The sights, the sounds and the smells of India are unique in every sense of the word. In a good way, it is an assault on ones senses. The trip home was good for my soul and for my psyche. I spent twelve incredible days surrounded by family, and those that I love. The trip down memory lane, after eight long years, took me back to my days as a young boy. The places, the people, and the surroundings were all too familiar. The connections to my childhood, and to my life were vivid, and helped define who I am today. I can’t believe it took me so long to get back to my roots.
We spent countless hours reminiscing about our childhood, about Mom and Dad, and the siblings that have moved to the heavens above. There was endless laughter, many tears and a multitude of hugs that will have to suffice till my next trip. I spent a significant amount of time lost in my own head, trying to relive my journey from a small town to my life today, as an educator. It has been quite the ride, to say the least.
There is great joy and solace for us to reconnect with our roots – to find our bearings again and to create perspective. It was so rewarding to slow down the mind, and the pace of life. I plan to go back home to visit more often. Somewhere in those narrow crowded streets of a small town in India lurks that little boy that helped make me who I am today.
About Hemant Rustogi