AGE IS JUST A NUMBER

Some of us love going on holidays at least once in a year with our families, friends or even alone. But have you ever thought about going on a trip with your aged parents? If not yet then start planning and go on a memorable trip with them and create experiences that you will cherish forever.

KERALA is south India’s most serenely beautiful state and one of the most popular tourist destination in the world both for Indians as well as for foreigners. It has beautiful beaches , backwaters , mountain ranges and wild life sanctuaries. The capital city of the state is Thiruvananthapuram. Most of the people in Kerala speak Malayalam and English. More than 95% of people are literate.

Varkala is one of the amazing place in Kerala – God’s own Country . It’s a coastal town in the south India state of Kerala. A perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.Head there if you want peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is accessible through cars or buses from both kochi and Trivandrum. Varkala beaches are less crowded and are very clean. It’s well known for its dramatic sunsets , Ayurvedic massages . Maximum leisure can experience. The Varkala beach is an ideal location for sun bathing and swimming surrounded by lush green areas and golden sands. What else one can ask for when on a holiday with your loved ones. 

We felt very fortunate to have our own beautiful sea facing resort at Varkala “ Miracle by the Bay ” – simply yours. It is conveniently located close to the steps that lead down to the beach .One can definitely spend whole day there doing nothing just chill and relax viewing the beautiful sea and enjoying the sound of waves.This resort offers an amazing view of Sunrise and sunset , you will have a clear view of the sun as it slowly sinks down the horizon seeing the sunset sitting at one of the chair sipping a cup of coffee or tea is an amazing feel. The view is mesmerising . I have been to so many beaches but trust me Varkala beach is one of the best beaches of India. Whenever me and my husband gets a chance to visit India we make a point to go to Varkala for at least 10 to 15 days that I am so fond of beaches and very excited to meet our lovely guests from all over the world. It is such a beautiful place you don’t feel like coming back from there. This time we had lot of things to do in India so many marriages were there so couldn’t make it too long. It was a short trip to Varkala for 5 days only but very very special and memorable one . There’s a lot to learn from each and every person you meet. Are you guys ready to hear the true inspirational story of perseverance and strength. Here it comes-

I was awake early the next morning sat there with my mother in law talking and enjoying the incredible ocean view . Not long after I saw a very graceful old lady coming down from the stairs holding hand of her daughters heading towards the  breakfast table , her back bent looking beautiful wearing a floral dress and had no make up on except for a touch of pink lipstick loved her sense of fashion , wearing little chunky pieces of jewellery , stylish sunglasses , lovely bright shade of nail paint ,her hair was shining bright in the sunshine , her eyebrows knitted, she had wrinkle on her face but lines on her face made her look so cute and a shocking amount of passionate energy. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Hats off to the strong mom and her strong daughters because people at her age generally begins to wither. It was none other but our most lovable guest 95yrs old lady who came to stay in our resort for 3 months with her lovely gorgeous daughters all the way from UK. We simply smiled at each other and said hello ,she warmly hugged me within no time we were discussing every thing families, wonderful experiences , politics and what not. It seemed like we were not out of topics to discuss . She was so real . Her honest emotions touched the soul of my heart and reminded me of my own grandmothers . Her speech was determined, a woman with wisdom, I would call her an elegant soul who personifies beauty and has conducted herself so beautifully in life as well, very soft spoken and liked by whoever has come in contact with her. We kept encountering each other and were together for most of the afternoon. I still think about them sometimes after coming back to Singapore .

I can still remember how positive and wonderful they are .They have made a special place in my heart , always smiling give me lot of blessings and invaluable advices . I have never talked to anyone of our guest for so long. There was something special in her which makes her so unique and perfect. Each time she surprised me with new facets in her to love . She is immensely wise , has an elephantine memory . She told me about her 90th birthday celebration, how her family members surprised her , her grandsons played guitar , what song they sung for her , she remembered everything . Mother daughters duo who had come to enjoy elegant teas, swimming, shop for clothes, accessories, experience tuk tuk ride through beautiful streets of Varkala, visit saloon to pamper themselves, explore Varkala, finally stop by a cafe , lying around the resort lawn with their skin exposed laughing and generally just soaking up the sun.

I am also very attached to my parents was so happy to see three of them enjoying their life to the fullest . TOUCHWOOD wishing them many more such trips and may this beautiful bond of mother daughter always stay same forever . Now days people are so busy with their day to day schedules that taking time off work to be with their aging parent is very difficult for them .Isolation, loneliness are the most common issues among elderly people . It may be compounded by health issues or vice versa  many older people tend to stay at home complain and grumble a lot so we have to be more patient and tolerant of each other. They set an example for all those people. After looking at them I have realised that how you feel or live your life is more important. Age is just a number. One can achieve anything on any age. All we need is determination to do great things irrespective of age. So I thought I would conduct a little mother daughter interview with her to share her strategies for aging gracefully with you all as well . 

GANPATI BAPPA MORAYA MANGAL MURTI MORAYA

It was so one of the most heart warming moments of my life I am so glad that she made a trip to Varkala. It was so good to meet all three of them . I wish I would have had more time to talk but perhaps that will happen very soon. Hope they visit us again soon. I have asked her so many questions and she answered them all very gracefully. Age couldn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams and wishes of travelling to different countries. Last year she was in Texas for a holiday. She is a true inspiration to all of us. Here’s a look at her advice and the secret  behind her ageless beauty that make 95 years old so fit .

She  has a wonderful family blessed with two beautiful daughters and 2 lovely grandchildren who are always there to care and love her .She love going out for dinner with family.Every three weeks she visit saloon which is walking distance from her house for manicure, pedicure and hairdo. She has 23 years of an experience in catering < house cook>. She worked as a supervisor with a team of 25 people. She used to serve food to 800-1000 kids aged between 11 to 18 years. She believed in doing things herself instead of getting things done from others. She even taught her daughters to cook . She is the biggest pillar of strength in the family. She had struggled a lot  but she didn’t give up. She has undergone many surgeries like her both knees got replaced , partially blind, spinal cord problem but does not let life beat her. At the age of 70 she lost her husband due to prolonged illness. Everybody asked her how she will manage now. she dedicated her self raising her grandchildren. The house was also not in a good condition .To distract herself she started doing painting, sealing the surface , plaster , swapping out fixtures, refinishing or laying new flooring etc and ready the house in few months. She took everything in her stride and single handedly managed. She said if you wish for something , make it come true. whenever she is in stress she works and the same thing she taught to her daughters and grandchildren also.She does do her own laundry, ironing, washes the dishes, she is an early riser, She never use stick, so active , travelling and socialising. According to her anyone can have fitness like her at this age just you have to be disciplined on your diet and you must exercise regularly don’t forget to love yourself.Her elder daughter looking fondly at her mother and shared one of  the funniest as well as nightmare experience. On 8th January 2018 her mother experienced minor discomfort like aching sensation in her arms that spread to her neck  she thus ignored and went to a saloon to get manicure , pedicure and hairdo as she is very fond of all these things. Actually it was heart attack as scary as it sounds. She is not scared of death but she worry about living .

INVALUABLE LIFE SKILLS learnt from her are as follows-

  • Make a mind and do it. Do today don’t wait till tomorrow
  • Have a strong and healthy mindset
  • Don’t leave out your daily exercise . Physical activeness is key to a healthy long life.
  • Love and pamper urself
  • Don’t let that rocking chair take over you
  • Nurture your close relationships
  • Stay calm despite great difficulties
  • Work towards financial independence
  • Travelling with your loved ones 
  • Stay connected
  • Keep yourself busy don’t sit idle thinking something irrelevant

The society uses your age to suppress you but you have to break their stigma and should fly like a free bird.

People are always more memorable than any other thing in the world. She was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip. Wow, what an amazing role model . She is an inspiration for a lot of people as she has gained it all. It is an outcome of her dedication , hard work and patience . She set an example for all those young , middle or aged people who thinks life is completed and no longer living. 

ASK YOURSELF 

DO YOU WANT TO BE LIVE LIKE MRS. OSLA ALEXANDRA ?

Comments 27

  • Hi,

    Very inspiring and thought-provoking article.. makes us re-think how to have greater engagement with our parents

  • Very engaging and a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

  • Thank you for sharing such an inspirational story.

  • Such a great inspiring information that shared and very much inspired to plan the holiday trips with family and parents.

  • Very beautifully written dr,,i was totally engrossed…thanks for sharing and will wait for more such inspirational stories..

  • Very beautiful and inspiring story.

  • Such a beautiful article.. so heart touching. Loved how u explained everything in such simple words. Hope to meet u soon n hear such inspirational stories from you. Lots of love😘

  • Such a beautiful article.. so heart touching. Loved how u explained everything in such simple words. Hope to meet u soon n hear such inspirational stories from you. Lots of love😘

    • Absolutely i would love to . Had a great time with you all. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, they mean a lot to me. I truly appreciate it.lots of love and best wishes.

  • Good inspirational story with a very good narration. Can feel ur urge to share the experience/Happy moment you had with others ,in the way it’s written.

  • 👍👍… nice one…

  • Starting from the title of the article, It had my attention, and while reading through, the storey put a smile. Holidays with Parents are such delight. The inspiring story of Mrs. Osla certainly makes us to hold back from the fast paced life and enjoy the life to fullest. Thank you for penning it down effortlessly.

  • The entire context of this article is extremely well crafted and the message articulated to it’s perfection. It’s very rare to share some of our experiences while still delivering on the crux of the matter like you have. I look forward to your writings in the near future.

  • Wow very nice experience and inspiration, I have got motivated to go for jog now…and I’ll go…. Tks for writing this so detailed… the initial lines of her introduction made me to image Mrs Oska….many will be happy to see Mrs Oska if you can upload photo of her if you have. Tks..

    • Thanks a ton for your kind words. It means a lot to me. As I always say that we can’t go back and change what has happened in the past but we can start right now and change the present and future to stay happy n healthy . Very happy to know that you start jogging.Many people have asked for the same and will definitely upload her pic very soon. Keep reading thanks.

  • Such eloquently worded article! 👍🏻