Yudhika Sujanani photographed by Ben Skinner, Make Up by Arwen Swan, Dress by Arwen Garmentry
Yasantha Naidoo from the Sunday Times asked if I would write a column about a childhood memory….it’s no secret, I have not lived a charmed life…well not always anyway. Memories of those years came flooding back. It was a tough article to write but it was necessary. This is not by any means a name and shame blog…it’s about me, my hurt, my experiences and how all of this has shaped me. While discussing this column over the phone (she is based in Durban, you see), I shared this story with her and now, I will share it with you….
The Summer of 1986…Cindi Lauper’s ‘True Colours’ was blasting on the radio, and even when it wasn’t the song stuck in my head like an ear worm. I arrived home from school to find our possessions tossed carelessly on the driveway. The rent had not been paid again. Armed with black rubbish bags and cardboard boxes, we began to pack up our possessions. Neighbours and family arrived, not to help but to stare at our misfortune which was placed under the community microscope.
The Driveway….the spot where my family broke forever – Yudhika 9 years old
As the sun began to fade, the dread set in, the beady eyed scavengers appeared, looking greedily for the spoils of eviction. We spent the night at my aunt’s house and returned the next day to find people ‘shopping’ though our possessions. Cutlery, crockery, appliances, and even clothing. But there was something that was taken from my mom that tormented me for years….Her Breyani Pot! She bought it at a party and got a tongue lashing for doing so. After a lengthy period of scrimping and saving to pay for the pot, it arrived one day in a box so large that it was surely going to start-up another wave of grumbling and tirades. My dad insisted that the pot would be used to prepare a celebratory meal at this funeral.
The Breyani pot found a new home – it was hijacked by an aunt and it stood proudly in her kitchen. It was never spoken off and became the invisible cookware unit. Whenever her friends commented on it, I would feel my blood pressure rising. The pot stood on her counter. It mocked and taunted me to say something and every time I saw it, memories of the day we lost our home and my family broke flooded back. In those days, you were allowed to cry if you were bleeding. You were allowed to cry if your parents were around to protect you….I was without both so I cried on the inside. I cried silently for my mom, my family, my home and the protection that a united family had to offer. The aunt would also dish out a few ‘klaps’ (she didn’t do it with my other cousins, it was just me and sometimes my brother) and it made me feel ashamed of having a broken home. For the record, the aunt’s Breyani never tasted good and it probably never will! For my really fabulous lamb breyani recipe, click here: https://yudhikayumyum.com/2013/07/26/ready-set-spice-feast-of-eid/
Everyone in our community knew about the eviction, it was not the first time it happened. My brother and I were the black sheep of the family. We were often ridiculed and mocked – family members were the harshest and I often wondered why. It made no sense to me then and it still doesn’t. I don’t regret it, not in the least – it was the constant driver in my life and pushed me to achieve the goals I had set.
I got married in 1999 (round number one) and expected my aunt to arrive with the pot. She arrived with a set of cheapies she purchased at Hyperama for R300. It finally hit home, the pot would never be returned and it would never be returned. It was no longer our family heirloom…it would be a part of someone else’s legacy and not mine. My mom’s most extravagant purchase, the highlight of her shopping career was lost forever. It symbolized so much – my mom, her journey in life, the hand she was dealt and the struggle she faced.
My AMC Breyani Pot – bigger and better
After years of mourning my emotional losses and material ones, I hit the ‘jackpot’ (no pun intended) in 2011 when I was appointed the AMC brand ambassador. I work with a great team or should I call it a family? Chris Koekemoer (the boss), Kaye Cox and Nariman Arnold (my other bosses) have been a delight to work with. I was gifted with every cookware unit I could wish for – big, small, short, tall, electric and even custom ones made especially for me. It’s really remarkable, that a beautiful team working together at a company in Cape Town, have healed my childhood aches by sharing more love and good cheer than I could have wished for.
Win this AMC Paella Pot by posting a comment and sharing your thoughts on this blog!
I would love to share my AMC love with you. One lucky reader will win this AMC paella pan worth over R3000. You too could win the AMC jackpot like I did….post a comment on this blog and give me some feedback. Maybe it will make a difference to you or someone you know….maybe it will give someone a little hope to keep fighting the fight. Most importantly, let’s talk about it, let’s talk about you!!!!
My mom and I still chat about it but no longer with a heavy heart. Sometimes we laugh, sometimes we cry but we will never forget the 14th February 1986. I grew up a fighter, promising myself that I would make it and I did just that!
I will continue on my cooking adventures with this motto tattooed on my heart, AMC – ‘Cookware for Life’. Thanks to the AMC team for taking away my childhood heartache!
*Competition closes: 15 December 2013
South African entries only. Please supply your email address to ensure that the winner can be notified. If the prize is not claimed within 14 days, a new winner will be drawn.
yudhikayumyum 
Many many years back as a young lass I recall an AMC agent coming home to my folks and introducing AMC cookware to them.My folks were so impressed with the presentation that they ordered themselves a set. They made payment every month into the bank account given to them and one day in the post they received a cheque with half the amount given to them. When they contacted the agent she said she was not sure and my poor folks lost hope in owning their very first set of AMC pots. They are in there 60’s I know they will not own one cause they were robbed of there wish. The Agents name was Latchmee Kisten and is based in Verulam and believe is still selling AMC pots. I wonder how many paople she has done this too. A womans dream shattered.
My most awesome cooking experience was when I took part in a cooking competition I on da 3rd Dec 2010 .The pride on my late mums face was the highlight for me.
Even though I did not win the competition,my mums pride inthe fact that I was chosen as one of the contestants was the best gift I could ask for.
Mt mum thought that I was a great cook and pushed me to do my best whenever I cooked for functions.I would love to win the pot in honor of my late mum.
I wouldn’t have thought a pot could make a such a fuss, no matter how expensive it is, I then think of my mothers old mince machine we have had eversince I could remember, we have done mealie bread using it, mince meat,peanut butter, we used it as biscuit gun too!
I would honestly won’t allow my sisters to have it no matter what (with that thought am heading home during festive seasons to take it) I will not loose ut to any one……
I really understand how you feel and I don’t want to through that… (Hugs)
My mom is a great cook who taught me all she can I also make a mean breyani lolest but true…
This touched my heart deeply Nariman. We stand up and carry on because we are warriors my friend!!!
What is it about people (specifically Indians) hijacking AMC pots. My parents divorced & my mum left behind her kids & her AMC pots, I don’t think cooking or kids was ever her ‘thing’ anyway. When my dad remarried, my stepmother ‘inherited’ her stuff. Neither me or my sister had a good relationship with her & we both eventually left our paternal home also living with extended family graciously accepting their assistance, knowing through their remarks that we were looked down on & were not considered as worthy as our other cousins.
I was too young to remember my mum who never returned for me. However my sister, being 6 years older obviously had a relationship with her. My dad is not well-off & doesn’t possess any material things that I wish to inherit. But for my sister, those AMC pots were something she definitely wanted to lay claim to when she got older & married. Apart from some photos, it was all that was left of my mum & her marriage to my dad which, at some point, I can assume was fairly good. Needless to say, my sister never got those pots…
And so I completely understand your childhood, it’s almost the same as mine.
Quiet reflection recently, has made me take cognizance of all the sacrifices my parents had made in order for me and my siblings to have a somewhat stable childhood, from my dad working 2 jobs in order to make ends meet and most often falling short, to my mum giving up her personal goals in order for us kids to always have the security only a parent can give. My sister and I were chatting recently, we know that both our parents know without a shadow of doubt that we love them unconditionally, however, we don’t think they know just how much we appreciate all the sacrifices they made with us in mind…… All I can say is that we strive at all opportunities to ensure nowadays that both of them are never in want or need of anything …. After all it’s the least we can do…. And with every phone call, every skype call and every visit we never fail to let them know that they are loved beyond words and I thank Jesus everyday that I’ve still the opportunity to tell them that…..
Sharing my appreciation for both my parents…….
You are such an inspiration to me.with all you have been through,you definitely came out stronger.I am also the type of person that loves to hold on to memories,good and bad ones,it just makes us stronger,and its all we ever have.thank you for sharing your story.you are awesome.
Thank GOD that you have risen above your past–you have been exceedingly blessed! May GOD continue to have HIS hand upon every aspect of your life–similar story I have–still don’t have the pots–aspiring towards it–would love to win! GOD’S grace, love and favour towards you Yudhika!
Hi Yudhika, I read that story again with tears in my eyes. You have come a long way and achieved so much. It can only get better from here on. Amazing what life can dish out but its how you grow from that, which is important. You are an amazing soul and wish you nothing but the best!
I have been reading your childhood story it brought back memories and tears to my eyes ,when I was younger . I remember those parties we should host to Tupperware , nutrastal pots & glassware . We did struggle to give our children the best education . I don’t hit any jackpot but I am a happy mom that educated 3 kids . The best I could give them is education . Keep up the good work . Love Manjoo.
HI YUDS….HUGS TO YOU … I CAN RELATE MY SISTER. YOU ARE A REAL TOUGH COOKIE! THE PHRASE..”ALL GOOD THING COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT”….IS SO TRUE. A TRUE FIGHTER IN THE TRUE SENSE OF THE WORD.
I HAVE NEVER HAD THE JOY OF MAKING A ‘KITCHEN MEMORY’ WTH MY MUM AS SHE PASSED ON WHEN I WAS BUT 5 YEARS OLD AND AMC WASN’T EVEN IN THE PICTURE THEN AND IF IT WAS , WE WERE TO POOR TO AFFORD IT….. 37 YEARS IS A LONG TIME, HOWEVER, THE FONDEST MEMORY I HAVE OF MY MUM IS THAT OF HER ROLLING ROTIS AND MY YOUNGER BROTHER (WHO HAS ALSO PASSED ON) AND I, STANDING ACROSS THE TABLE WAITING FOR HER TO ROLL THE LAST ROTI COS IT WAS THE SUGAR ROTI.
THE ONLY KEEPSAKE I HAVE OF MY LATE MUM IS A DENTED, WOBBLY ALUMINIUM POT..”THE SUGAR BEANS POT” WHICH I TREASURE……HUGS RESHMI
Yudhika – my thoughts are the following – I believe because of the pain you can appreciate every little blessing coming your way! I also think AMC pots carved your new history and gave you the new lease on cooking and life that you can pass on to your beautiful girls, friends and family! Keep on crearting masterpieces in the best pots! Your own legacy! With lots of love
This article was so heartfelt Yudhika and I felt your pain. It is so true when you say family are the harshest. I say this because in our family we were the black sheep of the family as my dad was the only working class person in the home and my mom stayed home to take care of our needs(a luxury in today’s lifestyle). With 4 children my dad’s goal was always to have a home that was fully paid and owned by him and not the bank so all luxuries that our kids now have, we did not have then like holidays, expensive dining treats and lunch money and this was hard because we lived across family members who were short of nothing had everything they asked for and wanted. And we had an uncle who would come and tell my father what he bought and how much it cost etc.
We were always taunted by these family members about my father not being able to afford to take us on holidays and dining treats and buying take aways etc. It bugged us all through our lives. Growing up that when my sisters and I completed our studies and we were working and could afford to go on holidays we planned over sea’s trips to our amazement the same family members who traveled all over south africa and gloated about it had never been overseas. It not in our nature to gloat but amongst ourselves we couldn’t help but feel a little bit proud that we were now able to afford what they couldn’t.
Our experiences through life make us stronger!!! And you will always come out shining!
So here’s to your awesome AMC Pot’s and my many adventures!!!
Regards,
Anusha Naidoo
There is something unique about u Yudhika that sets u apart from other celeb chefs. You so freely share your recipes with your fans, and ever willing to assist, I noticed this when u were sharing all your Diwali recipes. This is something that other Chefs won’t ever do but instead will tell you “GO BUY MY RECIPE BOOK”.
I regard myself as being an above average cook, but with your amazing flop proof recipes, I’m reaching celeb status amongst my family and friends. Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful recipes as well as sharing your life experiences with all of us.
My email address naidoa17@gmail.com Anusha Naidoo
Regards,
Anusha Naidoo
Quiet reflection recently, has made me take cognizance of all the sacrifices my parents had made in order for me and my siblings to have a somewhat stable childhood, from my dad working 2 jobs in order to make ends meet and most often falling short, to my mum giving up her personal goals in order for us kids to always have the security only a parent can give. My sister and I were chatting recently, we know that both our parents know without a shadow of doubt that we love them unconditionally, however, we don’t think they know just how much we appreciate all the sacrifices they made with us in mind…… All I can say is that we strive at all opportunities to ensure nowadays that both of them are never in want or need of anything …. After all it’s the least we can do…. And with every phone call, every skype call and every visit we never fail to let them know that they are loved beyond words and I thank GOD everyday that I’ve still the opportunity to tell them that…..
Wow Yudhika..Kudos to you for rising so above that heartache & making it your driving force! Reading your story,I could so picture/imagine it. My dad passed on very early & I Remember People filling our home for the gossip & the food. Seldom are people there to grieve or to offer support. Its almost always to for “entertainment”. For 3 days an Aunt (yes I too had 1 like yours) cooked meals & took credit for the home made spices & ghee,but the worst was when she packed her take away food in my mum’s AMC pots & stowed them away-never to be seen again. Guess it was in lieu of cooking services. Our 3 days of memorial & her 3 days of acquisition!! The Wheel of time always turns & you have to learn to rise above incidents & people that would love to drag you lower. I am now proudly a reiki practitioner & I know who to keep close. I have learnt to sense & field of negative people…..cos life iS too short to waste on people who don’t deserve you!! Cheers Yudhika,may you soar on the success of your career…thanks for sharing your story,as painful as it was. It is inspirational.
Wat a lovely altho sad at the start,story to share. N boy did u get yor happy evr after.this story evokes for prob all who’ve read it, colorful childhood memories, of annoying extended family, makin u feel u wer not good Enuff, of wishing u had better clothes, better parents, better everything, lol, wel for me anyway. My mom has only 2amc pots which she says is for her2 daughters when she dies lol. But yor story shows how v resilient people can b. n u like so many others, including myself, r like the Phoenix, rising from the ashes, proud, strong. Thank u for all u share, n still never forgetting yor roots. May u grow from strength to strength n keep weaving yor wonderful tapestries from yor life n the yum yum recipes :)……
Quiet reflection recently, has made me take cognizance of all the sacrifices my parents had made in order for me and my siblings to have a somewhat stable childhood, from my dad working 2 jobs in order to make ends meet and most often falling short, to my mum giving up her personal goals in order for us kids to always have the security only a parent can give. My sister and I were chatting recently, we know that both our parents know without a shadow of doubt that we love them unconditionally, however, we don’t think they know just how much we appreciate all the sacrifices they made with us in mind…… All I can say is that we strive at all opportunities to ensure nowadays that both of them are never in want or need of anything …. After all it’s the least we can do…. And with every phone call, every skype call and every visit we never fail to let them know that they are loved beyond words and I thank Jesus everyday that I’ve still the opportunity to tell them that…..
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. It reminds us of the hardships we have endured to make us who we are today. AMC pots were regarded as “gold” back in the days, only the rich used to have a shiny set displayed on the top of their kitchen cupboards. My mum could not afford an AMC pot, it was too expensive. Her friend, who was once very rich, had lost everything and resorted to selling her pots just to get her hands on some cash to make ends meet. My mum bought two AMC pots from her and paid a few installments. That is how my mum landed her very 1st AMC pots..
Wow, that must have taken courage! Reliving the past can cause some serious pain. May you continue to rise above the ashes, Phoenix. My ‘nickname’ for you has changed from “Idol” to “Phoenix”. May you continue to soar on wings of eagles as you continue to inspire, create and bless those around you. You ROCK!! Carey
carey-elance@hotmail.com
this is such a familiar story. so many of us have been threw the same or similar experiences. we live in a cruel, materialistic world. you were one of the lucky ones that was strong enough to rise above all hardships, not everyone is so blessed. i have learnt that family is not necessary blood relatives but the people that are there for you in your good times and bad – true,caring and honest. – people without money are made to feel like the black sheep – inferior – not good enough to make the grade of the rich 😦 – how sad!!!! i have always admired amc cookware but have never been able to afford them.
Yudhika, you are an inspiration. Your story is so honest and real. Be proud of who you are as you are an amazing woman. Well done x
Dearest Yudhika
If ever there was the definition of the epitome of a woman, it has to be you. I have always been inspired by your innovative ideas in the kitchen, your quirky personality & the difference you make to all the women ( and men) out there. You are truly something special & reading this story makes you real as well. Believe it or not every single woman in the world has their own story to tell. Some stories are tragic & heartfelt and what makes it unique that we each are connected in some way. My story has a happy ending even though I lost my dad at the age of 8. I went to live with my granny, who had a magical garden filled with gorgeous blooms & delicious fruit and vegetables. I had a blissful childhood and slowly but surely my heart began to heal. But I never for one moment put myself in my mums shoes . She became a widow at the age of 30 with two young children to care for. Having children of my own really made me think of all the times when I saw her with swollen eyes from crying. My mum truly fought against the odds and even if she had to work extra hours, she ensured that she gave us the best that she could. She still churned out delicious food in her humble kitchen and her delectable prawn curry still makes my mouth salivate. I never knew that baji and roti could be so delicious. So yes, I was lucky enough to be fed by the most nourishing food for the soul by both my mum & my granny for many years. I was lucky enough to be guided by two powerful matriarchs who stood against the calamities of their life’s. Alas, my granny passed away 2 years ago but my mum is still a very big part of my life. I smile whenever she tells me she is coming over for the weekend as i know that we will bond over many cups of masala chai & vedas. I know that she would be feeding this 33 year old with delicious cuisine straight from her heart. So yes, winning this paella pan from the iconic AMC brand couldnt have come at a better time as mum has had her kitchen refurbished after many long years. I know that gifting this remarkable woman who has a heart of gold( she does voluntary work in India), would be appreciated. I want her to know that I am inspired by her each and every day and that I will be continuing the legacy of raising strong & powerful women who can make a mean briyani dressed in stillettos Yudhika style of course! Please, never stop doing what you do & remember that you are an inspiration to many, me included! God bless you always!
From your biggest fan: Anisha
27th November 2013
Dear Yudhika
Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Typically Indian, I too, have a “pot” experience. It was part of my healing process, let me share it with you and your readers.
I had two very precious aunts, both lost to cancer. My eldest aunt was like you, she could concoct magic in a pot, sometimes with the most basic ingredients and on the barest budget. Still when we left, we left sated, loved and touched by the love that was infused into her cooking and the trusty mango pickles that she hand-picked from her own garden…. 50 at a time, she smilingly said. After a long vigil at the hospital, we returned home. She passed at 10.10 that night. My husband watched me arise from bed and found me in the kitchen the next morning. I cooked throughout the night, various vegetable dishes, a huge pot of vegetable breyani, my best ever and a pudding all her grandchildren. None of the catered food for was eaten, only mine because it was similar to my aunt’s and all her favourite dishes as well. Everyone was able to take something over, there was that much.
On the pretext of washing up and cooking for the mourning family, my aunt’s famed pots, with their old world charm dwindled to almost nothing. It was never returned.
Three Decembers ago, my husband and I took my ailing younger aunt with my Mom and kids to this aunt’s house. Her family invited us with a love reminiscent of my aunt’s and the children helped us retrieve those 50 mangoes. Up to this day, her pickles are replicated in my kitchen and handed to her daughter and other family members. In some ways, the sisters had come full circle but I did not expect to enveloped in loss all over again, all so soon.
My youngest aunt was much like her eldest sister. No one was allowed to leave her house without partaking in a meal, the simplicity and warmth enveloped us the moment we stepped through the door and we left much the same, cocooned in a blanket of gentle love. I lost her too. She was the first person to be diagnosed with throat cancer at Albert Luthuli Hospital and after much procrastination and negligence on their side, she stopped breathing. I was devastated when they told me. She was my mother in every sense of the word besides biological. I grew in her heart. I left work leaden and devastated, got out of the company lift and there she was, bag under her arm, her unforgettable smile. We walked out together and she crossed the busy Umgeni Road with me and as my bus approached, I turned around and she was not there. I cried all the way home. Without her help, I do not think I could have crossed that road without endangering myself. Still, she protected me.
That day, the family descended to pay their respects, all the people, I had practically begged the night before to visit, because she wanted, no, needed her family. Crying crocodile tears into their hankies, they were being hugged by others. Why I wondered? They were not there when she needed them most.
As her niece and “daughter”, I did everything necessary for her, all that we normally did together, I did. I even shopped for her son’s mourning clothes, visited the salon and dressed well, my late uncle and aunt would have expected it. I returned with her flowers and filled my granny’s vases and waited until she came home, sat with her and mentally spoke to her and watched her leave her house for the very last time, much like she watched her dearest husband leave a year earlier.
Finally, we all had to leave for our respective homes. I took with me the trotters curry that she had cooked for me and preserved in the fridge and then the freezer. Yudhika, as you know, Indian women are not allowed to take meat dishes home at night, especially when they had children, hence my curry which remained. I took it with and almost a week after my aunt left this earth, I ate her “hand” food. My husband and children were fed my “mosee’s” last food and the moments were sombre. I took a picture and it is housed in my memorabilia.
That night in addition to taking the curry and leaving behind the expensive mungal sutra what was bequeathed to me (I still never received it, sold now I think), I took me with my aunt’s one medium sized AMC pot, a set bought and paid for on a basic stipend and augmented income from the sale of her samoosas and Indian treats. I did tell my cousins that I had the pot in my possession, it was only right and they didn’t begrudge me that. It comforted me.
Every visit since to her house, that pot held deserts, hot and cold sweets that I presented and was eaten with my relish to my entire family, all acknowledging the importance of the pot, the absence of the owner and perpetuation of a simple but loving gesture. It has since travelled a lot from my house to other families but always I brought it back with me. My aunt’s much yearned for grandchild was born about 18 months later. The right thing would be to obviously hold it until I return it to him. Now though, I have this Christmas ahead and I foresee a Christmas feast with that pot holding a place of much pride because it represents what we lost, what we gained and our hopes for a sustained tradition by the next generation.
Food is the food of love, sustenance and the heart of every kitchen and in my Indian kitchen, my pots, especially that travelling pot, blends and harmonises all that is good, wholesome pure and loving.
Thank you Chef Yudhika for sharing your experiences with us, for inviting us into your sisterhood and educating us with your culinary feasts. From your humble and true foundation, your Mum has have created a cooking dynasty that you have breathed renewed life. You have Arrived! Bring on Paris…
Kavitha Ramlal (Mrs)
sunshinysa@gmail.com
WoW… Reading this made me realise that all the success you have attained is at your own doing. You have worked so hard to rise above all that you have been through and have created a lasting legacy for your children. They can be so proud of their Mom. You are an amazing person, fabulous chef/cook and a great Mom. Your success must have come at a price but a price you paid and no one has a right to take that success away from you or ride on your coat tails. They have no right especially since they were not there for you in hard times. My daughter has profile pic that says ïf they cant be there for at your Lindsay Lohan, they dont deserve you at your Beyonce… Your success is yours and yours alone. Carry on on doing what you do best. Wishing you continued success.
Growing stonger through trials and tribulations really makes you a better person, no matter what life throws at you, you can still lift your head up high and say you have made it through thick and thin through the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. We, as a family, have had many ups and downs, many heartaches and sadness, loss and pain, no income but yet love has held us together and made us stronger people who freely give to those less fortunate having been in that place. We have lost 6 babies, nearly lost my husband and have had no money at all to get through the month but we have kept our faith and have never wavered from the fact that what God puts you through He will carry you through and He will never put you through anything you cannot handle. I take my hat off to you for being the person you are and I hope that one day I can be just a fraction of you.
People try to drag you down but one must always rise above them and remain the loving giving person you are as they do not know what it is like to go hungry or to go without. Nobody can judge when they have not been through it themselves. My mom and my late dad (may he RIP, I miss him so much) always had a pot of food in their AMC pots to help us through the bad times. And that homecooked food along with the love, compassion and understanding from them made a huge difference to our lives.
Your story truly serves as an inspiration and proof of the power of hard work and perseverance! 2013 for me thus far has been filled with hardship and misery. Your story however has inspired me and made me realize I need to face my hardships fearlessly and persevere with my goals and never give up no matter how hard things get. Thanks for sharing your story.
Charmed or Not Yudhi; you have been given:
• “The gift of true entrepreneurship”
• “A heart the size of your pot”, Lara says
• “An amazing way with words”, Orly says
To “C7-10 000 Women, GIBS South Africa”
“to see the rainbow, you need a little or maybe even buckets of rain”
Prenesha Pillay
27 Novemebr 2013
My dearest Prenesha…
Your words mean so much to me…and the journey with C7 has played a large role in me talking about these things. I am ready for the rain, confident that I can face life’s challenges and most of all found true friends that are so much a part of my soul….thanks to you…and thanks to Cohort 7.
Thank you for sharing something so personal. It was very inspirational to read this post and strengthened made my belief that everything happens for a reason. Well done on rising above your circumstances to achieve all your successes.
I hope the share goes on to inspire some and make others feel that this sort of thing is something that can break you. The choice at the end of the day is yours…you have to decide how it can shape your life. Love, Yudhika
A heart wrenching story, however I’m sure that it is these experiences that have made you the independant, successful, strong and caring individual you are today. I believe that God never gives u more than u r capable of handling and everything in life happens for a reason. Although extremely difficult to do during trying times we must have faith and trust in the higher power. Our childhood shapes us and often scars us. I grew up with an alcholic, abusive dad. Then married at age 19 and widowed 6 years later. In spite of this I have made a success of my life and thank God daily for showering his grace upon me
Thanks for the share, Asha. Everyone has scars from childhood but I suppose it’s how you deal with them that makes you successful or not. Yes, and God’s grace is what I am most thankful for.
My heart goes out to you, and think it is remarkable how throught trials and tribulations you can build yourself up to where you are today. It always amazes me how family can be the biggest critics and sometimes cause the hardest heartache, when they should be the ones standing alongside you and being your biggest cheerleaders. Think one should always remeber never to judge or think you know another person till you have walked in their shoes. Growing up life can be hard, but think it definitely shapes and molds you into the person you can become later in life, and hopefully whatever challenges a person is given, can always be overcome and you emerge a better person through it all.
“Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, then it’s not the end.” Unknown
This is one of my favourite quotes and your story just emphasises it. Thanks for sharing your story – it takes courage to share the tough times we all go through. This is especially true in the times of social media where we always seem to paint the perfect lifestyle. It is refreshing and inspiring to read your story as it surely does end well. We should definitely fight through the tough times. Everything that happens has its purpose and eventually we will realise the reason. It’s all these events and people that make us who we are. Well done on all your achievements and here’s wishing you all the best for the future!
lmoonsamy@yahoo.co.uk
Yudhika, your stories are awe inspiring and these defining moments in our lives are precious be it good or not so good 😊.
My love affair with AMC started when I became a corporate worker bee. I bought my first set for a whopping 650 SA rands and a proud moment indeed. My love affair lasted a while, until the bonds were broken when my house was burgled…on that heart wrenching day, I cooked a pot of tin fish curry and rice before going to a wedding. That day, it stormed, my kids and I got home to an empty house…my cupboards, the fridge, toys, shoes (oh heavens my precious shoes & bags all gone) They crept into our home and left with everything we had, even had the luxury of time to eat the fish curry but no they didn’t have the rice, instead ate a loaf of bread while the rice was strewn in the kitchen because they needed to empty the pots! Hell, they even stole my freaking textbooks from UJ because I was studying at the time!
I cried so much because these “skelms” had the audacity to take every part of what we built over years. I’m forever grateful though that we weren’t home, it did though take some time for my kids and I to feel safe in our home again (Alcatraz was built with high walls, electric fencing, gates and alarm systems) I could though never replace my set of AMC and had to settle for cheapies.
This defining moment taught me that life takes and gives … I
lots of hugss hun… your story has really touched me… such an inspiration… hats off to you, i agree you have really come a long way… in this world we face the ups & downs but that experiences makes us a better person, & you are very sweet person:)
Hi Yudhika, your story has proved to touch the hearts of many people including myself, simply because it proves that you are human, and you went thru a lot in life before things changed around for the better. “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, and the bible says that he will always wipe away our tears. Here goes……I think I’m the only guy here that’s going to comment, but I am an avid follower of your blog, because I love cooking and I love AMC, tho I have yet to buy a set….they a bit out of my budget right now.
My mum and dad were also not “well to do”, and struggled really hard to progress in life, mum worked in a clothing factory and dad was an electrician, so let’s just say they had to work for every single thing. AMC at that time in the 80s was something of a luxury item. But my dad worked really hard and he did manage to buy my mum, the smallest set that AMC had. Mum still has those three small pots which she treasures with her dear life . With the little that dad earned, he still treated mum like a princess and gave her the best he could afford……alas both of them are old now….but still appreciate each other. Goes to show having all the money in the world does not guarantee happiness….you don’t have to have it all to have it all…….. I honestly am deeply touched by your honesty and sincerity whenever you blog…..takes a really big person, to tell the world about their struggles……Stay blessed and be sure and expectant of only good times and good memories going forward….cheers