Mum's memory box.
My birth in Nairobi – the city in the sun. I touch the picture. Mum and Dad holding me. I am smiling, feeling like the pride of their lives.
Watch video of me walking, holding Mum and Dad's fingers on either side.
Kindergarten, recognise a couple of friends. Mum shared sweets on my birthday.
Dad teaching me to ride a bike, with stabilisers first, and then without.
Being bullied at school. Mum and Dad pouring love and confidence into me. I like going to school. I like singing. Mum takes me to the temple, teaching Bhajans. Dad takes me to Drive In Cinema and to watch cricket.
And then…
Dad passes away. Mum showers me with hugs and cuddles, but her smile is gone. I try to cheer her up. She laughs with me sometimes, we both miss Dad.
My teenage years. I do well at studies, make my mum so proud. Get married, have children. Mum adores my children. Makes me realise what a mum is, how difficult childbirth is!
And then…
Mum passes away. I miss her, but give birth to my Secret Life… A box full of memories; that I can escape and touch the past; the glorious past, that only belongs to me! I can smile with Mum and Dad; tell them I love them; and go out in the garden on a clear night; see their smiling faces; pouring blessings and spirituality on to me; a lovely, satisfying feeling…
Till my baby cries and I wrap away my Secret Life… face reality!