Look at little Ilina sporting Stars and Stripes. This is me not long after we moved to the United States from India. I am an immigrant despite my twangy American accent and western ways. I would argue I am more American than someone born here. My family relinquished its birth … [Read more...] about Immigrant Ilina
family
For the Love of Lark
I am much better at hellos than goodbyes. But he is ready. It matters not that I am not. But are we ever ready to say goodbye? Our Lark was so aptly named when we rescued him. We got him on a lark after our younger son took to playing pet store with his stuffed animals and … [Read more...] about For the Love of Lark
Just Let Me Take the Pictures
Dear Deal, In this season of new beginnings, just let me take the pictures. You squirm with visible impatience while irritation brims over, but understand that as you, forever my baby boy, close doors behind you, I am left in the wake of a new normal. And it’s exactly the … [Read more...] about Just Let Me Take the Pictures
Immigrant Christmas Spirit
I remember the mauve-ish pink knee socks for me and the white tube socks for my brother. We didn’t have stockings so my mother went to our dresser drawers and pulled out those socks. I recall feeling a bit off that we now had socks with no match. Even as a child, I was a … [Read more...] about Immigrant Christmas Spirit
My Thanksgiving Wish. Again.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. I wrote an essay about this concept as a writing prompt in high school, and the sentiment pops into my head every so often. Today is one of those days. This is becoming a tradition, I guess. I originally wrote this in … [Read more...] about My Thanksgiving Wish. Again.
Happy 17th Birthday to Deal
He stands more than a head taller than I, his locks buzzed close to his head and bleached blond, ears pierced with silver studs, and an old Indian Rupee hanging around his neck. Fun fact: I too dabbled in blond when I was his age. Let’s just say he is far cooler than I ever … [Read more...] about Happy 17th Birthday to Deal
Dimmed Spirits
This year, my Christmas spirit has a flavor peppered with longing, fatigue, and melancholy. Gone is the typical sweetness of the season. Rather than anticipation, I feel dread. A cloud of worry casts its shadow overhead. Actually, it’s more of an all-consuming fog. Time is fluid. … [Read more...] about Dimmed Spirits