क्या आपको पता है तुम कौन हो (Do You know who you are?)

Today the Siv got her licence! Wohoo...I'm so proud of you dearest sugar-rush-buddy. I'm grossly ashamed to admit that I forgot to wish her luck in the morning (though it's printed in big, bold letters on my desk calendar) - seems though, she totally did NOT need it...like with everything else she does: she aced it.

Another thing happened today, which is definitely worth mentioning on The Pinus: Uncle Jack came to visit! He's my fathers Uncle, and about 80 Years old. He walks with a stick, has a twinkle in his eye, and a raspy voice that can spin the most splendid stories! He told us of all the days long past, back when he was young and the world wasn't as complicated; back when 'family' wasn't just a term; he told us of our relative with 18 kids; made us laugh with stories of how he played matchmaker to Moonsamy and his brother - and the two sisters with the babies; he taught us some Tamil and spoke some Hindi and delighted us in his command of English; he painted pictures, beautiful pictures in the air, of memories we will never know, but will now always remember.

We don't appreciate the elders of our families as much as we should. We forget that they won't be around with us for very much longer. We don't take advantage of the vast vault of knowledge and wisdom stored inside them; or the priceless archives of history they carry in their hearts. 

Well you should! You should ask them to tell you about the days when they were young: about the things they did and the things they saw. You should ask them to tell you - because if we don't know where we come from, how can we know who we truly are, or appreciate where we go when we get there?  Ask, before it's too late. Ask and they will tell...oh, how they would love to tell!

Picture: Nehru Quote; snapped at the Nehru Planetarium when I visited India.