MEHER IS FIVE MONTHS TODAY!!!

This is all about childhood. I don't remember which class I was studying in when my English teacher taught us the difference between childlike and childish... I believe, it was 8th or 9th... way back in 1966 or 1967. The teacher must have really made a mark on us, because even now I can remember what is the difference between these two words. The teacher also explained to us that as you grow you can continue to remain childlike, but people would frown upon you if you remained childish. The lesson's were learnt well but somewhere down the line, while growing up, we all, except some lucky few, loose this ability of retaining our childlike qualities of innocence, frankness and awe and wonder at the things that surround us and impact our senses on a daily basis.

Our childlike behaviour comes back again when we are in the company of little children. However, I personally, and most adults like me, are too busy making a career when our children arrive. We make time for our children but not enough to re-kindle our childlike side completely. God gives us a second chance with our grand children. I have found this noticeable change in myself. Our grand child, 'Meher', was born on 29 Sep 08 and is five months young today. Watching her grow at close quarters for 3 weeks and long distance for the rest of the time has been quite a treat... thanks to video uploading sites like youtube.com, the internet, kodak gallery and many more such modern inventions. We have seen her, heard her and also grown to appreciate how we enter this universe empty handed, helpless, wailing, and dependent, and how this universe nurtures us and gives us all that we need. Meher is also teaching us how to appreciate everything that happens around us - every sight, sound, smell, touch and taste needs to be savoured. Watching her grow helps me establish my link with my long lost child. We both, nana and naani, enjoyed this latest video.


Comments

Indyeah said…
Happy five month Anniversary!:))
to the proud nana nani:)

Meher looks adorable and a real darling:)

yes, so many of us have lost that childlike innocence along the way..but it takes only a moment to reclaim it:)and with such adorable babies around It must be the easiest for you:)

''God gives us a second chance with our grand children.''
I do belive this because I have seen all grandparents trun into babies themselves when they play with their grandkids:)

The memories must be overwhelming and so beautiful at times I suppose...the same childhood all over again:)
Smita said…
Awww!!! She is a sweetheart and you for sure are a very Proud Grand father :-)

Happy 5 Month Anniversary :-)

I always say onething, we all have kid inside us and we shouldn't let it die it helps us survive in this cut throat compt wala world and it gives us a simpler perspective to complex things, what say???
Piper .. said…
what a beautiful post Sir! Meher is such a beautiful little angel! God Bless!
I sometimes wish I could understand the difference between childlike and childish. I for one, continue to be childish I guess. Sometimes I wish it werent so..
J P Joshi said…
Indyeah: Thank you. Yes, it is so much fun being a grand parent - the responsibility rests with your kids and you get all the perks of having a grand child. You not only get to enjoy the childhood of your grand child but also end up appreciating how blessed we are. Sometimes the kid mimics your sounds and sometimes you end up doing the reverse - but it's all good fun.
J P Joshi said…
Smita: Thank you. Agree with you, but somehow it happens... very slowly, and gradually we forget the child inside us - nothing seems to give us pleasure.. when we get one thing, we are already planning the next. I watch Meher and realise that she lives in the present, whereas we adults mostly live in the past or the future, both of which are beyond our control, and that is probably the biggest reason for our problems. Meher is teaching me to live in the present moment.
J P Joshi said…
Piper: Thank you Piper - Meher is sure teaching us new things about life and also helping us rediscover sounds and the sheer joy being alive, that we had forgotten. Lastly, I have read your posts.. and donot believe the childish part to be true.
Smitha said…
JPJ Sir, That was such a touching post! It reminds me of my parents' bond with my daughter.. It is so very special isn' it?
Incidently, I remember my English teacher explaining the difference between childlike and childish too :) Lucky are those amongst us who remain childlike...
J P Joshi said…
Smitha: Yes, this is the most special bond.. you get all the perks minus the responsibility. No, honestly grand children can really make you forget your age.. one has to get down to their level..... and willingly too..it is special, no doubt about that. Our daughter is coming on vacation for 8 weeks in July.. and we are looking forward to her accompanying our latest heart throb to our home. She would help us understand, how to appreciate being alive and living - being childlike. Thank you God for grand children.
Smitha said…
Oh I can imagine how excited you both must be!!! My parents had been waiting so much for us to visit and before we knew it - it was all over :( But every miunte spent with grandparents is precious - and I am sure your granddaughter will really appreciate it as she grows older.. My daughter had a tough time saying goodbye to my parents:( so happy for you!
J P Joshi said…
Thank you Smitha... we know 8 weeks will go by in a flash, but then that is what life is all about, I suppose.