"I am a summer person, I hibernate in winter", I kept saying in summer hikes to people who asked me to join winter hikes.
One Saturday, I left for a hike at 5.30 in the morning. Generally I drop Bhavish at Veena's place in the morning. But this time Bhavish wanted to sleep for longer. I asked Bhavish to call her when he wakes up. I wouldn't worry about Bhavish during drive or hike because I know she will take care of things. It was a long 3 hours drive. Me and a friend drove taking turns. Without wasting much time we started ascending the mountain. I was excited using snow shoes for the first time! Winter hikes are completely different, needs a lot of preparation. Too many layers of clothes, insulated water bottles, food, bars, etc everything needs insulation, too many things to carry, bag gets heavier. Huh! Nevertheless the view you get on top of mountains is priceless! This one was one tiring and a good hike. When we reached the top, I was so mesmerized by the view. A wonderland which hides during summer and comes to life in winter. My jaws dropped from wonder. I have no words to explain what I was experiencing. I wondered at the God's immense creation. I was thinking how this all couldn't have been possible without Veena's support. I pray for her wellness on all the mountains I hike. We reached down at dusk. My phone had no signal to update her.
2 years later, here I am climbing all possible mountains in winter. I cannot explain how mesmerizing the mountains can get in winter. Truly like a hidden wonderland. But this blog is not about my winter hiking experience!
Being very enthusiastic hiker (especially after shopping a lot of gears), I have been doing a lot of winter hikes this year. At times I forget that I have a 11 years old who needs baby sitting. Thanks to my friend, Veena who always comes to my rescue :) Though she does not mind me taking her help, it pinches me every time I leave my son, Bhavish with her.
One Saturday, I left for a hike at 5.30 in the morning. Generally I drop Bhavish at Veena's place in the morning. But this time Bhavish wanted to sleep for longer. I asked Bhavish to call her when he wakes up. I wouldn't worry about Bhavish during drive or hike because I know she will take care of things. It was a long 3 hours drive. Me and a friend drove taking turns. Without wasting much time we started ascending the mountain. I was excited using snow shoes for the first time! Winter hikes are completely different, needs a lot of preparation. Too many layers of clothes, insulated water bottles, food, bars, etc everything needs insulation, too many things to carry, bag gets heavier. Huh! Nevertheless the view you get on top of mountains is priceless! This one was one tiring and a good hike. When we reached the top, I was so mesmerized by the view. A wonderland which hides during summer and comes to life in winter. My jaws dropped from wonder. I have no words to explain what I was experiencing. I wondered at the God's immense creation. I was thinking how this all couldn't have been possible without Veena's support. I pray for her wellness on all the mountains I hike. We reached down at dusk. My phone had no signal to update her.
I called Veena the moment I got signal while driving back. She was upset that I hadn't informed of Bhavish's plan. She told me how much she was worried when my phone wasn't reachable in the morning and she had no clue where Bhavish was. She drove home by herself at around 10 to check on Bhavish and picked him up. I was glad that she took care of everything back at home. But all through-out the drive, I was anxious about facing her.
Around 8pm, I directly reached her place to pick Bhavish up. To my surprise, she opens the door with a smile. She listened to all my experiences about hike, checked the pics. Next thing she did is give me clean clothes and towel and asked me to take shower. She said "Food is ready. Lets eat together!" Wow! That's how forgiving she is. Every single time her patience wonders me just like Mother Nature. The delicious hot food was ready on the table. I relished it with so much joy. Her warmth made my day!
That whole week I was wondering, "Is this what is like to have a wife/mother?" How many men realize what a wife/mother does to home? I wonder if her husband and kid even realize what luxury they have at home? Do they even thank her for that?
I, my mother, sister-in-law, friends(women) have been doing this job for years unnoticed. But hardly we get to experience anything like this for ourselves.
This blog is dedicated to all my women friends who take care of their home, husbands, in-laws, kids, friends, etc. They take care of every small things at home which goes completely unnoticed. I see that mostly Indian women are doing a thankless jobs all the time. I wonder what keeps them going. Most of them don't even relax during festivals, vacations, etc. Extended duty those days :(
Girls, all I can say is, equally concentrate on yourselves.
1. Take a break from cooking, cleaning, etc when possible.
2. Do not compete with other women regarding cooking or any other activities.
3. Workout for your body, mind and soul. Cooking and cleaning is not workout.
4. It is fine to take help. Ask for it.
5. Have your own hobbies (be it sports, dance, singing, crafts, watching movies or any other things).
6. Have a bucket-list and do fulfill them.
PS: Veena is beautiful, intelligent, ambitious at work, excellent cook, etc. The list can continue forever. She has masters degree in Urban planning from NYU. One person whom I look up to when it comes to patience and caring for family and friends. All in all, an ideal Indian wife and mother.
