“One of the best things that happened to me is that I am a woman.”
— Marilyn Monroe
“I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took an excuse.”
— Florence Nightingale
Since childhood, we have heard that God made women special, taking His own time.
“A woman can endure any sort of pain and bravely face it with a smile.”
This statement rings true, as countless women work tirelessly without seeking recognition. They carry their responsibilities silently, their smiles masking the burdens they bear.
One such woman I have known is my maternal grandmother. She spent most of her time in the kitchen, her sacred space. Every summer, when we visited our ancestral home in Punkunnam, Thrissur, we were mesmerized by its grandeur—a sprawling house, a massive swing, numerous rooms, and a large courtyard at the front and back. As children, we ran freely through the corridors, while Granny remained in her vast kitchen, preparing delicious meals.
Adjacent to the kitchen was a big storeroom, always stocked with ingredients. She cooked with love, serving us meals on banana leaves. In the backyard, a lush garden of banana trees stood tall. I still remember watching the tree being cut, revealing what we playfully called the ‘tube light’—the white core of the plant. Granny would peel and slice bananas to make crispy chips, a treat we all relished.
She managed everything effortlessly, never seeking help, always smiling.
I later saw my mother follow in her footsteps. Now, in my elderly years, I realize how my grandmother must have hidden her emotions, suppressing her struggles behind that warm smile. Yet, she never let her hardships dim her spirit—she endured and moved forward. And so do I.
Even when she visited her daughters’ homes, she never rested. She loved working in the kitchen, delighting her great-grandkids with her soft, wrinkled skin and silky white-gold hair. They adored her, just as we had.
Lessons from Our Elders
What do the younger generations learn from their elders?
- Discipline – The ability to stay committed to daily responsibilities.
- Organization – Planning and managing household tasks efficiently.
- Resilience – Facing struggles with grace and calmness.
- Adaptability – Understanding family dynamics and acting accordingly.
But wait—should these values be limited to women alone?
Why is it that women are expected to shoulder the responsibilities of a household while men are not held to the same standard? Shouldn’t men contribute equally to the welfare and peace of the family?
Yes, women are given the gift of enduring labor pain, a unique strength that leads to the joy of holding their newborns. But beyond that, they go to great lengths for their children and families, often sacrificing their own needs for the happiness of others.
A Woman’s Power
A woman who is loved, respected, and supported can achieve wonders. With determination and confidence, she can conquer any challenge. She can be gentle, nurturing, and kind—but when necessary, she can rise as fierce as Durga herself.
Never Underestimate a Woman.
Image Courtesy: (pexels) @mikhail-nilov
Leave your comments below, as they matter to me.
– Poornima Sivaraman
About the Author:
Poornima Sivaraman, a vibrant 74-year-young retired teacher, embodies a love for life and creativity. With a passion for connecting with people of all ages, she channels her energy into writing across various platforms, contributing to anthologies, and sharing her unique perspectives with readers.
Beyond her literary pursuits, Poornima enjoys singing and has recorded numerous songs on Star Maker, showcasing her melodious voice. A culinary enthusiast, she finds joy in cooking and believes in living a simple, meaningful life. Dedicated to helping others whenever possible, Poornima is a true advocate of kindness and positivity.
Reading this transported me to my own maternal grandmother’s kitchen. I could smell her delicious food cooked on a wood fired stove. This is a beautifully penned tribute to all women especially our grandmother’s.