Dearest Ira,
You are almost 8.5 years now. The last year has seen a surge of very interesting observations and questions that you have asked us. Some easy ones, some fun ones, some not so comfortable ones and some for which we had to find answers. Somedays, we wondered if you ae really just Eight and the next moment, you did something with child filled wonder and chaos that assured us you are still eight.
You asked us about the need for caste. Why if we are born equal, do people then follow caste. You read the story on the Dalit boy and wondered about how mean people can be. You felt sad when you read about the atrocities the families went through.
In our little travel, you have begun noticing the diversity around and also asked us what does it mean to be locals and who is an outsider.
You have begun showing curiosity on practices and questioned them, food habits to expressions of faith.
You have also wondered why adults are allowed to do some things and children can't.
You are curious about growing up and we have had some interesting and deep conversation on the physical and mental changes that you have to embrace yourself for.
You have navigated difficult interpersonal moments, sometimes chosen not to share with us and sometimes seeked our help.
We have tried our best to have the conversations in simple ways, seeked the help of books and in some cases, even friends to quench that curiosity. You were sometimes happy with the answers, sometimes asked more questions and may be sometimes even wondered why simple questions had long drawn answers.
You continue to assert yourself, find yourself and celebrate yourself in your little ways.
You have shown us how small things thrill you to bits and your expressions have been loud and clear. Be it the lady bug pattern nailpolish , eating your favourite dessert, doing the fevicol craft, playing virtual games or making your own stories. Making rangoli art or trying some Science experiments. Choosing your new spectacles and then flaunting them with panache!
On Sept 27th, you completed 100 months of being 'You'. We were at Kali adventure camp and you closed the evening eating Gulab Jamun. The thrill in your eyes and the smile said it all.
You also learnt about budgeting a few weeks back when you shopped for books from two bookstores, keeping a budget in mind and managed to save a few tens! Thrilling indeed.
Yesterday, you went for your first ever Karate Championship and won some medals. While the thought was to have fun, we also saw how you were thrilled holding onto those medals.
So, to those questions, to that bowl of Gulab Jamun, to magical and mystical moments, to celebrating every small and big milestone with childlike innocence and wonder!
We do have a surprise for you this evening and I can already hear that squeal and see that shine <3
Happy Children's Day!
Love, Hugs and Kisses,
Mamma and Papa
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