“When Old Thoughts Visit Me” 🌸

 

When old thoughts drift, like evening rain,

Whispering tales of silent pain,

Of roles once held, that gave me less,

I pause — not to dwell, but to bless.

 

I see the strength that time revealed,

The silent scars that gently healed,

The lessons wrapped in quiet strife,

All shaping chapters of my life.

 

A helping hand, so warm, so true,

Gave a ray of hope — a brighter view.

It lit my path, with gentle grace,

And wiped the past without a trace.

 

I am not lost in what was then,

I walk today with wiser pen.

No past regret shall hold my flame,

For I have grown — and shed that name.

 

So let them come, those thoughts once near

I’ll greet them not with shame — but clear

 

“God, Thank you for the path you showed,

But now I choose a lighter load.”

--Devi BS

Yearn for Earning:

I was born in 1970’s in a large family. And those days joint family and among more than half a dozen siblings, I’m the last. Unfortunately, my father passed away at my age of two, my mother was house-wife, and my elder brothers one after the other were the only bread earners and shouldered responsibility till the last child settled, i.e. me. As I grew up in early years, I realized my brothers and sisters love and affection, how hard the days were with extreme poverty and the need for money was crucial.

 

At my 8^th standard, struggles in the family thought me that I should start earning after education and contribute my part to the family. Slowly, that became strong year by year During 1^st year of graduation, one day I expressed my interest to go for job, (my brothers though initially were hesitant as I’m the only girl in the family to go out for work) still they guided me that I should have technical skills to get job after graduation. Simultaneously, I completed graduation and master’s degree there on and got technical certifications and was placed as stenographer in a small Pvt firm during 1990’s. My dream for yearn to earn has come to reality. My happiness knows no bounds, and till today, my nieces and nephews get inspired with my strong desire to be an earning member of those days.

 

And it did not stop at this. When my brothers started looking for an alliance for me, I had strongly expressed my desire to continue working rather than leave job and be a homemaker, I insisted the family who accepts the working woman, is where I stand for myself.

 

As years pass by, I saw clearly — my journey wasn’t just about the income. It was about independence, self-worth, dignity, and the ability to inspire others, especially the young women in my family.

 

Today, I am proud to see not only my nieces but my daughter drawing strength from my story. They see that challenges can be stepping stones, that values and self-belief can coexist, and that the courage to dream is a legacy worth passing on.

 

 Moral of the Story:

True empowerment begins when you choose to rise, even when life gives you every reason to stay down.

            If you are inspired by this, please leave your thoughts in comments.

           --Devi BS

💖A Sparkle of Love: A Father-Daughter Bonding Moment

  

 

When a child is born, a thousand dreams bloom in a parent's heart — dreams of the best education, a joyful home, strong values, and a future filled with light.

 

So, it was with us, the day our daughter came into our lives — a little ray of sunshine in our traditional Hindu family. She was not just our daughter, but our little Goddess Lakshmi, and we were determined to give her the best of everything — love, care, culture, and comfort.

 

Among many cherished moments, one has left a golden imprint on my heart.

 

Our daughter was just five years old — tiny hands, twinkling eyes, and a smile that could melt any worry away. One evening, as usual, her father returned from work, looking calm and quiet — but there was a spark of emotion in his eyes.

 

He called her sweetly. She ran into his arms, giggling and excited. I assumed he brought her a toy or a colouring book, as he often did. But this time, it was different.

 

With great care, he slowly reached into the right pocket of his pant, and there — he pulled out a small box with a delicate Tanishq label on it.

 

As he gently opened it, there they were — tiny gold earrings, star-shaped hanging delicately carved design. They shimmered gently in the light, just like our little one’s eyes.

 

I was stunned. Not because it was gold, but because of the emotion behind it. He had quietly saved from his own small earnings, without a word, just to make this surprise extra special.

 

The way he looked at her — proud, gentle, and emotional — is a moment forever etched in my heart.

 

That small surprise, wrapped in love, lit up our home brighter than any festival. And now, every time the word “gold” comes up in conversation, this golden memory sparkles again — more precious than the earrings themselves.

--Devi BS 

 

 

“The 11th Coach & The Flying Feet!” 🚆

Being the 11th child in my family was like being part of a full cricket team — or better, a train with all coaches packed and rolling! As the youngest of 11 siblings, I was used to chasing attention, but once, I nearly had to chase a whole train!

I was under 8 years old, traveling by train for the first time. Somewhere during the journey, my sister and I got down at a station to fetch water. In the middle of sipping and chatting, I noticed something terrifying — our train was slowly moving and had almost reached the end of the platform.

Panic mode: ON.

I tugged my sister’s hand and ran like my life depended on it. With tiny legs and a giant heart, I outpaced the train (or so I believed!) and we jumped into the last coach — gasping, sweating, but victorious!

The fear was so real, that even today, every train journey flashes back to that mini action movie moment. Years later, I had a hilarious realization: maybe the train was just waiting for the guard — the last coach… ahem, like me — the 11th child!

Apparently, even the trains knew they couldn’t leave without the "tail-end" star of the family. 

--Devi BS

Working with an American boss

 A Journey from Nervousness to Pride

 

In the early 2000s, I was working in a prestigious international organization alongside professionals from around the globe—Americans, British, couple of Asians from China, Japan and Philippines and also fellow Indians. After a couple of years as a secretary, the management reshuffled roles, and I was assigned to report to an American Principal Scientist.

 

It was a warm July day when I first approached his cabin. With a nervous heart, doubts clouding my mind—will I understand his accent? Will I manage his expectations? —I gently knocked on the door. “Excuse me,” I said. He turned swiftly, his shoulder-length greying hair swinging, and in a crisp voice asked, “Yes, what can I do for you?”

 

“I’m your new secretary,” I managed to reply.

Without delay, he said, “Please prepare a draft call for the project kick-off meeting.”

 

Confused and unsure, I drafted something and returned with the draft printout. He barely glanced at it before tearing it in two and tossing it into the bin. I was stunned, terrified. I quietly returned to my desk.

 

A colleague sitting nearby leaned over and said, “Madam, don’t worry—you’ll learn everything.”

His words gave me a sliver of relief, but I still wondered how I would survive.

 

Determined, I requested the boss to give access to his mailbox so I could learn from his correspondence. He agreed, and I spent weeks going through his emails, trying to decode his tone, his expectations, and his style. His accent, initially difficult, slowly became familiar. Within six months, I could draft his responses with ease—and soon, he simply said, “Go ahead and send this,” without a single correction.

 

With every task I completed, my confidence grew. I took ownership of daily operations and supported him like a true professional. Over the 6 years and 6 months that followed, we built mutual respect. I saw not just a strict boss, but a treasure of knowledge, man who valued discipline, respected Indian traditions, and never questioned my need for family time or festivals.

 

When it came time to move on in pursuit of my career, he organized a farewell gathering. In front of a large team, he spoke warmly of my journey—how I had learned, adapted, and thrived. One sentence from him has remained etched in my memory ever since:

“I’m losing my right hand.”

 

That day, I left not just with goodbyes, but with a deep sense of pride—in my growth, and the trust I had earned.

--Devi BS

 

Little Mind, Big Wonders” ✨👶💭

When my daughter was just two, her tiny world was full of big discoveries—and oh, what a joy it was to watch her connect the dots in the most unexpected ways. 

One sunny afternoon, I sat with her and a bright animal chart, teaching her the names one by one.  She loved it, especially the horse with its flowing name. She’d point at it, whispering “horse” like it was a magical word. 

The next day, a little water spilled on the floor.  Before I could react, her tiny voice rang out, “Horse! Horse!”  

Confused, I turned—and there she was, her finger pointing excitedly at the shape in the water. 

To her, that random splash had reminder of beloved chart-horse. I couldn’t stop smiling.  Her little brain had remembered so well, and even matched shapes. What an artist of imagination she was already becoming! 

And then there was her coffee moment. 

I was brewing coffee, and carrying her on my left arm, with her little eyes wide open, she started curiously watching the rich brown liquid swirl and steam.  A simple scene, I thought.

But days later, while returning from work, we walked past a borewell pump gushing muddy brown water.  She stopped, wide-eyed, tugged my hand and shouted, “So much coffee!”  

I burst out laughing.  That’s how beautifully her world worked—new sights, old memories, and endless wonder. 

She was just two. But in her tiny world, everything had meaning.  And in mine, she was the cutest little storyteller life could ever gift me. 

She is  cutest and adorable daughter I have .

--Devi BS

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Mid 50's

Mid 50’s:

Stepping into the mid-50s feels like reaching a scenic viewpoint after a long climb — not the end, but a peaceful, powerful pause with a wider view of life.

 Personally...

Responsibilities that once consumed my every thought have gently faded into the background. With child grown up and the rhythm of family life more settled, there’s a quiet confidence that comes from knowing I did my part.

Financially, I stand on steady ground. The years of planning, saving, and balancing have borne fruit. I no longer chase, but choose.

Emotionally, I’ve matured into someone who no longer reacts instantly, but responds with grace. Spiritual growth has become more important — I find meaning not just in rituals, but in reflection, silence, and presence.

 

One of life’s sweetest rewards at this stage is the respectful love I receive from the younger generation — especially my child and extended family. Watching them grow has filled my heart with pride and joy. I often revisit those adorable moments — their little scribbles on walls, innocent questions, sleepy hugs, and their first “I love you” whispered into my ear. Those memories are no less than treasure chests of warmth.

My bond with spouse has deepened in ways I couldn’t have imagined in the earlier whirlwind years. Together, we’ve weathered storms and shared celebrations. In silence or laughter, there is comfort — a companionship that stands firm through both sunshine and shadow.

As for the rest of the family, the ties that bind us have only grown stronger. Whether it’s joyful gatherings or standing by each other in sorrow, there is an unspoken understanding — a dependable warmth that surrounds me like a soft, familiar blanket.

My elder siblings, now retired, are not just family but companions in shared reflection. Their availability adds meaning to my thoughts — often turning simple chats into wisdom-filled exchanges.

Socially, I feel more open than ever. I can sense people’s energies quickly and engage meaningfully. I’ve also tuned my mindset to move with the times — not resisting change, but learning, adapting, and even enjoying new ways of thinking and living. Whether it is technology, evolving social norms, or fresh ways of seeing the world — I embrace growth without losing my roots.

Health and personal care, once pushed to the side, are now front and center. Not out of vanity, but because this body, this vessel of mine, deserves care and celebration for carrying me through life’s many chapters.

Professionally...

Work no longer feels like a race, but a rhythm I’ve learned to dance to. There’s deep job satisfaction in knowing I contribute with experience and insight.

My network is genuine — built over the years on trust, support, and shared goals.

I’ve secured my family’s future with thoughtful savings and for the family. There’s peace in knowing that they’ll be supported, even in my quiet absence one day.

Most importantly, I’ve achieved emotional balance. What once caused stress or sleepless nights is now met with calm and perspective. That’s the beauty of this phase — I no longer carry every weight; I’ve learned what to hold and what to release.

At mid-50's, I don’t feel “older.”

I feel lighter, wiser, and deeply grateful.

This is a season of reflection, but also of celebration. A season of peace, purpose, and people —

My people. My journey. My Joy!! 

--Devi BS