Childhood Wisdom: Food the Elixir of Life

Recently, a friend of mine shared a post on Instagram about a conversation she had with her son, which revealed his genuine concerns about the future. His biggest worry? Food delivery after his mother is gone.

During their conversation, the little boy asked his mother whether she would live to be 100 years old. In typical motherly fashion, she reassured him that she might, but curiosity compelled her to delve further on the question asked. His candid response was both sweet and alarming: he was anxious about what he would do for food when she was no longer around. She explained that he would be old enough to cook and take care of himself by then. However, her son was not convinced. He expressed his doubts and asked if he could simply order food instead. Before she could respond, he confidently proposed a solution: he suggested that she could hand over her phone to him before she passed away, ensuring he could continue ordering from Swiggy.

Reflecting on this moment took me back my own childhood, particularly a memory involving my younger brother when he was just three or four years old. During the late 80’s one of our neighbor experienced the heartbreaking loss of his mother. It was a period when travel between the Middle East and India was challenging, with only two flights available each week. In an act of solidarity, the men from our community gathered to offer their condolences and support.

My brother, eager to understand what was happening wanted to tag along. However, my mother gently held him back, checking with my father about who would be available in India to help with the final rituals. What followed was a conversation that left us speechless. My brother innocently inquired, “What will uncle do for food if his mother is gone?” It took my parents a few moments to process his statement. When my mother pressed him further, he reiterated, “Well, if aunty isn’t there, what will uncle do for food?”

For my brother, the idea of a mother transcended the individual as the caregiver, the nurturer, the very heart of the household. At that young age, he viewed mothers as the universal providers. His innocent logic highlighted how, to him, a mother’s absence meant a fundamental disruption in daily life—particularly when it came to something as basic as food.

This conversation though humorous, reveals a profound truth about childhood: even their simplest concerns can carry deep emotional weight. My friend’s son’s pragmatic approach to a daunting topic highlighted his innocence and creativity in tackling problems.  

In the end, what struck me most about this exchange was the way it encapsulated a child's perspective on life and the future. Rather than being paralyzed by fear, children find ways to resolve his biggest concern with a touch of humor. It serves as a gentle reminder that sometimes; all it takes to confront our fears is a little creativity and perhaps a reliable food delivery service 😊.

P.S: Thank you Pavithira for allowing me to use this for my blog. Life of an Indian parent it is !!!!!