“I was a single child, born to an affluent family in Dindigul. My childhood was filled with abundance- of love, money, values and everything else one could imagine. I still have fond memories of my grandfather pampering me, regardless of the situation at stake. Life was much simpler back then. I got married off when I was twenty and moved to Chennai.

It was a new city and my husband and I took up odd jobs to support our family. We had three kids- a daughter and two sons, who were the center of my universe. I wanted them to study well and settle into well-paying jobs, even if that dream involved selling all my family legacy, one after the other, I never hesitated. I pooled in every last ounce of my wealth and used it to get them into good colleges. With time all of them started working as I had once hoped for.

Children, however, tend to overlook their parents’ efforts and take them for granted, especially after growing up. My life too witnessed an unfortunate turn of events when all my children refused to take care of me. They stated that everyone is responsible for their own living and went about their respective businesses. My husband, being a driver, stayed in a small cabin at his owner’s place and we rarely met. I was eventually out in the streets, with no money and a heart filled with despair. I never expected that the people I raised with so much affection would abandon me one day.

For a brief period, my meals were limited to food distributed in temples, until I got a job as house help nearby. Today I watch my lonely life go by in complete contrast to how it began. There have been multiple times I unknowingly teared up when I witnessed a happy family, as it brought back memories of mine. Money is essential for living but love is essential for existence and I hope my children realize this one day!”

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