Anna Shepturova TP in Ukraine
Anubha Khandelwal TP in India
This is about the best person in my childhood, the heroine of a special story, the story of my life. Vira, my grandmother, who carried my whole world on her shoulders, was an herbalist. She understood nature, knew a lot of different plants, and knew exactly which one she needed. From her very childhood, my grandmother was a recluse. Her father was the only close person she had then. Her mother and brothers died of star- vation in 1933. To forget all the bad experiences she had gone through, she spent time in the field, observing nature and hiding from everyone. Even then, my grandmother felt a great power and knowledge of anoth- er world hidden in nature. Later, my Vira was taken to an orphanage, where years of cruelty and bullying from other kids awaited her. But my Vira did not give up because she knew she was free from conventions and social expectations. Then, a lifetime-long journey begins. My grandmother got her wings – my grandfather, who loved her till his last breath. I spent my childhood with my grandparents. There were no prohibitions or restrictions. With them, I could be myself. My grandmother took me to the forest at dawn to get some herbs. She taught me to love nature because she possessed the wisdom of many years of experience and the love of an understand- ing heart. I grew up. My grandmother grew old. The day came to say goodbye. Her hands still smelt of herbs and summer. My Vira was dying, and I didn’t want to believe it. “Promise me, my little bird, that you will run barefoot through the grass and sing. That you will not be afraid to make the world better.” Years have passed, and I still feel my grandmother’s presence in my life. I am a young soul in an aging body, carrying a spark of love, courage, wisdom, and strength, the spark my Vira carried through the years of her difficult life to pass to future generations.
My dearest son, From the moment you came into this world, we have been fighters to - gether. Our journey began in the NICU, where we spent sleepless nights side by side, holding on to hope, fighting for life itself. Every single day was a battle, but you, my little warrior, emerged stronger. As you grew, our journey took a new turn. Hand in hand, we walked into daycare, where you gave me the strength to chase my corporate dreams. The time we spent together in the cab—those precious moments when I became your first teacher, teaching you alphabets, poems, and little life lessons—will always be my favorite classroom. Even when life threw challenges at you, like your adenoids problem, you never let anything stop you. You made it into the dream school I always wished for you, and since then, you’ve continued to shine. Watching you excel academically, seeing your excitement when you show me your homework, and feeling your tight hugs when I come back from work— those are the moments that make my heart swell with pride. I still remember the day you stood behind my laptop, curious and wide- eyed, and whispered, “Mumma, why is everyone saying thank you to you?” When I told you that I was their trainer, and my session had just ended, your little voice said, “Mumma, I want to be like you when I grow up.” That was one of the proudest moments of my life. My dear boy, I am eagerly waiting to see you grow into whoever you wish to be. No matter what you choose, know that I will always be your biggest cheerleader, your strongest supporter, and the one who believes in you the most. Take care, my love. Keep shining. With all my love, Mumma
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SOURCE OF INSPIRATION
LETTERS TO MOTHERS
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