Doink!

 

DS loves traveling. He specifically likes traveling to resorts and vacation rentals where there are a ton of games, just like his dad.

I remember the time and effort Ady took when DS was about 3, to find a spot which has a lot of space to run around, and golf. While he wasn’t successful enough to find real golf, at the location we were going to, he settled for disc golf.

So as one would expect, we dropped our bags, explored the place, and set off to play a round of disc golf.

We made teams. Dad and daughter, mom and son.

For the initial 10 minutes, DS was observing how the game was being played. He saw his dad and sis throw the disc through the chain rack and wasn’t really comfortable with the sounds.

Soon, he understood the game, and said he was ready to play.

“OK, take positions” Ady ordered.

I stood right beside DS, so I could swoop down or capture the discs going above his head.  DD stood across from her dad to strategically throw the disc into the rack.

DS looked at me and paused. He yelled out to his dad, “Wait, wait. Don’t throw”

And then he took me by my hand and pulled me behind a tree.

“What are you doing?” I asked. “Why are you making me stand behind the tree?”

Noticing the move, Ady and DD also moved closer to us.

“The disc is very fast, mamma” DS explained. “It will be very hard when it hits. I don’t want you to get hurt. You’ll be safe behind the tree.”

My eyes welled up. Oh, what a lovely little boy.

DH was silent. I looked at him and smiled. He smiled back, then looked at DS – “What about me?” he demanded.

DD and I started laughing. Wonder who’s the dad and who’s the son!

 

Photo credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Disc_golf_-_Laajavuori.jpg

 

Long Live Tamil!

When it came to identity, DS somehow was very clear, that he had Indian heritage. He wanted to learn everything about India, - the language, the dances, songs.  The only exception to this was food - it was ok to avoid food that wasn't bland and idli shaped.

He wanted to learn Hindi. What more could a  parent ask for - a willing child who wants to learn more about his culture and his native language. So all that we had to do, was speak to him in Hindi. But of course we didn't. We were so used to speaking in English, that Hindi really, was an effort. Yes, please get judgmental.

But we had ourselves a persistent kid. He saw me learn Spanish on Duolingo, so he insisted I set him up for Hindi. He religiously did his Hindi lessons everyday, so much so that he was able to understand what we were speaking, and he responded in comprehensible words. 

We were really impressed that the kid, inspite of his lax parents was able to learn a foreign language. A little part of me was having the FOMO reaction because the kid wasn't learning Tamil. But I clearly couldn't ask for more. 

Fast forward to a few months, and PS-II had released. There is one song in particular, which literally praises Tamil culture and the Chola empire. I kept listening to it over and over. The pride for the language and the Cholan accomplishments was something my dad displayed a lot. He was a proud Tamilian. He, loved the language, the culture, and it's rich history. The song reminded me of him, and how he'd be beaming with pride. I kept listening, so I could hear him sing along. 

I must have heard  the song on repeat so many times, that as I was putting DS to bed one night, he asked me - "Mamma, why do you keep listening to the Veera Veera song?"

"Well, babe, it reminds me of Thatha a lot. The song is about the Tamil language, and I don't have anyone to talk to in Tamil, so I keep listening to it. It makes me very emotional. It makes me feel closer to Thatha and closer to Tamil."

There was a long pause, and then he said. "I feel sad that you can't talk to us in Tamil Mamma", I could hear him sniffle. "Does Duolingo have Tamil?  I want to learn it because it will make you happy."

I think my allergy has relapsed, my eyes are getting moist again. 

Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nixs_News_Tamil_Logo.png

 

Mixed Feelings

Losing a tooth is a big deal in my books. 

You're getting closer to adulthood, with your body parts being updated to adult parts, with a longer warranty. 

I've had a tough time dealing with DD's tooth loss, and I'm having a harder time dealing with DS's. 

While DD lost most her teeth in succession, DS is taking his time, which I love. 

"Mamma, Arit lost a tooth today", he told me excitedly once, when he came back from school. 

"Oh no!" I reacted, and yes, I reacted badly. 

"Why Mamma?"

"I..."

"Why oh no, Mamma?"

"Not oh no, I guess it's good, but it means, he's growing up. I don't know how I feel about you losing your tooth."

"But I am 6, I am a big boy."

"I know. But you're also my baby. Well, maybe I have mixed feelings."

"What are mixed feelings mamma?"

"I want you to grow up, but I want you to stay my baby."

"That is just silly mamma!" he chuckled. 

"I know, sweetie. I don't know how to feel."

And the fateful day arrived a week later. 

When I went to school to pick him up, his teacher met me at the door. "I think your son has something to tell you, and he knows how you will react." 

"What?"

She nodded at DS. 

"Mamma, I know you have mixed feelings, but I have mixed feelings about telling you too. 

I am excited that I lost my tooth, but I am a little sad that you have mixed feelings."

Oh my heart!

"I think I am more excited that you lost your tooth, babe", I lied and hugged him, never wanting to let go of my baby. 

Pic source: https://qcontent.co.uk/insights/marketers-mixed-emotions-facebook-emoji/