Life lessons from everyday things – By the sink

Off late, there is so much banter around the heat. This year, the summer has pushed us all to sweat it out without having to really sweat it out. After every such conversation, I think of the summers while I was growing up. I mean, we grew up in the Middle East so the “we know how hot it can get” sort of attitude does come across subtly! 

These seasons change the nitty-gritty of our everyday life in such a significant manner, though we don’t really notice most of it. The summer was harsh where we grew up – like so hot. We were privileged enough to not experience the brunt of it with the comfort of moving into air-conditioned facilities. However, some things screamed summer and made life difficult.

Picture this: exposed pipes running through our house like fiery serpents, heating up the water as it made its way from tank to tap. It's like the water itself was trying to stage a rebellion against our attempts to stay cool. The time it stays in the pipeline, it just heated up all the more. In a world where we live forgetting that concealed pipes of improved materials are essential, this might be something creative to imagine.

Inside our little home, Mumma Lin stood by the sink. She was just up from her afternoon respite with a book. She was the mastermind behind the smooth operation of our household, delegating tasks to ensure we learned the value of responsibility and became independent. And what was my sister’s and my contribution to this domestic drama? Washing dishes on alternate days - a task we dodged with Olympic-level excuses.

She’d come to the kitchen all geared up for the next half of the day. This started by standing by the full sink. I’m sure she hoped for a change of scene there – maybe one of her girls would do it for her. On every day off, Pappa George gave her the chance to enjoy the sight of a clean sink.

I can still picture Mumma Lin's expression as she approached the sink, a mixture of resignation and determination. With a sigh she turned on the tap, bracing herself for the almost boiling water that awaited her touch. Despite the discomfort, she tackled the task with unwavering resolve, occasionally seeking solace in a vessel of cool water kept nearby for respite from the searing heat.

The everyday challenges call for a spirit and consistency of high levels. Enduring and winning despite it is often less spoken about and appreciated. I wish I had done my part by that sink on more days.

So here's to the summers! Because sometimes, you just have to laugh in the face of a scalding hot mess.