I’m reminiscing of the time when stopping and chatting with neighbours was commonplace, rather than unusual, writes Madhu Chakola
This translation has been automatically generated and has not been verified for accuracy.First Person is a daily personal piece submitted by readers. Have a story to tell? See our guidelines atI get admonished by my daughter every time I strike conversations with strangers. “Mom,” she says, “you’ll get into trouble some day. Can’t you ever keep to yourself!” I brush aside her hissings. Oh, how I enjoy flashing a smile or whispering an encouragement to unknown people.
Another time, while waiting for a dentist appointment, the mother in me sprang out when I noticed a young girl crying. I put my arm around her involuntarily, whispering if I could be of any help. She lifted her tear-soaked face and said no one could help her. Surprisingly, she didn’t ask me to leave her alone. I continued to hold her lightly for quite some time until she was called in to the dentist.
During the early stages of the pandemic, I felt disoriented. It is difficult to curb a genuine flow of exuberant spirit and it was painful not being my usual self. Working from home kept me inside and, of course, I would call up family and friends and narrate positive, funny anecdotes to lighten the mood.
I focused on the nature around me instead. Never before had I noticed how bravely the grass breaks through the thawed soil and rolls out the green carpet. I listened to birds chattering away and watched squirrels scampering around and the occasional bunny hopping in wide-eyed wonder.
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