Decades ago, my parents moved to a new city and rented a house. A seasoned couple next door offered them help in any way they could. The most significant help was being there when a nanny took care of their toddler (me) while my mom went to teach at a school. I started elementary school at the age of 4, but before that, my days were spent with "Mausi" (Aunt) (as she was fondly called by my parents) the nanny was just a supporting character. Mausi was strong and fierce, and she poured all her love into this girl. Few years later they moved to their native place 30 miles away once the husband retired.
To this day, she remains one of my favorite people. I used to meet her often, but then I got married and soon moved out of India. Life, husband, kids, and work took over. I did meet her a couple of times afterward, but I never got to spend much time with her.
Her grandson now lives in Canada. When he got his mother to visit him, I wanted to meet her too. The Pragya in me wanted to know Mousi as a person, to talk and listen more about her. A daughter-in-law is the perfect person for all those details. The weekend was all about reminiscing those memories. I spent time with Mausi's daughter-in-law, grandson, and his wife. We ate, talked about families, memories, lifestyle, and, most importantly, about Mausi.
She must be smiling somewhere, knowing how much she is loved and appreciated. Do you have people in your life who weren't family but meant more than any relatives?
A simple cotton, simple easy fresh just like love and memories wrap you.