Pieces of my Heart

Each image a piece of my heart.......

Almost 20 years back – I held this tiny little human in my arms and felt for the first time a kind of love, so powerful, so overwhelming that it almost hurt. I had never known such fierce protectiveness before, and I knew that for the first time I was feeling unconditional love with no boundaries, no limits, and no end! That was my son, who is now ready to fly……

And then came my second little miracle, so tiny she seemed to disappear in my hands, but even in her smallness she was a “rockstar” (as one of the doctors called her) and a powerhouse, whose cries could bring the entire hospital running to her!!

And just like that, time just flew by…..suddenly I realized that I have been nurturing my two babies and helping them grow so that one day soon they will leave me to create lives of their own - I feel pride and heartbreak, both at the same time - only another parent will understand the pain in my heart (pain so bad it seems like my whole body aches).

These thoughts and feelings also take me back to my childhood, my parents. When growing up, how I took them for granted; Overconfident in my belief that my parents will always be around tolerating me and giving me the world, loving me, no matter what. I am ashamed to admit, I was selfish, especially during my horrible teenage years – I didn’t give them the time and respect they deserved. I was too wrapped up in my own selfish world and just kept on taking from their limitless love and sacrifices; taking for granted the only two people who will ever love me unconditionally.

Soon I left home – and then came the realization that no one, absolutely no one is going to be there for me the way my parents were/are! How I regret (possibly the only regret in my life), taking for granted all those times – now it’s too late to show my love to my Dad…..and while I want to now spend every living moment with my mom, I can’t because I have to also be with my family and my work!

So, to all parents with young children – cherish every moment, because very soon you will be longing for a hug and for some more time! I had mistakenly assumed that I had constant companions in my two babies, but I am now realizing how unrealistic that expectation was – they have their own lives, as they should. Where once upon a time my daughter wouldn’t take a step without me, and I was her role model – now I am trying to cling to whatever little time she spends with me! So, let’s make the most of the time we have, and be proud of the good, kind humans we have created and nurtured. Hopefully they will go out into the world, strong, brave, kind and make this world a better place 😊

And to all the children – be kind to your parents. Show them the love, respect and time they deserve before it’s too late – because trust me when I say, they are the ones who will unconditionally love you and have your back no matter what!