Cnn's tahira nasr writes about her experience as a guest at a grandmother's birthday brunch. The seventy-year-old, who lives in the u.s., greeted her as "nanu", Bangla for "grandmother" she says she now calls her grandmother by her full name, not in convention of custom.
Cnn's tahira nasr writes about her experience as a guest at a grandmother's birthday brunch. The seventy-year-old, who lives in the u.s., greeted her as "nanu", Bangla for "grandmother" she says she now calls her grandmother by her full name, not in convention of custom.
Cnn's tahira nasr writes about her experience as a guest at a grandmother's birthday brunch. The seventy-year-old, who lives in the u.s., greeted her as "nanu", Bangla for "grandmother" she says she now calls her grandmother by her full name, not in convention of custom.
Last Sunday I curiously found myself attending a birthday brunch for a seventy year old woman. I was expected to address her as Nanu, Bangla for grandmother, even though we were not blood relatives. Despite the discrepancy in age, familiarity, and the fact I had reluctantly agreed to attend only after my mother forcefully insisted I do so, I wound up thoroughly enjoying my afternoon with Nanu. Though it was her birthday, Nanu seemed more concerned with my happiness. She piled plentiful portions onto my plate, ignoring my protestations that I surely could not eat thirds (I managed). We spoke about my classes and aspirations, hearing which she beamed and said Im so proud. As we sang Happy Birthday and she regarded us, her eyes glowed with more than reflected candlelight. When bidding me farewell, she hugged me tight, whispering Im so grateful you came. Perhaps it should not be surprising that unconditional hospitality and warmth elicits fondness and friendship, but that it happened in mere hours was astounding. I only wish I had given her as great a gift as she gave me, she who I now call Nanu not in convention of custom, but in expression of endearment.