We Are Together

Family is not an important thing. It’s everything - Michael J. Fox

No matter how hard your life is, one day with your family and you feel things can work out. They are your pillar of strength and the ones who help you sail through the rough times. You feel secure, loved and hopeful when they are around. I live very far away from my family. Yes, they are just a phone call away and I call them whenever I feel low. It cheers me up - they give me advice, shower their love and tell me repeatedly not to take stress. But still, I feel a vacuum, as if  something tangible is missing. May be, it’s their physical presence.

Last to last year, I was in Ambala on my birthday. It was a tough time for my family. My father-in-law was bedridden for over 8 months. My father was not keeping well. Nothing we had planned turned out as desired. There was not even a single moment of happiness for many many months. All of us were under a lot of stress, but my family was adamant about celebrating my birthday. Inspite of my repeated requests and constant reminder of my age, they went ahead and planned an intimate event. My parents came from Himachal a day before my birthday. So, everyone except for my brother was there.

It was nothing fancy, we had lunch at my favorite restaurant. I felt sorry that my father-in-law  couldn’t accompany us. But what we missed during lunch was lavishly substituted in the evening during the cake cutting ceremony. It was the most memorable and fun birthday for me. With all the people I love in one room, I couldn’t ask for more. Though we all terribly missed by brother. I was showered with gifts and blessings. We ate our favorite snacks and enjoyed the blissful company.

We all were very happy. I felt, we all needed a break and that small celebration infused dollops of energy in all of us. Now, I feel that we all should celebrate all the birthdays and anniversaries. Life gives very few big moments and to lighten up life, we must indulge in such small and intimate celebrations with our loved ones. My father-in-law got from his bed and joined us in the living room for celebrations and this little change brought a smile on everyone’s face. We felt hopeful of his recovery. My parents, who were missing both their children found comfort in all of us. They were more than happy coming down from Himachal to join us. Most importantly, I had this warm feeling on that day, like - life is beautiful. That day filled me with joy, hope, and optimism. It motivates me to count the good things of life and look up. I get a positive vibe even flipping through the pictures of that day. Here’s one of me and Alok. 

Apart from the invaluable bliss, wishes, hope; I also got valuable gifts - money, cards and diamonds. The day vouched that I am not alone, me and my family are always #together in this journey.

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