Summer Escape

      School closed for the summer and we took the earliest flight home. Summer in Dubai is not the least bit kind. And with two kids at home and dear hubby at work, kids turn into monsters and home turns into hell.

      We had a wonderful week in Nagercoil together. Then Andrew had to go back to work. Being a SHAM, the kids and I get to stay for 2 whole months - Until September when the new school year begins.

      It is the time to catch up with everyone. Visit new shops(which reminds me, yet to visit Pothys), take stock of new restaurants and wail over good ones that have closed down. The time we eat our favorite food one by one, over and over again. That time of the year when kids get to bond with grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts. I had forgotten that coconut trees, mosquitoes and crows which I take for granted, are a novelty to my children. Liana was thrilled to see the school where we had studied, the church we had got married at, the wedding hall, etc.

      Each day brings something fun. We attended weddings; a music concert by String Ensemble, Chennai; had Liana's birthday party, attended other birthday parties; made beads with Liana; met with friends and family. The cherry on top was that I sang as part of a choir after a gap of 15 years.

      With all this, vacation is always a mixed experience. I need this break. It gives me time to be me - without having to worry about the next meal, the next washing or grocery shopping. I don't have to run after the kids to make them eat, keep them engaged or stop them from mischief. I can sit down and play with Liana, without worrying that the sound of laughing and playing will wake up Ryan and thus end our game. I have wonderful in laws and parents who help big time. The children adore them and stay with them even in my absence. I can relax knowing my children are in safe hands.

      But for me, walking the roads I had walked, visiting the places I had been to - nothing is the same. The town I grew up in and lived in for 25 years before meeting Andrew is lonlier, duller and incomplete without him. I let no one see the void I feel inside.  And I find myself counting days. Skype and whatsapp are poor substitute, when loved ones are separated by an ocean.

      I know... How ungrateful. While most would kill for a longer vacation, to be able to stay at home with parents, here I am. I know I should be grateful, and so I pray.

      I begin by thanking God for granting me another day. I thank him for blessing me with four wonderful parents I can always turn to. I praise God for giving me a husband whom I miss every minute, whose one phone call makes my day brighter; my life fuller. He is my waking thought. A man I respect, love and adore, as I promised on my wedding day. Someone I am proud to call mine. I thank Him for my blessed children. I praise God for his abundant grace and mercy.

      And then God made me realize that life is not only about waiting. Each day is a gift and has its own beauty. I could count days, and still enjoy one day at a time. Which I will, by His grace.