My mom called me useless for not sending $10K like my sister! when I tried to say! Dad cut me off…
A Grandfather’s Wisdom and Deferred Dreams
Despite the cold treatment and harsh comparisons, I held on to the memory of my grandparents who had always cherished me dearly. My name, Amanda, was chosen by my grandfather during the vibrant spring season when amandas were blooming.
He adored these flowers, and their resilience resonated with him. As a child, I loved sitting on his lap, enveloped in his warmth and listening to his comforting words.
“Amanda,” he would say, “no matter how tough things get, you can always push through. After the hardships, happiness will bloom again, just like an amandice in Spring”. These words came back to me often, especially during difficult times.
As I grew older, it became evident that my parents treated me and my sister Meera very differently. I never really felt at home in my own house. When I expressed my dream of becoming a school nurse and wanted to discuss University entrance exams, my parents immediately dismissed the idea.
“We can’t afford University fees for you; think about your sister Meera; we need to save for her future,” they insisted. Though financially we were an average family, not struggling by any means, my dreams were pushed aside to prioritize Meera’s aspirations.
After high school, while Meera went off to a prestigious university, I entered the workforce. I landed a job at a small to medium-sized company a few train stops away from her home.
Eventually, I moved out and rented a small studio apartment near work. It was a relief to be on my own, away from the constant comparisons and favoritism at home.
