Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

It dates back to a decade, almost. Coming back from school, in his usual chirpy mood, my son that day seemed extra happy. The moment he jumped from the last step of his school bus, he announced that he had a puzzle for me. He was sure that I would not have an answer for it. That made me curious. He then asked me, “What is a family?” It was a googly. How do I explain a five year old, what’s the family is all about, was the only thought that was going in my mind? Pat came the reply, “See I told you. You wont know. Do you give it a pass?”. I could see the sign of victory in his eyes. I said, “Yes dear. I give up. Tell me what is it?”

“Father Mother I Love You. Thats Family!”, saying this he hugged me.

I felt the warmth of that hug as I was about to start my thank you note for the family!

For a child it is his parents, siblings, grandparents that mean not just the family but the entire world. As a child, even I felt the same. But as we grow, so do our experiences, so do our horizons and so does our periphery of the family. The school friends, teachers, batch mates, colleagues, neighbours and extended families, soon get enveloped in the definition of the family. Then one fine day we realise, that the world has turned out to be the  family...“Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam!”

The entire world is one family, my family! I feel very fortunate to be born in the country that gave this basic tenet of 'one world sans boundaries'. My first “Thank you” goes to the nation that I call my home, my motherland India for giving world the wisdom that is time tested and holds ground even in this fast-changing world. And I am proud of this very vast, vibrant and diversified yet united family.

My second note of "Thank You" goes to my immediate family. Like every other family in the world, I am blessed with a doting husband, healthy and happy children and the best set of parents and in laws. Recently I came across one quote about the family... "Families are like 'Fudge'. Mostly sweet with lots of nuts"! And this is the best fit for my family. And its this fudge that is so special to me in totality! So a warm, big, bearish hug and "Thank You" to all the nuts of the fudge!

But, my “Thank you” is so incomplete without me paying my respect and gratitude towards some very special persons around my existence. Life without them is so crippled. Though mostly un-noticed and unrecognized, they are the strong pillars of my family. Life with them seems so easy and smooth sailing. We started our journey with them as the perfect strangers and over the years have bonded like the perfect family.

The first one from this gang is my cook. A special “Thank you” to her for being there everyday without fail for us. The first byte of my meal is full of gratitude towards and Almighty and her!

She cleans where as we make it dirtier. Post her visit, the house looks in order and habitable! A heartfelt “Thank you” thus for my house help. Without her my house will be a  messy, stale one; to be honest, a hurdle's race!

Another “Thank you” to our paper boy. He delivers the crisp news paper early in morning, unflinchingly. His consistency and timings are just unmatched. Courtesy him, we can spend quality time knowing the world around us.

“Thank you” this time is not only from me but from my vehicles as well. It is to him, who washes and cleans our vehicles every day, without taking a single day off. Riding a spic and span vehicle is refreshing! 

Any day if this fellow fails to turn up, entire day would be lethargic! “Thank you”, to the milkman for delivering fresh milk at the door step. The first sip of awakening is a toast to his unwavering services.

With them around us day in and day out, I feel safe at home. “Thank you” security fellas of my apartment for being vigil and ensuring the sound sleep for us!

With this fellow at the steering, my better half travels across the city so safely and without bearing any stress. A warm “Thank you” to the man behind the wheels!

The cook, the house help, the milkman, the paper boy, the security fellas, and the chauffeur all make up my family. They are integral part of our daily lives. This family indeed is a world to me and if I go by the wisdom of “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam”, the world then turns out be my family!

Whom do you call as your family? Have you thanked them? 

-- § § § § § --

All pics courtesy Pixabay

Linking this post to #Thankful Thursdays Challenge, hosted by Dr Amrita and Tina.

This week's prompt is "#ThankYouNote To Family"