Anecdote #29

The gap between the end of school and the beginning of college adds a lot to one's perspective. You begin to realise the importance of family and a reliable support system. In my case apart from my parents, the people who have loved me unconditionally and have showered me with encouragement and support are my grandparents. As I have working parents my grandparents virtually brought me up during the early years of my childhood. They lived through all my firsts and thankfully are around to share my happiness. The love your grandparents give you goes above and beyond because they leave the responsibility of disciplining to your parents. Apart from that their anecdotes, experiences and childhood tales teach you how far your family has come and how it is your responsibility to carry the legacy forward. In the older times perseverance was a very revered value which seems to be disappearing. Our ancestors did not give up in the most arduous conditions. Mine lived through the partition and had to start their lives afresh. My grandfather had to work to pay for his education and was left alone to survive. My grandmother was deprived of many opportunities because she was a woman and was expected to take up a domestic lifestyle. At times I notice the regret in their eyes. When I share my little achievements with them they become extremely hopeful and grateful. Perhaps they are elated that the road which they couldn't take is appearing before me. They certainly don't push me to live their dream but they make my dreams their own. Alas, not all our dreams are meant to come true which is perhaps for the best yet experience has already taught them that. At such junctures they can explain the possible causes for rejection and failure because they have seen life from close and from far. My advise therefore is very simple, learn from them as much as you can, love and respect them. Take out time for them so that they feel that their lives have been fulfilled.