Having known your mother and the grit and determination with which she paddled her own canoe is admirable. There is a lesson for all of us. As we age our ability to paddle our own canoe diminishes for various reasons. Consciously postpone that day. Take care of your health such that you can do your own thing. However willing your children or relatives are to care for you, there is always an inconvenience you cause to them. Today there are various ways not to impose oneself on others and that requires some planning. 'ekla chalo re' that is the best parting gift that you can give to your loved ones. Exit quietly without much song and dance, like your mother did !
While at Lucknow I was staying as a tenant in a house of an old day who was prof of Lucknow University She owned a huge plot and constructed four hses 3 for her children who were away each holding a top position CEO of co Air vice Marshal with IAF and director of an oil co
However she chose to stay independent of them at the fourth hse she built for herself Well into old-age she used to cook her own meals and take care of herself and never complained
Was a great inspiration .
As u have said there are many such indomitable persons
A very inspiring article ! Apart from acknowledging the strength and independence of your mother, I was impressed by reading the 69 unsung modern day heroes. I vaguely remember having read about just three of them Jadav Payeng, Udaybhai and Sindhutai Sapkal. The remarkable feature of each one of them is that they paddled their canoes upstream against the current. Paddling a canoe alone in still waters is a challenge but certainly what the unsung modern heroes achieved is heartening and motivating.
" ekla chalo re" should be inculcated from childhood so that in adult life the person is independent.
Your reminiscence about your mother reminds me of my parents' fiercely independent ways, paddling their own canoe, one over 95 and the other 89....both an inspiration to me, rowing in the same direction.
Paddle your own canoe took me down memory lane . Your mother was a huge Banyan tree and she was 'Thayi' to everyone . My amma too believed that self is the best help and always told us that. Now, I repeat it to my granddaughter. Growing up, we had such inspiring people to look up to right at home !
Dear Prasanna,
Having known your mother and the grit and determination with which she paddled her own canoe is admirable. There is a lesson for all of us. As we age our ability to paddle our own canoe diminishes for various reasons. Consciously postpone that day. Take care of your health such that you can do your own thing. However willing your children or relatives are to care for you, there is always an inconvenience you cause to them. Today there are various ways not to impose oneself on others and that requires some planning. 'ekla chalo re' that is the best parting gift that you can give to your loved ones. Exit quietly without much song and dance, like your mother did !
While at Lucknow I was staying as a tenant in a house of an old day who was prof of Lucknow University She owned a huge plot and constructed four hses 3 for her children who were away each holding a top position CEO of co Air vice Marshal with IAF and director of an oil co
However she chose to stay independent of them at the fourth hse she built for herself Well into old-age she used to cook her own meals and take care of herself and never complained
Was a great inspiration .
As u have said there are many such indomitable persons
U have dealt with an excellent topic beautifully
When no help paddle urself to ur goal
Thank you for sharing the story of a fiercely independent soul.
Paddle your own canoe to the best of your capability. Be a part of a fleet will help get to bigger goals and larger purposes.
Well said. Not just a fleeting thought.
Paddling your own canoe is important but it is nice to have a passenger along for the ride. Never bad to have that someone to run thoughts by.
You are right and that's why I quoted the Indian Poet who says if no one is willing to sail with you paddle your own canoe.
A very inspiring article ! Apart from acknowledging the strength and independence of your mother, I was impressed by reading the 69 unsung modern day heroes. I vaguely remember having read about just three of them Jadav Payeng, Udaybhai and Sindhutai Sapkal. The remarkable feature of each one of them is that they paddled their canoes upstream against the current. Paddling a canoe alone in still waters is a challenge but certainly what the unsung modern heroes achieved is heartening and motivating.
" ekla chalo re" should be inculcated from childhood so that in adult life the person is independent.
Your reminiscence about your mother reminds me of my parents' fiercely independent ways, paddling their own canoe, one over 95 and the other 89....both an inspiration to me, rowing in the same direction.
How wonderful! I admire their spirits. Thank you for sharing a beautiful experience.
Paddle your own canoe took me down memory lane . Your mother was a huge Banyan tree and she was 'Thayi' to everyone . My amma too believed that self is the best help and always told us that. Now, I repeat it to my granddaughter. Growing up, we had such inspiring people to look up to right at home !
Thank you Prasanna
Thank you Chandri. Great to hear from you. Your recollections are on the dot. Your mother paddled the canoe all the way.