Sharing a special bond

IT IS said that God created mothers because He could be present everywhere. So, whom did He create as their deputy? An adorable grandmother and an erudite grandfather.

"Grandparents are wonderful", says Rahul, who studies in Kochi and had come to spend his vacation in Chennai with his grandparents. "They are the epitome of love." An opinion that most of us will surely endorse.

"Be a good boy and you'll get an ice-cream", Manjula tells her four-year old son, Karthik. "Hurry up", says Karthik's father, who is getting late for work.

With that, the parents rush off to work, leaving little Karthik behind. Is he disappointed? Maybe a little.

But, little is what it takes for Karthik's grandmother to put that smile back on his face.

What she does to bring the child back into a happy mood shall remain exclusive to grandmothers.

"Actually, Karthik has been entirely under my parents' care for the past four years and he vibes much better with them than with anyone else", says Manjula, with a slightly embarrassed smile.

His grandparents mean the world to him. The child enjoys being the apple of their eye and it is amazing to watch the 60-plus couple actively participating in his life right through the day, never once out of breath, and ever ready to dance to the tunes of the child.

"It is really endearing to be brought up by grandparents," recalls Shyam, who was with his grandparents till he turned 12 as his parents were in Dubai then. The knowledge acquired by the child in the company of his grandparents is invaluable.

Remember those interesting sessions on diverse topics (politics to films to mythology), bedtime stories (most often from the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha), the notorious tricks played on grandpa and the lessons on life taught by grandma? These are things that can never be forgotten.

The elderly ones toil relentlessly to equip their grandchild with good virtues and enviable qualities.

The sheer joy on their faces as they watch the little bundle of joy grow into a fine youth of sturdy character, says it all. It is an extremely rewarding experience for the grandparents. They ask for no more than a smile and a warm hug in return from the child (as a matter of fact, most grannies are very cuddlesome).

"Our goal is to help our granddaughter in every possible way we can. We want to be her friend, philosopher and guide", say the Menons.

That their efforts may not even be acknowledged and given credit does not weaken their dogged determination.

The mere sight of their granddaughter gives them boundless energy in their waning years. The child's success moistens their eyes and that speaks volumes of their love.

Next time, someone wins an award (an Oscar or the Man of the match), she or he should thank not just the Almighty, parents, friends and fans, but also grandparents!

D. PRAVIN

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