Sunday, 27 October 2019

Remembering the Little Things

Last night, my mom hosted a big family dinner. ASid wondered if he could bring 6 friends along. It was asking for a lot; however, my mom couldn't say no to her first grandchild!

ASid showed up with half the number! There was one girl and two boys, and none of them were from ASid's maternal ethnic background. So I felt the need to introduce family members and friends, and also ensure that ASid's friends understood the many rituals around food - how to eat and what goes with what! At one point in time, ASid quietly snapped at me. Apparently, he was explaining as well and I was simply repeating info that was already shared. I got a bit defensive, but I let it go.

This morning, I received a text message from ASid. It was an apology for "snapping a little"! I accepted his apology and let him know that he demonstrated "an ability to reflect on his behaviour, acknowledge a mistake and seek forgiveness". Then, I thanked him for his note.

Life is short. The little things matter!

This morning, another mom I know passed away. A few weeks ago, I mentioned her in a post. This was an amazing mother who had been battling abdominal cancer for a few years. There were days I would run into her on the way to school - I would be with Hans and she would be with her daughter who is a couple of years younger than Hans. The last time I saw her was last month. When I saw her, I knew that she didn't have much time. I am glad I had whatever little time I had with her and I am glad I got to hug her one last time.

Fortunately, I got to do something small for her and her daughter a few days later. I couldn't have done it all alone. I had people help me and they were all glad to have contributed toward the small gesture. We all got to seize a moment and run with it!

ASid and Hans are almost always kind and considerate. Still, I don't ever want them to forget to do the little things that make a huge difference! Here are three … make time to call a friend, take time to apologize, and always appreciate the ones who care and accept you for who you are!
 

Monday, 14 October 2019

in the pink ...

2 days ago, I was at our neighbourhood Second Cup. I had just finished chatting with a group of neighbours for an upcoming feature article for the magazine I work for. As I left the coffee shop, I called home to find out if ASid wanted me to pick up anything from Metro.

Yes, the boy is home for the Thanksgiving weekend and yes, he had invited a bunch of his high school friends over for a reunion of sorts!

It so happened that ASid was on his way to Metro. I decided to wait for him and treat him to a caffeinated beverage and do some shopping. As the boy walked in, I introduced him to the group of people I was chatting with. One of them looked incredulously at the boy and asked him, "Is that really your mother?" ASid responded in the affirmative and spent some time answering some questions and then, we got a hot chocolate for him and proceeded to Metro.

On any given day, ASid looks nothing like me. These days, he is sporting pink hair and he looks nothing like me!

ASid is still the same young man who left home a few weeks ago. Fundamentally, he hasn't changed at all except for changing the colour of his hair. However, the hair does draw a lot of attention to the boy. My only concern is about his safety. I sincerely hope that it doesn't draw the wrong kind of attention. In fact, I shared my concern with ASid who assured me that it is more or less "normal" right now to dye hair in different colours. He also assured me that it is all in fun and nothing to worry about!

I am glad that we do live in a country that is considered a safe haven for people from all over the world. It is wonderful that we have a man of colour, who sports an unconventional "hair style", hoping to be the next Prime Minister of our country. Still, some of us are not ready for such a big change. Just as some parents got worried for my boy when his friends took pictures of him and shared with the parents. There were some apprehensions about his sexual orientation and his mental health!

Rest assured. ASid is mentally sound and working toward a 4.0 GPA. He also continues to be a "boring heterosexual".

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! As always, it is the best time to be Canadian!