The Surname of Light
The theme of this bloghop was an invitation I couldn't ignore. I had a draft ready in my mind, waiting for the house to go quiet so I could finally pen it down.
As I tucked my son in, I used his full name. “Aadi Parekh, let’s close our eyes.”
Off he started his chants. “Maman Parekh,” “Papa Parekh,” “Dada Parekh,” “Dadi Parekh.” I smiled in the dimness. He knows our names, but he chose to anchor our formal family title to our designated roles. I was about to tell him how cute he was, assuming the census of our home was complete.
“Light Parekh,” he whispered.
I paused. My instinct was to correct him—to say that light isn't family. I caught the words before they left my lips. I saw the warmth on his face, a look of genuine recognition. I repeated “Light Parekh” with a hint of a question, waiting for the punchline of a toddler’s joke.
He didn’t laugh. He looked at the floor lamp and smiled warmly.
I stayed awake that night, my original draft forgotten. A two-year-old had just dismantled my definition of home.
I could have explained that family is about people—those who stand with us and the bloodlines that define our history. Those roots are sacred. But my son sees the world through a pure heart. To him, the light brings joy and comforts him against the darkness. It is always present, just as we expect family to be.
His logic didn’t take away from our bloodlines; it simply reminded me that while our kin are our foundation, family can also be the ones chosen by us. It made me ponder that those who are unable to meet their kin in their life time might not be truly alone. If a two year old can find a brother in a lamp, perhaps I can find a mentor in a shelf of books.
I am reconfiguring what this word speaks to me. Does family to you restrict to your kin? Is it something that has life? Or something that is your life?
Whatever it be, I pray you always have your Family with you. In whichever form.
This post is a part of ‘Fam Jam Blog hop’ hosted by Manali Desai and Sukaina Majeed under #EveryConversationMatters blog hop series.
I completely agree with your toddler. Home and family can mean completely different things to different people. I too have a floor lamp that I absolutely love, that spells 'home' for me and of course there are my bookshelves. Sometimes children can come up with the most perceptive ideas.
ReplyDeleteThat’s really sweet. It’s true family and home is such an individual thing. So much to learn from these little minds.
DeleteThis was sweet and enlightening. No doubt, sometimes our children teach us things beyond our rigid perspective. I agree, family is anyone (bloodline or not) and anything that brings joy, support, comfort and warmth to our hearts!
ReplyDeleteThank you! That’s so true.
DeleteYour little one is so wise and the way he interprets light absolutely heartwarming! All of us have special keepsakes that are close to our hearts... almost like family. I loved the warmth in your post.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much ! 😊
DeleteOnly a child could come with such simple brilliance! Totally agree with your son's perspective. Just posts illumine some dark, forgotten parts of our mind! Kudos
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteAadi has sweeped a master stroke this time, love to him.
ReplyDeleteBloodline or not, anyone who wishes well is family, according to me.
Brilliant! No wonder 'child is the father of man'! I love the idea of books and bookshelves being an integral part of a family... but they are in some homes, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteThank you! Books surely are the best friend I’ve always had and for so many of us. But somehow yet when it comes to saying who is family.. not many of us say books or another object that’s dear to us. The society might laugh infact if we do.
DeleteAh! From the mouth of babes, certainly! Yes, family can be inanimate object that make us feel safe and secure. For me I think it will be the armchair where I sit to readd, and my books!
ReplyDeleteOh that sounds perfect. A cozy chair and a book! Thank you so much for reading!
DeleteThis was a beautiful read. The title drew me in, but it was the emotion behind the words that stayed with me. Some pieces make you pause and reflect, and this was one of them.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! That means a lot 🙏
DeleteYes, we can consider anything that supports us and holds us as family. Deep words from a little child. Loved your article.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteInteresting. We have so much to learn from our kids. This post is an eye opener and leaves us with a lot of thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteSuch a cute post. Light Parekh indeed ! We have much to learn from the babies
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteKids are so pure at heart, they end up teaching us something new everyday! 😄
ReplyDelete