Sometimes I find motivation in the most unexpected places. This time I found it when I attended my grandma's 82nd birthday party. I don't see her much, my 'appayi' (paternal grandmother), mijn 'oma'...but when I do spend time with her, I am always amazed by her strength and tenacity. At her young age of 82, she has perfect eye-sight, needs no walking aid, walks super-fast, excellent memory, has been living with diabetics and the most amazing part, she lives alone with her down-syndrome 45-year old daughter, my aunt.If that isn't inspiring enough, wait till you find out what her daily routine includes. She takes care of my down-syndrome aunt single-handedly, medication and all her personal needs. Often she needs medical treatments and my grandma takes the bus if no one is around to give her a ride to the hospital. She has fallen down and had many small accidents during her travels or while managing her household. Somehow, whenever I meet her, she is all fixed and back to normal.
My grandma with her children, only 7 shown here, the other 5 are not in the photo. Yes, she has 12 children and countless grandchildren and great grandchildren. On the left most, is my father, the oldest son of the 12 children. 
My grandma is super-discipline. She watches her diet closely, makes her own herbal remedy, home-made jams, coconut oil for her hair, endless list of supplements and almost hardly gives in to any meal that isn't home cooked.
If you observe closely, you'll notice that she doesn't wear glasses, her hair is bountiful, her sense of dressing is immaculately colour-coordinated (never leaves home without her matching hand bag) and can communicate clearly. She is astonishingly youthful and lively. I hope I am blessed with those youthful genes too :) . Of course, without a doubt, nothing comes easy, she works hard at keeping herself healthy.
I've always wondered how she does it all and stays well, single handedly. I've come to the conclusion that, everyone finds their inner strength from some hidden source.
I believe my grandma - 'appayi' finds her will power from my down-syndrome aunt, or perhaps, my appayi keeps herself strong for my aunt.
Either way, it's inspiring.
Sometimes, struggles are exactly what we need in our life to test our hidden strength. If we were to go through life without obstacles, we would not be as strong as we could've been.
- She still finds humour in simple things in life.Thank you Appayi for reminding me that I can always soar higher as long as I have the will power!
