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CUCUMBER..

My 2 year old son loves eating cucumber slices. He would get excited when he spots cut cucumber slices on the table. So yesterday when i was peeling a cucumber, i was suddenly reminded of my late maternal grandmother. She was the one who taught me how to un-bitter a cucumber. She skillfully sliced off the tips of the cucumber, rubbed them against the exposed, cut area until there was white froth forming at the edges. She would then wash them and peel them for me. I would enjoy eating the juicy slices, not thinking this memory would mean so much to me.
There are so many little experiences in our lives that stay with us forever. I am amazed how I can never cut cucumber without thinking about her. How I wish i learned more from her. How i wish i was as talented and resourceful as she was. If only i learned my lesson earlier than so late when i cannot even speak to her if i wished to.
I loved watching her cook. I loved watching her make Khaja..a deep fried sweet filled with ghee and drenched in sugar syrup. I loved when she would make those maida biscuits. I loved so much about her -  How she would make bread bondas with the same shape and beautiful, crispy exterior and a warm, soft filling inside. How she would prepare delicacies just to be relished at the movie theatre.
How she had the most innocent laughter. How she could never shout at us or be angry for too long.
How she was meek within and showed us a brave front.  How a simple cucumber could make me miss my grandmother.

Comments

sunti said…
My eyes are teary. I miss my mom .
May 31, 2016 at 1:17 PM
Unknown said…
Very true. Small things in daily life make us re-live memories.
June 1, 2016 at 10:25 PM
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