It was a chilly, snowy January day at JFK airport in New York City. The year was 1967. During those days, arriving planes would park at a distance and passengers had to make the long walk to the terminal. A young lady dressed only in an Indian Sari, a bag in one hand, and carrying her two year old son in the other, had to make the long walk in the snow to the terminal. However, the excitement of being reunited with her husband after being apart for three long years must have kept her warm. This country girl from India was about to start a new life in America.
The young lady accomplished so much in her time in America. She did not go to college or start some successful, famous business. Instead, she was a mom to three boys, a grandmother to seven, a friend, a matriarch, and a dedicated member of the American work force. With the help of her husband, she paved the way for hundreds to live a better life here in the United States of America. She found joy in simplicity. Despite being a factory worker, she enjoyed every day of her job. It was one of her passions. Earning her own money. Her devotion to God and to her husband were other loves. She found perfection in her children and grandchildren and they in her. She was so giving. Whether it be in love, service, food, or money, she gave freely and unconditionally.
In her later years, she spent so much time tending to her plants and to her garden. Her infectious smile grew even larger when talking about her vegetables. They were just like her very own children. Her claim to fame was her energy and vibrant attitude. Even into her 80s, she did not know how to sit. She was definitely destined to live to a ripe old age and would be celebrating her 100th with family and friends surrounding her.
Even when the woman fell ill a few weeks back, there was no doubt she would recover and return to her normal vibrant self. Even when doctors were doubtful about her recovery, her family believed a miracle would come through in the end. However, the miracles we want in life are not always the miracles we get. Indira Patel, my mom died on August 5, 2021 at the age of 81 surrounded by her loving family. In this day of pandemics and family scattered around the world, all her grandchildren, daughters, sons, and her beloved husband were able to surround her bed when her heart took its last beat.
She lived a simple but extraordinary life. That was the miracle. She taught me so much. She was loving, giving, and dedicated. The miracle was the life she lived, the challenges she faced, and the perfection she saw in her loved ones, in her plants, and in life.
I will miss her, but will always remember her. Love you Mummy.
YD
