28 Years...already?
August 19th, 1987 - The first day in 28 years of married life for my mom, and dad and what has now been the first 28 years of the Mangalam-Venkatachalapathi family tree. That's two years more than how old I am (let's quietly skip over the fact that I just mentioned in passing what my age is haha...)Fast forward to August 19th, 2015Dear mom, and even more dearer dad.With each passing year, you continue to amaze me with the chemistry you two share. I would be lying if I told my friends that it's been a smooth ride the past 28 years for you both. On the contrary, you've had seen so many ups and downs that I tend to lose track of everything that's happened. I'm sure (and I know you agree) most of the fights you two have had are because of something stupid(obviously...) that Gautham and I did. There's been so many moments when I've been so mad at you for making me do stuff that I hated. There's been times when I wondered why you were acting way you did. But now as I reflect back on the times we spent together, I realize each and every thing you taught me was for a reason. Thanks for not losing faith in me, and believing I had potential to get to where I am right now.These 28 years (26 for me) have taught us something new each day, whether we liked it or not. Dad, I remember how you keep telling me that without mom, you're nothing. I don't think I have ever told you (rather not wanted to admit) that without you and mom, I'm nothing. I am where I am, doing the things I do, being 'independent' the way I am, because you taught me that.I know you've sacrificed a lot to see my brother and I happy. Leaving the US and a career behind, because you wanted us to grow up in India, moving constantly so that we were always close to our school, never hesitating to spend on us, not thinking for even a split second...making our lives so comfortable just to make sure that we never went through what you did...thank you for all that you two have done for us. I'm trying real hard not to cry right now...I just guess I miss my family even more now than ever. I guess that's because, no matter what, when I was in India you, mom, Gautham, and I used to go to Tirupathi every year on this date. I miss that family time we had. I'm missing this very important day for the 4th year in row now. I'll try to make sure I don't miss it 5 times in a row.Ok..enough of the sad emotions, and tears :) As you step into the 29th year of this very special relationship you two share, I only hope (and secretly want) that you spend the rest of your married life on yourselves. Mom, and dad - your kids have grown up. It's time for you to get all the time you sacrificed on us, back. HAPPY 28th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.With lots of love, tons of hugs, and kissesK <3