disturbing. Back in our village, as kids, we got dirty playing and having fun or helping our parents in the farm but always it was a nice excuse to go to the river for a long fun filled swim. Folks in our village encouraged children to play and enjoy themselves. Getting dirty was fun. I guess that was how we were able to develop strong immune systems as then it was rare for children to get sick.

My dad told me I was going to love watching the sunset in the city. I thought that was silly. Sunsets just come and go as sunsets did in my village. What was to love about it? No, it was not silly. Watching the sunset by the sea which fringed the city was an experience of a lifetime. The breathtaking show of the sun changing its hue as it was devoured by the sea still play on my mind. The sea by itself looked enchanting. It was hard to resist its calls for one to go naked and play with its waves. I remembered the children. Did they ever receive those calls? I wonder.








27 comments:

  1. Thank you So much for visiting my blog!! I have bookmarked yours and will be back periodically to read it!
    Thanks again
    Have a nice day!
    Marion

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  2. And thank you for checking out my work too, lovely to see your blog.

    Ta ta,
    Prashant

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  3. Wow what a great story! I would not have found you if you haven't commented on mine. I look forward to reading your posts and hearing all you have to share!!!!

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  4. I say "thank you" for your visit of my blog.
    Your blog ist great,thats so lovely.

    Have a nice day !

    Bye
    Swaani

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  5. Thanks, Julia for visiting my blog and leaving your nice comments. I am impressed by your story. How wonderful.

    You are a great role model for us younger ones. And I used to think that 60 was old :) Keep up the good work.

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  6. I anxiously await your next post. Thank you for sharing bits of your life. :) God Bless.

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  7. Lovely writing.
    And thanks for your very kind comments on mine.

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  8. Thank you so much Paul! Coming from an accomplished short story writer like you that is really very inspiring.

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  9. Thank you so much Carolyn! I had this old wild rose in my garden which I tried to get rid off so many times and each time I thought I succeeded it springs back to life. I guess that is the spirit of living, you just have to keep going no matter what old age old notwithstanding.

    I look forward to more visits to your blog if only to quench a bit my gardener thirst.

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  10. Thanks Rhea! I really hope you would continue to join me in my journey. I love your art and I wish you more success and I hope your health really gets better.

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  11. Hi Marion! Thanks for dropping by. I love those cross stitch. I used to do it some twenty years back. I will post a photo of my work when I get to the point when I write about my interest. I will surely drop your blog a regular visit. Keep it going.

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  12. Nice of you to come visit Vale. There are so many old people caught into the lures of the blogosphere getting their minds exercised. We have this lady from Australia who is 108 years old and still loves to dance. I enjoy reading her blogs. Life imposes so many restrictions but we should not let it define our lives.

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  13. Thanks Prash. I love your artwork. Is it OK If I would use it to grace my page. I would give you the due credit of course. Those Indian dishes just make my mouth water. I will try your recipe one time. Keep it up.

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  14. Thanks Swaantje! The language barrier was no barrier for me to enjoy your art. See you again in your blog.

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  15. Cori my sincerest thanks! You are one such devoted mom. Your blog speaks that out. Thanks again and for God's sake let that Lupos go. Take care.

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  16. I was wondering if, looking back now, you wish that you had stayed behind?

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  17. Nope! We live our own time and we just have to live it the best way we can. We must find joy in every minute that we live even in those times when we feel the heavens must have forsaken us. If I have a wish this moment, it would be that I be able to finish with my story and then quietly leave. :)

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  18. I remember writing to my parents about these children. I guess even as a child, I was already puzzled as to how a place can shimmer in such glitter and look so alive while its children roam the streets wearing empty looks in their unwashed faces.

    Absolutely incredible. In fact the whole blog is wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  19. This post of yours it reminds me my childhood experienced.

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  20. What could life be when I get to 90? I could only surmise.

    Hats off to you for having remained prolific, active and productive and what sensational stories!

    Cheers!

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  21. Simply mama, I am glad about that. I hope you continue to keep me company

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  22. Thank you Lotus. Someone as talented as you are would surely do far better than I did and would still be doing. By the way thanks for all the support.

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  23. Quick, thank you so much. I am happy you like it. I will do my best to deserve the compliment. By the way I tried visiting your blog but I coild not access it. Thanks again

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  24. Amazing writing & story, thanks for sharing!

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  25. Looks like a great blog you have here. It's a wonderful idea. All the best to you and to everyone for living a satisfied life!

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  26. Hi dropping in for a visit and enjoying your stories....

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