Lakshmi Iyer's Blog, page 56
July 13, 2017
Leaps Of Faith
We stood near the vintage microwave, a relic from the 80’s J. C. Penney electronics division, a probe sunk partly into the milk, the temperature set to 180 degree Fahrenheit. The sounds of my children running around, jumping on bubble wrap and generally being themselves was incongruous for what was a fledgling office space. Makeshift … Continue reading Leaps Of Faith
July 10, 2017
Of Summers And The Slowing Of Time
She stands on the wooden floor, her eyes large and brimming with tears. I scoop her up and place her on the island. “I don’t want you to come down after I sleep,” her voice quavers as she voices her fears. I press her close to me wondering how to reassure her that it does … Continue reading Of Summers And The Slowing Of Time
July 7, 2017
Waking Up
The study door is locked. I have my earphones on. The house is eerily silent. My phone rings and for a second my heart stops. My “Hello!” is tentative as I wait for the voice on the other end. We talk for over forty-five minutes. My children’s mother, one of The Takeaway’s producers Dana Roberson … Continue reading Waking Up
July 3, 2017
The Value Of An Education
I lay sprawled arms stretched on the carpeted floor that could do with a good vacuum with the ceiling fan sluggishly moving the air around. Saathi with his day old beard sat at the study table paying bills and checking items off his to-do list. A list that had considerably grown since our two week … Continue reading The Value Of An Education
June 30, 2017
Unadulterated Joys
“Go on! You can do it,” I urge watching Ammu hesitate riding her bike without training wheels. A few months ago, Pattu bravely agreed to let us take the training wheels off her bike. It took a few attempts, one fall and she was riding like a pro. Ammu resisted. Each time we would point … Continue reading Unadulterated Joys
June 29, 2017
A Journey In Pictures
Sometimes pictures bring to life what words can’t. So, here is a glimpse of the places we went and the sights we saw. 
A Letter To Her
Dear Anamika, Yes. That is the name I choose to give you for naming is claiming. I don’t know you, yet I do. I have heard you in the quiet sobs across a static filled phone line, the silence saying more than words do. I have heard you across from me, coffee mugs cooling in … Continue reading A Letter To Her
June 28, 2017
Coming Home
“Alexa, play songs by Justin Bieber,” commands Pattu. Alexa obliges. The twins dance, arms outstretched, head thrown back, smiles lighting up their faces. They are the picture of abandon. I am struck by the difference. I stand in the kitchen watching them for a while. Ammu notices me and runs up. Her arms are around … Continue reading Coming Home
June 21, 2017
BBC Asia Radio Interview
The alarm went off at 3:00 AM and I stood sipping coffee in the cool back patio of my sister’s home while my Amma sat on the recliner inside listening intently to the radio online. She made a picture. Her eyes narrowed in focus, her glasses perched midway on her nose. Her coffee cup sat to … Continue reading BBC Asia Radio Interview 
June 20, 2017
On Going Viral
I sat sipping my coffee at a friend’s home at San Diego relaxing after a hectic day at Disneyland chasing faeries and princesses. The phone dinged and an email from a Huffpost editor popped up. I spent the next half hour crossposting an old piece I had written for Adoptive Families and emailed the editor … Continue reading On Going Viral
