I decided to look at the journey of my life at different stages. I realized I am ‘Magic’ as my kids would say!

Magic in marriage: I have been married 50 + years. On 22^nd was my birthday. I was given a surprise by my husband. He coordinated with my secretary and sent a huge cake to school. Magic it is. I always try to remember the Pygmalion Effect: It has taken me 50 years but better late than never.

Magic at work: There have been so many ex- students who have been in touch. I have had my students admitting their children in the same school. I have had the privilege of teaching them as a teacher and subsequently as a principal. At one of the airports, I was waiting at the carousel for my bag. When I reached for my bag, one long hand reaches from over my head and picks up the bag and a smiley face looks down at me.

Mustafa, I said, you were one of those bright sparks but naughty who asked perennial questions. Those were not Google time. The teacher was still considered a repository of knowledge.

To which Mustafa replied, All my friends still remember you as a teacher who patiently answered all the questions raised by the students. One of my students has written to me to say that she is studying to be a teacher. So many of my students have become principals. I have spread the magic potion around. I have been invited to the wedding of one of my students. The entire batch of students were invited to the wedding by the groom! I was treated like the queen of England.

Magic with my kids:  I have a tendency to refer to all my students as my kids. I have never raised my hands on my children. Studying was never a problem because, Mommy was also studying along with them. I instilled in them a love for reading.

But, Magic is surreal. One should be practical and look for an opportunity to spin the magic of words around me. Yes, thank you, take care, love you, I am with you, don’t worry leave it to me , I believe in you, I am willing to listen if you want to speak, are some of those magical potions.