His mother's saris each have a story. Sunil learnt more about her as they packed them away together

Growing up, Sunil struggled against his mother Sushila's expectations. Now he understands her better.  (ABC RN: Sophie Kesteven )

Growing up, I often struggled against my Indian mother Sushila's expectations, just as she often struggled to raise my brother and me after my father left. There were times when she'd say to me: "When you're a parent, you'll understand."

Now, as a parent of two teenage girls starting to assert their own independence, I understand.