Hi Adu Baby,
A few days ago, we went to watch Sitare Zameen Par, Aamir Khan’s new film. I didn’t really know what it was about, but Deta and Mamba were keen, so I went along.
I’m so glad I did.
Throughout the movie, I kept thinking of you. I couldn’t hold back my tears. The film was about a group of neurodivergent children and their basketball coach. It showed, so tenderly, how society often misunderstands kids who don’t fit into its idea of “normal.” It hurt to see how quickly people label special kids as “less than.”
How our society, people need to have more empathy, more sensitivity towards others. Just because someone doesn’t follow our standards of being normal, we cannot label someone as abnormal! And as the story unfolded, it also revealed just how deeply beautiful and unique these children are. It showed how they are enough the way they are.
One line stayed with me — “Sabka apna normal.” Everyone has their own normal.
Every frame reminded me of you, Adi. I remembered how, with you, we learnt to celebrate every tiny win. How there’s no small or big moment— and every single step forward was a reason to cheer. The film captured that so beautifully. It also reminded me how loving and giving children like you are, even when faced with countless challenges.
And you know what Shona, at that moment I was so thankful that you came into our lives. Even if for an extremely short period, You came and taught us so much. Because of you, we learnt to be more empathetic, more patient, more present. We learnt how every moment is precious and needs to be celebrated. You taught us how to be happy even if things don’t go our way. You showed us the magic in little things, the power of just being.
Most of all, you taught us about love — pure, boundless, unconditional love.
“You gave us the most extraordinary journey — and it was all because of you.“
For that, I will forever be grateful to you, sweetheart. You have changed us in ways we are realizing every single day.
The pain is still there. The tears are still there. But in the midst of all this pain, I feel blessed that you were mine, even if for a short time. The movie reminded me of the beautiful life experience that we could have only because of you.
Jaan, thank you so much again.
Love you so much, now and always.
Mamma
