Looking back a decade. ..

Seems like yesterday, when we were sitting in the hall, and you announced as a matter of fact. .. i have asked appa amma to say ok to them. It didn't quite sink in that moment. It felt weird though. That you were going to be a different person very soon, you were going to be a wife, and not just my sister. I had to prepare myself to accept that there was no other choice. I had to share you with someone else. I still remember the first time i saw you remove plates, how i broke down. How silly of me. It took a while for me to realise what the chore meant deep inside. When i look back today, i am happy and thankful, i have a million good things to talk about the last ten years.
The good times - how happiness multiplies very easily. Those vacations. Those trips back home. The visits to dwaraka and brindaranyam (not to forget the vethala paakku that came with it). The retail therapy and impulse shopping. Those unofficial online shoppings and the confusion today of who gave what.
The tough times - how you stuck together despite everything. The belief that time and effort can heal. The acceptance that you drew and the gratitude, of how every minute you have instances to be thankful for. And mean it. The tears that we shed and derived hope from it. And the light finally that shone.
They say save the best for the last, so here goes. The family around you were gifted with. A mother in law to talk to without hesitation, when you were happy and sad . A like minded sister in law (need i say more) who radiates unconditional love. Another sister, four days younger to me, who gave you the joy of being a sister all over again. A co sister who adores you, and today more than a family, is your friend. And what came first - your husband. Someone, lets be frank here, who was patient with your atrocities, who stood by you no matter what, who gave you not just a shoulder, but the maturity you needed. The love that grew between you all this while is quite unimaginable, standing the test of time.
Not just from your perspective but from theirs too. A family who loves you, rejoices you, respects you and celebrates you.
Today, as i look back, i am thankful for all the good times; the strength, the lessons and faith we gathered from those testing times; the wonderful people around you, who make your life daily, who instill love in you as a matter of routine, as a matter of instinct; and lastly your better half who completes your life in all ways. Wait a minute. He's just a quarter now. Once again, lastly, i am thankful for the other half of you, the handsome charming fire truck driver and the princess who drive you crazy in more ways that you can imagine and are a living proof of faith and gratitude.

Thank you God.
Cheers
Hopie