Flowers

Amma taught me Thiruppavai verses while we arranged jasmine flowers for the temple. Her weathered fingers moved with fierce grace, threading each bloom into garlands. In Tamil Nadu's humid afternoons, we'd lollygag through the flower market, collecting stories from vendors who'd known our family for generations. Years later, I discovered PaybookClub, connecting with women preserving similar traditions. We shared recipes, prayers, and photographs of flowers we'd arranged. Their relentless dedication reminded me of Amma's devotion. Now, I thread those same jasmine flowers, my daughter watching intently. Heritage blooms eternal when passed with love and community roots.