stuffed animals – Aparna Nancherla

My mother has a policy of me texting her and my Dad if and when I travel anywhere to let them know of my safe arrival. Totally always trendy in the (immigrant?) parenting world at any age or stage of life. If that means a text when I get to the grocery store that’s located on the far side of town, so be it.

They still expect this small and easy task of me even though I no longer live in their house and, in fact, live 3000 miles across the country. It’s the least I can do. Really. Just let a motha know!

However, it was much to my surprise and delight that I received a text from mommaroo the other day in this exact vein (not paraphrasing, this is the real deal): “Just landed in Chicago.”

Not only did I have no idea my parents were going to Chicago or why, but I had no idea that my mother holds herself to the same high standards that she espouses in me. So I wrote back “It’s about time!” to keep the mood light and the sentiments fresh.

P.S. This is my favorite audience for jokes these days. OBVI I use them for bringer shows too. They’re not huge drinkers, but they are huge winkers.

So my mother is leaving for India today, and is therefore packing a wallop of items to share with family, friends, and acquaintances there.

These items include toiletries, accessories, vanity items, clothing, and my personal favorite, objects of comfort! Yes, I do in fact mean a suitcase full of cuddly-wuddlies, fuzzy-wuzzies, and boodle-doodles!

This entire piece of luggage could be charged with “intent to snuggle.”

Yes, here below is indeed a precious stuffed kidney. Just another wonderful bit of drug paraphernalia thrown at my doctor mom. Gives new meaning to the question, “If it came down to it, would you give me your kidney?”