#676
Our recent 20-day trip to Cupertino and Foster City was nothing short of a heartwarming adventure, filled with the joy of meeting our grandson, Samarth, for the first time. At just under 40 days old, he’s already stealing hearts and teaching us that time flies faster than we can imagine. Weeks, months, and years will slip by, and before we know it, Samarth will be taking his first steps, speaking his first words, and carving his own path in this world. That’s life, isn’t it? A beautiful whirlwind of moments that feel both fleeting and eternal.
A Name Full of Meaning
During our visit, we celebrated a special family moment by naming our little one “Raghunandan” for the traditional naming ceremony, a name steeped in cultural significance, invoking blessings from Lord Vishnu. It was a proud moment for me, as the family warmly embraced both names I suggested. For everyday love and affection, we’ll call him “Samarth,” a name that reflects strength and capability—qualities we already see twinkling in his tiny eyes. The elders showered their blessings, and it felt like a beautiful blend of tradition and new beginnings, a moment that resonated deeply with our Indian roots.
Samarth’s Playful Antics
Samarth is thriving under the careful guidance of his pediatrician, growing stronger and more curious by the day. But don’t let his innocent face fool you—he’s already a master of mischief! He’s taken to playfully soiling his parents, Shravan and Sangeetha, with an accuracy that’s almost comical. And the pacifier? Oh, he knows it’s not the real deal and tosses it aside with a cheeky determination, as if to say, “Milk, please, and nothing less!” These little pranks have us all laughing, reminding us of the joy and unpredictability that babies bring into our lives.
The Grandparent Glow
Lalitha and I found ourselves utterly captivated by Samarth. Everything else—work, routines, even the world outside—seemed to fade into the background. It’s a feeling that’s hard to describe, but I realized it’s not new. My father shared the same sentiment when my daughter Radha was born in 1992. It’s as if grandchildren have a magical way of making everything else feel insignificant. A dear friend put it perfectly: “Grandkids are the interest you earn on the investment you made in your children.” And oh, what a delightful return on investment Samarth is proving to be!
For my fellow Indian grandparents reading this, you’ll understand the overwhelming pride and love that comes with holding your grandchild. It’s a universal feeling, yet deeply personal, rooted in our culture’s reverence for family and legacy. Samarth’s tiny hands have already wrapped us around his little finger, and we’re happily surrendered to this new chapter of life.
The Bittersweet Goodbye and a Joyful Reunion Ahead
Leaving Samarth to catch our flight back home was no easy task. Lalitha and I practically had to drag ourselves to the airport, our hearts heavy with the thought of being miles away from our little bundle of joy. But there’s a silver lining that keeps us going—Radha’s baby shower is just around the corner, scheduled for my birthday on November 30th in San Jose. It’s a beautiful coincidence that we’ll celebrate my special day with family, surrounded by love and the anticipation of meeting Samarth again. Another couple of weeks with him is a gift we can’t wait to unwrap.
A Message to My Readers
To all my readers, I hope this resonates with you. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or dreaming of the day you’ll hold your own grandchild, know that these moments are what make life so rich. Samarth has reminded us that amidst the chaos of work and daily responsibilities, it’s family that anchors us. Share your own stories in the comments—I’d love to hear about the little ones who light up your lives!
Until we meet again in San Jose, Samarth, keep growing, keep pranking, and keep filling our hearts with joy.
Karthik
29th Sep 2025
9am.
No comments:
Post a Comment