And just like that…they’re all grown up

To My Dearest Almost-Adult,

In just a few months, you’ll be 18. Eighteen! While you’re probably dreaming of freedom, college life, and noodles at midnight, I’m still stuck in 2007, blinking at the fact that the tiny bean, doctors once said had no heartbeat… is now taller than me and “can’t talk, too busy”. Since then, our world has changed in ways we never imagined, and through every laugh, CRY, challenge, and lesson, you’ve made us better parents and better people.

You were our little miracle, and honestly, still are (just with louder music and messier rooms!!).

As you prepare to leave the nest — or rather, fly off with your Spotify/Apple music playlists and leave behind lot of memories — I wanted to scribble down a few pieces of Amma & Appa-wisdom. Don’t worry, we’ve limited it to five because we know you have the attention span of… look! A notification. 😉

So here goes:

1. Life is a miracle — explore it, enjoy it, and don’t forget to laugh at it.
   Life has a beautiful way of giving and taking. Be open to both. Celebrate your wins but also embrace your failures — they shape you just as much. Sometimes life is a Bentley, sometimes it’s a bag of chips with 90% air. Learn to enjoy both.

         “Not everything needs a filter. Some of the best memories are blurry.”

2. Mistakes don’t define you; how you respond does.
   Remember Appa’s wise words — “Erasers are made for people brave enough to correct their mistakes.” Just don’t rely on autocorrect too much — it doesn’t always get your meaning. You will stumble. It’s okay. Just make sure you stand up stronger each time. Own your choices, learn, and grow.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
3. Choose your battles wisely… and not every comment thread needs your opinion.
   Instagram likes are fine, but real connections are better. Step out. Meet people. Awkward ones, cool ones, and weird ones — they all teach you something. New friendships will test you — not every disagreement needs to become an argument. Learn to agree to disagree and still keep the friendship.
   “You can disagree and still share fries. That’s how adulting works.”                                                                                                                                                                                                     
4. Your timetable will teach you more than your timetable.
   You’ll learn to juggle time, miss deadlines, waste time and still survive. Some days, you’ll need to unlearn everything to learn something new. Let your conscience be your compass. And hey —always find moments to be still — with God, and with yourself. Both offer healing in ways words can’t. Both will listen. (One will also send brownies and cookies via Amma.)                                                                                                                                                                                             
5. We’ll always be your people.
   No matter what you do, where you are, or how far your hostel is from decent food — we’ve got your back. Through every high and low, triumph and heartbreak — we’ll be your anchor. You’ll never be alone, not in spirit, not in love. Even if all you need is just someone to recharge your phone.

Alrighty! That’s five. I’ll stop before I get too emotional or poetic — or worse, start quoting Shakespeare.

Just remember this little note exists online — probably right next to memes and your playlist — for you to scroll back to on a tough day when everything else feels uncertain

Our love, our pride, and our snacks will always be with you.
Here’s to your next four years — full of freedom, food experiments, new friends, and unforgettable lessons.

With love and a slight tear,
Amma and Appa