This is that time of the year. In many homes, young ones are getting ready for the next step in their lives. Further studies beckon, and this often means a leaving…moving away from familiar environs into the unfamiliar and exciting, moving into a life of greater independence and higher responsibilities. Coupled with dreams and desires, this time is a true passage into adulthood. While the initial few months pass by in the flush of excitement and in getting used to a new way of life, it is also replete with moments of remembrance and sadness; of missing the familiar; of the family and friends left behind; of food that tasted so good; of the warm wrap of familiarity.
As parents, we start missing earlier since we are in the familiar environment all through. The empty room stares back; the indentation on the mattress that is permanent but unslept in reminds us of the myriad emotions that have played out there. Exhilaration of achievements and heartbreak of disappointments; late night studying or the muffled laughter of phone conversations; of tenderness and admonitions; of discipline and a hand of support.
So, when they part, give them a little something to always anchor them in the warmth of familiarity. Something that is of the home they have left behind, a mix of tradition and love, of beauty and authenticity, of craft and care, of love and longing. A little bit of your heart and hearth, to remind of the steadfastness of belonging; where even when the eyes are moist, the heart beats with warmth.