Mama Mia!

Life is made up of seasons and right now, for our household, this is one very busy spring!

imageOnce I embarked with Ambleside International’s homeschooling mentoring program, it seemed like my days filled up!  Just when I thought I was busy, things got even busier!

imageIt wasn’t just school; it was home education coinciding with a number of new happenings in our family.  For one, we have started a little coffee shop!  Adam has always been quite the coffee connoisseur and often toyed with the idea of having a little  cafe; and well, it was now or never!  A combination of necessity and pleasure, our very simple, small-time entrepreneur venture has cranked up our lives and schedules quite a bit!  After 16 years of working from home, Adam is pretty much gone from early in the morning until image night, six days a week.  That’s been a change!  In order to make sure he gets time with the children, Adam has them take turns helping him in the coffee shop.  The children wait for Saturdays! They love hanging with their Dad and will not trade it for anything!  At least I get to be with him after they go to bed!

Then, fortunately, quite by accident, my mother found out that she has a cardiac condition.  This was very unexpected.  Her physical two years ago revealed her heart to be in excellent condition.  Rather than go the conventional route of angiogram, stent and bypass, she opted to come live with us for three months while undergoing Chelation treatment.  She has also radically modified her diet to help her body heal and is taking time to rest – something she has pretty much denied herself for most of her life.

scanIf I could list people who most inspire me, then my parents would, without question, top that list.  Exceptional!  Their humility, their passion for God, their intense love for people, their genuine, automatic response to think of others first and their natural positivity never fail to guide my reality.

Brandon's birthday 003I realize that this is a very precious time in my life.  For the first time, ever, I have my mother to myself.  Not for a fleeting week or ten days, but for a longer span of time.  When life can roll in its everyday activity, when I can serve my mother in ways I normally cannot. She, of course, is always looking for ways to help me out and I have to almost force her to not! I never did have this opportunity with my father and I am determined to not squander a second with this amazing lady, who just happens to be my mother!  I want her to know that she is my priority, that the other aspects of my life can take a backseat because I will not always have this privilege.

It is such a joy to talk, pray, laugh, read together – whether it is the Bible, a piece of literature, or a news article.  She is always happy! As respected as she is and despite her “position”, she never draws attention to herself or expects any kind of ceremony.  She is so wise and yet totally unaware of her importance and is always seeking to learn and serve more.  Which is why, her very sparing correction and thoughtful instruction is highly valued by me.

No one’s opinion matters more than God’s and so she lives in total freedom.  The importance of family, the sacredness of all we put our hand to, and yet, that transcendental aspect of the presence of God, the world at large, of others, of taking the time to see another’s point of view, sympathize with someone else’s problems, rather than focus on my own…understand a situation and usher in peace instead of complication; all of this has brought a sense of liberty, a removal from the trite and unnecessary.  I feel like I have grown up ever so slightly.  Although God knows, (to quote Frost), I have “miles to go before I sleep.”

IMG_20150129_132434 052It was really Adam’s idea to have her come and live with us and I am so grateful that my normally grandparent-bereft children can get to enjoy her this way!  Ria and Brandon, of course, love having their Ammama!  We have had some deep discussions and family story telling times.  She has also taken the time to garden (a HUGE passion for her) paint flowers (pretty impressive, as you can see!), learn the names of the birds that haunt our yard, relax and not push herself to the limit as she was living.  Being able to sit with her and enjoy a cup of chai, is one of my biggest blessings right IMG-20150128-WA0000now.

It has taken me a while to get back to blogging because honestly, most days, I don’t even have the time or energy to turn the lap top on!  But the wonderful thing about having more on one’s plate is that it usually spurs efficiency.  It has been an adjustment for all of us but it has provided opportunity to grow and be more effective – definitely this is true of myself.  Learning to prioritize and not waste time is always a learning curve and this time around I’m trying to make the most of it!

Brandon's birthday 018As far as the school front goes, it has been awesome!  I have learned so much and hope to share some of that as I continue to  steady my pace and thrive in the rhythm of this new season!  Thanks for being gracious enough to still be around despite the long pause!

 

About Probhita

Quite ordinary, really. Where I do consider myself extraordinary is in that I have been tremendously blessed with the sweetest family and the best of friends. It is nothing short of the richest luxury to be loved as I am! Being challenged to think and break away from status quo is a personal priority. I believe that the Creator of the universe has a plan for my life and random chance is not the way of my existence. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I deeply uphold tolerance - I may not concede to a thought being right - but will always respect its view. The privilege of having the best parents in the world and growing with caring sisters in a rather unique setting is an aspect closely cherished. My youngest sister, despite being oceans away, always remains my closest friend and my biggest encourager! I have a wonderful husband who loves me and two gorgeous children. I presently live in India. This blog is the embarking of a journey with Charlotte Mason's philosophy of education as I continue to homeschool my children. I hope their childhood will be as fulfilling and memorable, if not, more, than mine.
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11 Responses to Mama Mia!

  1. Renu Bundela says:

    Beautifully written Post!
    To walk in Premilla aunties shadow is such an honour for all of us. She encourages and uplifts anyone and everyone she meets. All of us have been so enriched being around her. Not just us adults but the kids too, always happy to see their “Ammama”.
    I love the way you’ve described her in this post!
    What a beautiful painting, Wow!
    Praying for our dearest aunty to feel better and be strengthened soon.

  2. seema says:

    Lovely hibiscus painting…looks so real..

  3. seema says:

    Hey..its always so blessed to have aunty Premila around. I have learnt so much from her. She is always thankful, content, ready to help and always encouraging and her selfless life is such an example to follow. Hope to see her more often..
    You described her life so well..full of wisdom yet so humble…love her so much and love you too..

    • Probhita says:

      Thanks, Seem! She really enjoyed her time with our church family and is looking forwarding to returning…she probably gets flashbacks watching you with your lively four!! Love you too!

  4. Kavita says:

    I miss you both so much! I’m so happy she is there with you and that you get to share this time together… Grateful to have you in my life… would give anything right now for a cup of tea and a moment of senseless laughter…you know the kind that renders you helpless…like that one time in Tuesday Morning ( the store) when we stood speechless as some poor woman had an unfortunate encounter with an entire shelf of crockery….

    • Probhita says:

      Hey you! We miss you too! If your ears burn, it’s probably because we are mourning your absence for the 100th time in the hour! We have had quite a few of those senseless, helpless moments – mostly at our own expense!! If you were around, it would be undoubtedly worse! Sending love and wishing, so wishing you were not so far….

  5. Brandy says:

    I have so many words swirling around in my thoughts I don’t know where to start. I wish I could once again be sitting with you and your mom enjoying time together listening to the two of you share stories and laugh! Thank you for the smiles and I look forward to more!

  6. Lii says:

    I so enjoyed your blog. You have described your mom so beautifully. I’m so glad you have this time with your mom. Having known your mom for a little while, I am always so taken, impressed, touched by her selflessness. She is one extraordinary woman of God. Always puts others first! And having known you for a while, I can see that much of your mom has rubbed off on you. My life surely has been much, much fuller because of your family.

    I’m looking forward to more posts of your Charlotte Mason adventure!

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