An Open Letter to my Mama (Maternal Uncle)

Dear Mama,

Do you remember how when I was in school I used to come to Thane to stay with you and Ajji Ajoba in my summer vacations? You used to take a leave for a day and take me on Mumbai Darshan. We used spend the whole day chit chatting, eating out, doing anything we felt like. That was my best part of the vacation. After that each day you would be busy with your hospitals, patients, cases. Even at night you would not have much time to spend with us. I felt that as patients strangers got more right over your time than I did as your niece. I hated that.

A few years later when I moved in with you and mami during MBA our equation changed. I had grown older, more mature and I had accepted your prioritisation of patients as a part of your job. Besides I used to be busy with my studies, exams, assignments, friends. Even then I remember how you used to take me out for movies at fort or jogging at Marine drive on weekends. We used to go eating out at fine restaurants and tell each other stories. During those days you became my caregiver, my confidante and my best friend. Those past feelings of reproach decreased.

And now when our country is fighting a war with one of the worst pandemics in history and looking up to doctors to save lives, I realise with clarity what I missed during those years. You were not giving me less importance, you were saving lives. When the second wave started gaining momentum and I tested positive I turned to you. And you did all - right from prescribing medications, to alleviating my fears, from checking in on me everyday to referring me to physiotherapist for breathing techniques - everything. You were busy with critical patients, commute between different hospitals, and yet you took out time each day even though my symptoms were mild. And I realised how privileged I was to be able to call you family.

Even now I don't think I understand the complexities of your job. In the current scary situation I feel the only people who are somewhat in control are you doctors. And I know that you are fighting sleep, hunger, exhaustion to try and save lives. You are also somehow finding time for Ajji Ajoba, for enquiring about our health and responding to our messages.

So I just want to say that I love you for being you, for doing what you do and for being my mama. I am immensely proud that I am your niece and you will always be a hero for me! Take care, be safe! 


Lots of love,

Amu 

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