Wishing Grandmother a Joyous Eid 2024

This year, we celebrated Eid outside the city, so we were unable to meet our relatives and friends. However, upon returning to Karachi, our first priority was to visit my Grandmother and wish her a Happy Eid. I've mentioned this several times before, but I feel incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful family and upbringing that has instilled in me the values and importance of familial bonds. Each time I see my Grandmother, I feel immense happiness knowing she's there to offer her prayers and support. Her presence is invaluable to us all, and I can sense the joy she feels when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren.

We returned to Karachi on the 18th and visited my Grandmother on the 20th. She was with one of my Aunts. Honestly speaking, I don't often find the time, or perhaps it's just sheer laziness, to visit my relatives regularly. It had been about six months since I last visited this aunt. Despite her consistent complaints and requests for visits with my family, my busy life always seemed to provide the same lame excuse. This time, however, with the desire to see my Grandmother, I made the effort to go, accompanied by my parents and elder son.

As expected, both my grandmother and my aunt were overjoyed to see us. Unfortunately, my wife and other child couldn't join us due to illness, prompting my Aunt to comment, once again, on their absence. I recall how she used to care for us and play with us in my childhood, imparting valuable lessons and sharing moral stories. Those were truly golden days. But as time has passed, we've all grown up, gotten married, and embarked on our own paths. Yet, whenever we reunite, those cherished memories come flooding back, and it feels as though we're transported to the same carefree times of 30 years ago.

My Aunt is an excellent cook; the delicious meals from our childhood visits to our Grandfather's house still linger in my memory. So, on this occasion, we requested she make her famous Pakoras, a snack we all adore. Even though we had already eaten lunch at home, the Pakoras and fruit salad she prepared for us made for a delightful hi-tea.

After receiving Eidi from Grandmother, my son busied himself with my little cousin, my Aunt's daughter. They played games on the mobile and then found a ball to run around with, bringing smiles to both my Grandmother and Aunt. It was heartening to see my Grandmother's improved health, though there was still a hint of frailty due to her age. We wished her a long, healthy life filled with happiness and everlasting smiles.

All above pictures are taken by me through my Father's Cell phone.