The well that never dried

Dad has always been sentimental about our home and we’re all, of course, very proud of our home. Dad loves it because he was the only one among his siblings to build a home on ancestral land. He has always felt that there are special blessings because of that.

Until a few years ago, I would just smile politely and never quite understood the depth of my father’s belief. However, during a prolonged drought a few years ago, I knew what it meant.

Our little village is ensconced on the slope of a huge hill. The homes are surrounded by vast, green stretches of rubber trees and palms. The serene green surroundings are refreshing to the mind. Yet, there came a time in this haven when water became scarce.

First the ponds dried up, then the wells dried up. Soon piped water began to be rationed out. The rationing became scarcer and dad realized our well though deeper than usual, had plenty of water. Soon neighbors flocked in for the water, then their neighbors.

And the well had only more to give. I remember expressing a concern about too many people emptying the well, when my dad gave me a classic response – the more water you draw out, the more the well fills up.

Now was there an all-important principle there on giving. Of course, that changed my life! Our little neighborhood had enough water until the skies darkened with rain again.

Ever since, our well has become legendary and I have learnt something very valuable not just about giving but also about being in our parents’ blessing.

Picture credit: keepers-of-the-well.org

My beautiful Home

My Home is full of treasures. The treasures are not so much things as memories. I remember the first time I stayed at Home. The floor was not so smooth. The walls were bare. Electrical fittings were just the bare minimum. It was more of a shell than a home but the rooms resounded with happiness - laughter, playful antics, birds chirping, delicious aromas from mama’s kitchen – the list goes on.

After a day packed with vacation work, I lay down to discover dancing moonbeams on my bed. I got up to find out how they had found their way into my room, as it was the very first time that I had to share my bed with moonbeams. The light summer breeze invited me to participate in their secret dance under the silvery lights of the skies. The stars were plentiful. Tall, majestic trees shadowed all sources of human lights. In the magical light of the night, I saw the undulating hills stretching and rolling over the land as far as I could see.

It was a truly captivating moment. My heart was bursting at its seams with a rare kind of joy. It was then that my Home, incomplete as it was, became the warm nest of my dreams. Now I know why I love going back Home, again and again – it's where my heart is.

Picture credit: allposters.com

My four-legged friend at home

I went home after 6 months. That’s a long time considering I used to be a regular at home every four weeks. Home is a beautiful place surrounded by tall rubber trees where the sun plays peek-a-boo with terra firma. Besides mom, dad, wonderful memories of life, love and laughter, Home is also the abode of a golden beauty called Nancy, a German Shepherd mix. Her gold fur (well, almost!) is punctuated with white on the tips of her paws and her tail. (Which is why I suggested calling her Tipsy and mom was not too excited with the name.) She’s just 8 months old now and I can watch her lively puppy antics forever! Of course, she’s added a lot of color to my parents’ life.

I’ve always been the one with a soft heart for animals. So when she goes through a disciplining session with dad or my brother, I’m eagerly looking for a way to rescue her.

Her eyes are beautiful. When she smiles, my heart sings. To everyone’s happiness, she’s growing up fast, which means she’s already as tall as I am when she stands on her hind legs.

She loves to stand tall and kiss my nose. Of course, she expects a hug in return or I pay for my absent-mindedness with a sharp nip from her.

She’s beautiful, inside-out and I’m so grateful that I share my life with her.

Thanks, Nan.

Picture credit: Amarillospca.org

Home sweet home

What is it about home and family that makes me smile? Why do I feel I can be just me when I’m at home? What secret ingredients are parents made of? What do they do to their voices to get that one special tone can make you feel loved and complete? What exclusive spices does mom use to communicate her love through her cooking? What is it about dad’s assurances that make you feel you can conquer every circumstance in this world? Why does my bro’s bear hug tinged with after-shave linger on even when he’s no longer there?

I don’t have answers to these questions. But, I sure am glad, that there is such an entity as family, created in the eternal wisdom of God.

Picture credit: mnartists.org