Threads of Legacy: Hold them

Yog Rahi Gupta
I recently came across a touching movie on social media called “How to Be a Milliner Before Grandma Dies,” and it left a profound impact on me. The story revolves around Lila, a young woman in Bangkok, who has always been captivated by her grandmother Bua’s exquisite hat-making skills. Bua’s hats were more than just accessories; they were pieces of art, each carrying a rich heritage and deep emotions.
Lila, stuck in a monotonous office job, always dreamt of following in her grandmother’s footsteps but never had the courage to take the leap. One day, she received heartbreaking news that Bua was gravely ill and had only a few months left to live. This revelation shook Lila to her core, and she realized that she had little time to learn the craft that her grandmother had mastered over decades.
Determined to honor her grandmother’s legacy, Lila left her job and moved into Bua’s home, transforming it into a workshop. Bua, despite her frailty, began teaching Lila the art of millinery. Each lesson was a blend of technical skill and storytelling, with Bua sharing the inspiration behind every hat she had ever made.
Lila faced numerous challenges; her initial attempts were clumsy, and the pressure of time weighed heavily on her. But with Bua’s patient guidance, her skills slowly improved. Lila’s family and friends were skeptical of her sudden career change, adding to her emotional burden. However, her resolve only grew stronger with each passing day.
As Bua’s condition worsened, Lila poured all her love and effort into creating a special hat-a tribute to her grandmother. She finished the hat just in time and presented it to Bua in a heart-wrenching moment. Bua, holding the hat with trembling hands, smiled with pride and love, knowing that her legacy would continue through Lila. Shortly after, Bua passed away peacefully.
The community, initially doubtful of Lila’s new path, came to appreciate the depth and beauty in her work. She held an exhibition dedicated to Bua, and her hats became a symbol of tradition and innovation. Yet, amidst the admiration, Lila carried a deep, painful truth: she had learned too late. The moments lost in hesitation and doubt could never be reclaimed. Bua’s guidance and presence were gone forever.
Lila continued her grandmother’s work, her boutique becoming a beacon of cultural heritage. Each hat she crafted was a reminder of the bittersweet journey she had taken-a journey marked by a painful lesson about the fragility of time and the importance of cherishing our loved ones while we still can.
Here is the moral of the story :
“Cherish and learn from your loved ones before time slips away, for once they’re gone, their wisdom and presence become an irreplaceable void.”
This movie was a poignant reminder of how precious our time with loved ones is and how we often take it for granted. The story of Lila and Bua resonated deeply with me, highlighting the importance of seizing the moments we have and honoring the legacies of those who have shaped our lives. If you have the chance, I highly recommend watching this film-it will touch your heart and make you reflect on the invaluable lessons and love passed down through generations.