Vanitas Still-life : Memento mori

‘It’s cold’. I said standing in the queue across the vast, dark expanse of Central Park.

‘We should have a cup of coffee’. My husband replied. 

Before, I could say anything he was on his way to get one for both.

In a while, he came back with a brown bag and two cups of cappuccinos!!!

Enjoying the froth, warmth and the subtle flavor of cinnamon in my cappuccino, I was excited to enter the Frick Collection to see the masterpieces; the Dutch have offered the world!

As I entered inside the museum, looked ahead and there she was, looking quietly and steadily at all of us, across the winter gardens, “The girl with the pearl earring” occupying the focus and attention of digitized human beings.  Admiring Vermeer’s work, I walked in the adjoining hall. I was astonished to see the lively portrait by Halls depicting a 19-year Dutch bride, wearing an intricately designed golden gown.  I wondered how the golden oil paint still talks the richness of her embellished brocade!

 

Crossing a few famous paintings, Claesz’s “Vanitas Still life” caught my eyes.  Being an Anatomist depiction of human skull in the composition startled me. Very closely, I looked at the different elements in the painting.  The deep eye sockets, broken tooth of the rigid human skull sitting with an awe of superiority on the book with its ragged, torn pages. I wonder, the infinite knowledge grasped by the deep convoluted sulci and gyri of his brain all wrapped under the bony skullcap. The upside down, empty wine glass depicts the celebrations of life with all its virtues and vices.  The blue ribbon with a small key hanging at the end of table incites him to open the Pandora of life. To get enthralled by the beautiful colors of sunrise, to sway in the fields of blooming flowers, to wonder where the birds are flocking together……….. but with the golden timepiece ticking beside can he manage the bliss of just being still for a moment! This mystery and unpredictability is what makes life interesting. Climbing the ladder, juggling the difficulties, fulfilling all dreams and desires before the lamp gets extinguished leaving the snuffed smoke in the air!

On our way back home, I marveled, how did the painting talk to me? I am absolutely astonished how can a person of twenty-first century still relate with the still life composition of a 400 years old painting. I thought, I am an evolved species possessing all the worldly materials that makes all aspects of my life easier!

“Vanitas  Still life” emotionally molded me in the deep, unfathomable world where I am always puzzled by ‘What is the gist of my life?’ – Yes, its the brevity.

A Green piece of Land making Joseph’s life EVERGREEN!

I was sitting in the flight at the early hour of 4:30 am.

‘The flight from Orlando to New York will be taking off in 5 minutes…….’ announced the air-hostess in her sharp voice.

I turned to the guy beside me who was enjoying, the view from his window; I guess he could read the envy on my face! He was an average sized, dark skin old guy with curly hairs and spectacles.

I was curious, so I introduced myself and asked, ‘Hey, are you here on vacation?’

‘Hey, I am Joseph, Yes I am, I have a home in Tampa, but I stay in New York.’

I asked him, ‘Are you alone?’

He replied, ‘My wife is a nurse in a Hospital in the City and my two daughters and a son are all married and settled.’

‘Where do you work?’ I asked him.

He smiled and said, ‘I did my basic engineering course from Jamaica. I came to USA in 1962, worked at different places. Now am working in an engineering department of New York City Hospital.’

I wondered and asked, ‘Who looks after your home in Tampa?’

He replied, ‘You know, I actually have my own land in Tampa, where I do farming.’

I said, ‘It’s interesting Joseph. What do you cultivate?’

He replied, ‘I love Jamaica and I try to plant the crops over there. I have different kinds of spices cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, star anise…so on. I do visit here every 2-3 months.’

I said, ‘They are the same spices, we all Indians use for seasoning our food.’

I could see the satisfaction and reflection of self-achievement in his eyes. I asked him, ‘Do you have a day- off at work today?’

He smiled and said, ‘I have night-shift today, so when I will reach home at 9 a.m. I will cook for myself and my wife; she will come after her night-shift in afternoon. Then I will sleep and leave, for work at 7 p.m.’

I was amazed to see his enthusiasm and perseverance. Since there was hardly any time left for the flight to land in New York. I thought we should take a nap.

When we woke up, the sun was peeping through the window surpassing the blue skies, floating around like a welcome ring.

I bid goodbye to Joseph. My mind could visualize his farm with green, beautiful plants spreading the tantalizing aroma of spices! Everyone needs a place where one can find solace and satisfaction. Though you stay far off from your homeland, you can never forget your roots, the seeds of which are sowed deep in your heart and so you try to create your own small world in the space available to you.

God’s incarnation in her perseverance – A Bold Lady Farhan

It was five minutes past 2:15 p.m, I reached the gate for my bus. Though I knew, the exact departure time of my bus, I invariably glimpsed the timetable in the glass window nearby. A lady, sitting on the black small sliding bench yelled,

‘Hey Honey, it went just now!’

My steps involuntarily turned towards her and I sat next to her.

‘You look Indian’, She inquired.

‘Yes, I am’, I replied.

Her eyes sparkled, ‘I am Muslim, of Indian descent. My great grandparents migrated from India to Trinidad some 150 years back, but I came here in 1969. I am Farhan’

She was wearing big rings in three of her fingers. One with light green stone carved in a shape of leaf and a lovely small flower sitting on its side. The second one with the shiny white pearl and the last one with a square shaped ruby. The big silver bracelet in her right hand was even more attractive than the matching trinket in her neck.

She was chewing something in her mouth. She immediately took a small bag and said, ’Hey Priti, you should have this, its made of ginger and sugar. My kids always keep this in my bag. It’s good.’ Without waiting for my positive gesture, she just placed them in my hand.

‘Do you work?’ I asked.

She said, ’Now, I can’t. I am retired. I was working in a HR department of a business firm in New York. You know, people sometimes are jealous and mean to you at work. She was lost in her past memory and said, ‘I was awarded as ‘Employee of the year’. It was a beautiful evening at a five star hotel with my children. But later life became difficult for me at work. An Italian lady at my work took the things wrongly as she thought she deserved the award more than I. I told her, ’I work hard, sincerely and honestly, for me it is important to get my pay in hand at the end of each week for my family to run. I am not allured by this award, you can take it!!’

Flashing the headlights the bus was parked in front of the gate. She lifted her heavy body with great difficulty and took her limping baby steps towards the gate, with her stroller bag on one side. She took the front seat. I was following her and sat beside her.

I asked, ’Why did you come to USA?’ She laughed and said, ’Destiny!’ Continuing her conversation, she said, ’After I got married I came here with my husband, but he treated me like a slave. He never gave money to bring even the grocery. He then took me back to Trinidad. I had my two kids there. I was staying in a rented home as a paying guest with an old couple. When I used to cook, the aroma of my food would entice them. So the Granny asked me, ’Will you cook for us, we will pay you?’ I accepted the offer, but used to give them free lunch boxes for the weekends, with LOVE!! They enjoyed, loved and appreciated my food.’

Few months later, My husband started harassing me. One night while asleep, Lord Jesus came in my dream, he told me, you have to be a strong girl Farhan. Get up do something for you and your kids. You know Priti , I do not know how it happened, I am not too religious, I just follow the daily course of my prayers sincerely, but till today I have never understood, how did I dream of Jesus, if Allah is one for whom I pray daily!!’

‘I started cooking for more people in my neighborhood. With this as my savings, I came all the way with my two kids in this country. I did all kinds of job from cooking, sewing clothes, baking, etc. to raise my kids. My elder son works in a bank on Wall Street and my younger one is a Professor.’

I said, ’It’s an unbelievable achievement Farhan! But how did you become a HR person?’

She placed her spectacles on her forehead, its golden chain hanging around her ear, she smiled, ’I went to a business school in NY; after my kids completed their education. Luckily got a nice job later.’

She said, ’My husband still calls me, wants my money, wants to stay together, but I am now, firm as a rock. I am happy with the freedom I have earned on my own.’
Talking to her, I realized I missed my stop. I immediately pressed the stop bell. I said, ’Bye Farhan, nice meeting you’, and left her in a hurry.

Returning back towards my home, my thoughts were resonating back and forth. The uncanny ways in which God gives you strength. How do things so difficult to imagine, actually happen in this world through the hands of common people with great strengths??? Each one of us at some point are awakened from our deep slumber by God. Realizing the depth of faith and determination, we can surely turn our fate - holding the fingers of Almighty. Farhan’s morphogenesis from infirmity to intrepid woman is truly inspirational !!

Jack’s Nation and NATURE at rebel with each other!!

Standing at my usual Gate for the bus, I was looking in the dark, black garage at a distance for the fading sign of my bus…..!!! I turned to my side, a dark man in his late sixties was standing beside me. He was reading a small religious book. His hands were dry, scaly revealing his hard work, but were strong enough. I felt, his face was more mature with age as compared to some other guy of his age.

I said, ’We have just missed the bus.’

He nodded, ’I guess so.’

‘Where do you work in the city?’ I asked.

He replied, ’I work in Long Island City, in a company. We lend Cameras for movies. I take care of the stuff required for the lenses and all. The cameras are most sophisticated and exclusive. Recently we lend it for the shooting of ‘Hangover’ starring Denzel Washington.’

‘Wow…..it’s wonderful.’ I complimented.

I introduced myself to him. He said, ’Glad to meet you, my name is Jack.’

‘How long are you working in this field?’ I inquired.

He smiled, ’I am working there through my life. Actually I am from Haiti; I came here with my dad, after I completed an Instrumentation course in my country. I joined a college here, I have a liking for cameras, luckily got a job here and am still continuing.’

My mind was more curious to know about Haiti, I said, ’Jack, it must be very terrifying situation in Haiti now, due to recent earthquakes, do you still have your relatives there?’

He replied sadly, ‘My wife’s relatives are there, but they have luckily escaped with minor injuries. You know Priti, some countries have bad destiny and so is mine. My parents migrated here after a massive earthquake in Haiti in 1965. There was no means to earn living. My dad started working here and raised our family of three. ‘

I asked, ’Jack, what’s your mother tongue?’

He laughed, ’I know French as Hiati was French colony for many years everyone there is well versed in it. I speak Spanish, as the Dominican Republic is our neighbor and English after I came here and studied it.’

I was surprised, ’Oh!! How long were the French ruling Haiti?’

Jack replied, ’We got Independence long back in 1805, but unlike India revolutionaries in Haiti just drove the French away. There was anarchy in the country. Followed by Military rule and a series of Dictators. They extorted people by levying high taxes. The spices are main agricultural products grown there. We have rich reservoirs of Aluminum ore. But the common man never earned the fruits of his efforts. The atrocities of the government were most horrible with no Law and Justice.’

I said, ’There seems lot of political instability in Haiti.’

Jack added, ’Yes, but President Clinton sent his troops in 1995, took over the military rule and now finally we have democracy.’

I said, ’I recently read that people in Haiti are conjured by voodoo and other traditional practices, Is that really true?’

He nodded in dismay, ’Yes, you are absolutely correct. The masses are not educated; children don’t go to school, forced to labor in fields. Lot of mistrust amongst relatives and friends. So they practice this black magic, instead of visiting a doctor even for ailments.’

Our bus was entering the Lincoln tunnel. Jack said, ’You know this tunnel was built in 1930. They had amazing foresight; it’s the lifeline of the two cities still today. I know your country too got independence from British colonies, but see now you are racing at an unbelieving pace with time and having a global face. We never got an opportunity. Each time something is done, it either gets destroyed with massive earthquakes or by the ruthless government or by the ignorant, corrupt people themselves. Our generations don’t inherit a single legacy from the past; they have to start from the scratch each time, so nothing productive is built. With this annihilation going on, can you tell me how a country can be build?’

I was speechless for a moment.

I said, ’Jack, how is your family?’

He said, ’My kids are good, I have grandchildren too, but you know they don’t understand the hard work our generation has endured. Freedom sometimes sways you away from your goals and life becomes aimless.’

I wondered the vast knowledge Jack had!! I bid goodbye to him. With heavy heart walking to the footsteps of my home, my mind was all hazy. We can never ask questions to our destiny. For the first time I realized countries too have their destinies. The hap and hapless occurrence reflect the whole human development and ultimately the mankind. Fortunate are the human beings and countries on whom the mother NATURE smiles or else she can sabotage the whole mankind!!

"Life......through eyes of ART - Time to regain it again"

I was walking towards my lab, suddenly a soft voice interrupted me.'Hey, Priti are you coming for the art exhibition?' Jessica asked me. I was a bit perplexed, but the next moment I answered,' Yes, surely.' After the day's work in the college, we both took our routine subway ride. On our way I asked her,' What is this exhibition about?' She explained,' It's the exhibition of Kandinsky paintings, whom I admire a lot.' I wondered,' I know, you have a doctorate in science, how do you know so much of arts?' She smiled,' I took arts for my under-graduation, I studied the works of famous artists all over the world, so I developed love for art and paintings, but with time passing by, most of the things are about to erase from my memory, its my dream to see today's exhibition held in city after 25 years.'


We got off at the stop, and walked for 10 minutes to reach the most famous Solomon Guggenheim Museum, facing opposite the largest green space - Central Park in New York City. The Museum is designed by one of the well known architect Frank Lloyd. When we entered the museum, the hallway was crowded, we made our way for the queue. Got our entry passes and took the free audio hearing aid, and were now ready to enjoy the journey.

The floors of the museum are designed in spirals like a double stranded DNA, climbing high!!! We stalked at the first painting.It was a colorful depiction of human figures migrating after war,abandoning their homes...the appeal in the colors was just amazing!! As we moved further, I felt, 'The paintings are becoming more abstract with little sense of figures or forms..' I asked Jess, 'Did he make abstract paintings?' She explained, 'He is one of the person, who developed this art form in the early twentieth century.During that era art was more of realistic forms.
Kandinsky grew up in Moscow but later he went to Munich, to explore the art in the rich cultural city . In a Music concert, he was so inundated by the serene, soothing tunes....he felt that paintings too, can be formless yet strong enough to grip one's heart and have an emotional effect on an individual like the music. It was a great realization for him.... and a great moment for the art world too.'

As we were moving around. I was mesmerized by his colorful, bright schemes. The orange, blue, yellow, red, green.... the horse with its long neck...the blue rider on it ....in later part the rider was replaced just by a tick mark....and so on and so...the forms were becoming more abstract..depicting the gradual transformation of an artist to the world of his own, inviting our minds to think what is he talking in this? and this...???????? When we reached the top floor the forms became more geometrical....the patch work of colors alluring me, as if I am wearing a beautiful Saree of it!!!!!!!!!(I hope I would haaaa!!)


As we headed back downstairs, the museum was overflowing with people. I bid goodbye to Jess, thanking her for such a wonderful and memorable day.I was glad spending my afternoon amidst the bright colors ....detaching myself from the hassle and bustle of the city and the infinite worries occupying our minds. Its great to see people devoting their time to enjoy this invaluable and precious art forms which are unexplainable, explorable, emotionally turbulent. Knowingly or Unknowingly I too submerged myself in the appealing colors, cryptic forms, deciphering the meaning of each in the way I could relate, questioning myself did Kandinsky think that way???.....may or may not...but the enigma of Kandinsky's art will keep on influencing the generations to come!!!!

WEATHER.......it indeed changed Fredrick's Life, but rather he made his own!!!!

'Hey Priti, the phone is ringing..'said Lalit, so i woke from my deep..... early morning sleep, I thought the alarm was ringing so I immediately switched it off. Then came the thundering sound of Lalit,' Oh!!! this was the call from the cab for airport not the alarm...you...!!! and in a matter of second again the phone started ringing, this time I immediately attended it and the female voice at the other end informed me that our cab for airport was waiting downstairs. We just managed to gather our luggage and get into the cab.Thanking Minal and Sumit for their hospitality we bid good bye to them, and as the cab took a turn, a tall, sturdy, white driver asked us,' Are they your relatives?' We said, ' No, they are our friends, We came to spend some time with them, as we like here.' He asked,'Where do you stay?' We said, ' New Jersey.' He replied,' It must be very cold there.' We said,' Yes.'

It was around 4 a.m, so I asked him,' What are your working hours?' He said,' I work from 12 midnight to 6 a.m.Then I take rest, help my wife at home. I have two kids, one is doctor...he laughed loud and said, not of human beings ,but of Wii gaming console, he is 17 years and plays that all the time...'

I asked him,' How long you are here?' He said,' I am actually from Montreal, Canada. My father had a family business of renting helicopters,as in Winter due to snow most of the roads are closed,we used to provide our service to remote places. When I was 19 years old, I was accompanying, our pilot and suddenly there was a bad snow storm, he tried to maneuver a lot, but our helicopter just crashed. I somehow managed to come out, but we lost our pilot.I got some bruises, didn't know what to do. I prayed to God continuously for my life. The weather was becoming more harsh and hostile.I stayed there in bad windchill hungry and thirsty....at the end God heard my prayers and I could see help flying for me through sky. After the most dreadful 48 hrs in my life, the helicopters landed. The doctors approached me for help, and it was then I realized....Oh!!!! I cannot feel my feet, I started crying.The doctors checked and said,' You got a frostbite.'Hearing those words my mind was sunken. I was treated for it in hospital, after I was discharged. We sold all of our business and migrated here to Florida. My feet have not healed till today!!! So driving is the safest job for me.'

He suddenly asked,'What's your terminal?'We said,' It's Jetblue.' Within seconds we were outside our gate. We thanked Fredrick and took our luggage. Then going through series of security checks, at last we boarded our flight. On way back, my mind was just thinking of Fredrick!!! He faced a narrow escape from death in catastrophic weather at such young age,causing WEATHER as a single factor compelling him to migrate to a new place.I admire his sheer will power and zeal.Its hard for time to heal his wounds,but he has moved forward and is still doing so!!

Dealing with insecurities, waiting for her child's dream come true- Sheela Aunty.

I was about to leave the home, was carrying my bag and a bit worried in mind, how will I travel the whole night in the bus? Who will seat beside me? Will I be able to sleep? Many questions.....luckily got the bus just in-front of home, so reached the bus terminal in the city. It was evening around 6:30 pm. I was scissoring through the exodus of people from their offices rushing towards the bus terminal and subway station. Reached the ground floor of the greyhound bus terminal,was waiting for Lalit. He too arrived soon. We then got our tickets checked and just were wondering what next? An Indian Lady who was in her late sixties, a bit disorganized saw us, she immediately asked,' Are u going to Chicago?' I said,' No, to Cleveland.' She started inquiring about our whereabouts from India. I just gave her some tentative answers,as Lalit was not so keen to talk to strangers, quite true as you never know unknown people and their intentions!!!We left for our bus on ground floor.

I was carrying the dinner to night, both of us standing in the queue at our gates started to eat the roll of chapati and sabji.After about an hour we saw the same Lady standing at the rear end of the queue. Somehow I felt secured and now Lalit too. I told him,' I will talk to her and request to get the seat besides me.' He immediately acceded, so I went back and told her the same,her young daughter was standing next to her.The Lady in a second smiled to me and said ,'Yes'. I happily returned to my place and informed the same to Lalit, he was relieved too!!!

I bid goodbye to Lalit and boarded the bus. Got the seat and now was apprehensively waiting for Aunty. She came balancing her bags on her shoulders,her wavy hairs all swaying around.As promised She sat besides me.

We immediately introduced ourselves. 'Hello,I am Sheela from Delhi'.I asked her,'How long are you here?' She said,' I came here to stay with my daughter for a while,am planning to go to India next month.My daughter is studying here and aspires to become a dentist.'After She came to know,I teach in a medical school, she started ricocheting me with hundreds of questions.....and half of our night was over.

She told me,' How insecure as parent she feels, as her daughter staying all alone so far in this country. She added I am worried if my daughter elopes with some guy at least he should be an Indian.' I could feel the vibes of her anxious mind in her eyes. She said,' My girl is very intelligent and studying in the best university here, her Father wants her to give the best education so we send her here, we are proud of her and are sure she will always take rational decisions in life.'

We decided to take a nap. When I woke up it was day outside and was happy to have a safe night with sound sleep. We got off at Cleveland on time, Sheela Aunty had to change for another bus for Chicago to meet her relatives. She gave me her contact details and asked me to be in touch. I moved on for the cab ride to my hotel. After reaching my suite I called Lalit, he was happy that I made it safely. As my day was going to start late I sneaked into the cozy comforter, thinking about Sheela Aunty, and many brave parents like her.Though they understand the insecurities of their lovable kids in foreign land, they show the broader perspective of taking risks, facing the dangling sword of insecurity continuously for each moment in their life. The hope that just keep them going are the DREAMS of their child!!!! Amen.

Its Never too late to find your place....!!!!

That was a long day. After I boarded the bus, a familiar face invited me. I had talked to her some days back, but couldn't recollect her name?? I sat beside her. I asked her,'How is your work going? I remember you drive the coach buses to Atlantic City.' She smiled and said,' Ya...its really going well. Now its more crowded due to holiday season.' I asked her,' How is your experience as being a Lady driver?' She said,' Its really great. I enjoy my work, am working in this field since last 5 yrs.'

I was a bit surprised,' Ohh!! What were you doing before that?' She said, 'I was working in a store, then I was doing night shifts in a warehouse..its was a difficult time. Later, I thought I should look for some stable job, so gave the exams for licensing, appeared the driving test, got my license and now am happy to work in this field.' It was very difficult for me to believe,I said' Why did you come here?.' She answered,' I am from Guyana, my grandmother was from India, I came here six years back because of my daughter, but in this country everyone has to work for earning and have a good life.' I asked her,' Were you working in Guyana?' She laughed and said,' Not at all...I was a full time homemaker.' I was taken aback,' Wow...You look so confident, smart and balanced....no one can ever doubt that you are new in this field!!!!'

She asked me,' Where are you from India?' I said ,'Mumbai' She immediately said,' That's the place were all the Indian Actress are!!! They are so beautiful..and so you too.' I couldn't hide my excitement..'thank you dear.'. I asked her,' Are you enjoying your work?' She said,' Initially I had to do lot of hard work, I was driving on long distance night shift buses, since last couple of years i became permanent and now work only for day shifts, so am very glad.' I was about to leave as my stop came.I said,' It was nice meeting you dear.'

I was amazed by her story..somehow I felt ashamed of myself as i couldn't remember her name and today it did not occur to me, as her greatness acknowledges for her name. A real inspiration.. An all time homemaker,in her late forties came in a new country, learned and jumped into an entirely new profession and now is an independent, confident lady.

Simplifying complex relationships for a better tommorrow, that's what Ms. Sharon is!!

It was 2:25 p.m, I was waiting in the queue for the bus. Just turned back and saw a young lady with strong built,dark complexion, spectacles, short hair standing behind me. She said,'I know these drivers, they are always late,...see the bus should be at 2:15 p.m, its no where nearby...do you take this bus daily?' I answered..'Ya, but last couple of weeks its showing late.' She continued,' I take the 3:20p.m bus, but today I am early, I used to drive to my office, but due to traffic during morning i started traveling by this irregular bus!!!'

I asked,'Where do you work?'She replied,' I work for family court at two places in the NY city.' I was a bit confused and asked,'Do you work for divorce cases, parents and children?' She said,' Ya, I work more with children, I am actually a MEDIATOR, I talk to parents and their children to resolve their problems and if its complex then present it to the Judge.' I said,' It's a different job.How did you land here?' She laughed and said,' I was a school teacher, started this as a volunteer job,got to meet lots of families.....liked talking to them, thought this is the field I would like to work, went to Law school, and am a full time mediator now!'

She said,' My daughter is coming today for thanksgiving...' I said,' Hey, you look so young.' She laughed again and said,' My daughter goes to college, i am not as young...as you think!!!' I was inquisitive and said,' How many cases you handle per day?' She said,'I can do 8-18 cases, but I only do 3 cases per day, I have to talk to the children, talk to their parents, I can't just hurry and do the paper work,sometimes people need someone who just listens to them, advice them, so I prefer sharing time.'

I asked her,'What's the most common cases you see?' She said,' Young children, vexed by the fact that they can't get the things they want like,if they were getting a pocket money of 10$,now are getting 5$ or a child who wants a 120$ snicker and now his parents can buy only one with 50$, failure to go for a dinner on Wednesday nights due to mother losing her job...makes the children difficult to digest and adjust with the facts that they cannot enjoy the privileges they earlier had, so they fabricate a story reporting to the Administrative Child Services (ACS) saying their parents don't take care of them, so the ACS visits their home,just in 10 min they study the family relationship and take the child in foster care so the main problem is financial.' It was 2:44 p.m, the bus came.We boarded it, sitting beside her, I was waiting to know more!!!!

I was more confused.....,' What's the foster care?' She said,' The children are placed in some other families, away from their parents who will take care of them and they are shifted from one foster family to another.' I asked her,' Who find these foster care givers?' She said....'Hey, we don't need to find those, there is a big list, people are waiting to do that so they can get 500$ for looking a child for 3 days and more if they look after him for a month...so its all money business you know, I just wonder if these foster parents really care for the sufferings of the kids who stay away from their families!!!'

It was all new for me, I further asked,'How long are they with the foster parents?' She said,' Its variable, some do not return to their parents at all.They stay in the foster families, attend school, they are in touch with family court till 18 years of their age and later on they are independent to make their own decision.' I was shocked to hear it..I asked,' What's your actual role?' She said, ' I talk to the kids,I make them realize how important parents are for them, just buying new things don't make good parents, tell them, when you were sick they looked after you...and all these years till you are 12 years,or whatever their age is.. they were with you thick and thin, how can you accuse them and file a complaint on the basis of a single incident??? most of the children realize their mistakes, they understand and say Ms. Sharon you are right, we will not do this again and then the case is dismissed. But there are thousands of foster children already, so I check whether they go to school, study properly, do not use drugs, are healthy, not abused...so on.' I asked,' So what if after repenting for his deeds the child wants to join his family?' She said,'No ...No..it's difficult due to all judicial work, so I prevent them from being a foster child..making them realize the future consequences.'

I was flabbergasted,said,'Ms. Sharon this is a herculean task!!!!'. She said,'You know dear, this is the job I love, I want the families to come together,enjoy each others company,communicate...though I don't make great money..but its the job I enjoy. I have the custody to take the kids to their parents for some family time and again place them in their foster families, they are very happy to meet their parents again, its great to see them smiling!' I asked ,' Can the parents ask the kids to stay with them?' She said,' It's again a tedious procedure,they have to make an appeal in court and prove that they regularly visited the kid at his foster home,love the kid and can take full responsibility of the kid.'

She suddenly hugged me said,' See you sweet heart again, Happy Thanksgiving.' I bid her good bye. Looking out of window, I was engrossed in thoughts...Is the parenting so complex?? Its beyond my understanding how can a child be happy in a foster family? For trivial things in life such a big punishment - both suffer !!!!Lack of communication, lack of understanding, failure of children to realize the value of money and most important the respect and love of their own parents...so they end up living in foster homes...!!! Hats off to Ms. Sharon who is playing an impeccable role of simplifying this complex social problem affecting the psychology of children and making each day worth living by knitting the families so they can sit down on the dinner table and enjoy the thanksgiving Turkey TOGETHER!!!

Music the co-factor we share..!!

I was feeling so bored and tepid, that afternoon, while returning home from the college. I stalked through few shops in the busy Bus Terminal, to indulge in window shopping. I entered in my favorite retail cloth merchandise, my eyes started searching for some different colors, patterns, sizes and of-course the price of variety of dresses displayed there. Ultimately decided to purchase a few I liked the most and left the shop........happily!!!!!! Ya.....I wondered??? why am I suddenly happy now???? what happened to me before entering the shop?? In fact losing money should make me feel more miserable....but its not?? May be shopping is the best remedy especially for girls to combat their depression and gain some enthusiasm.......It makes them more richer in their worldly assets or at least give them a pseudo hope of it....I guess hhahahahh!!!!!!

I took the elevator to reach the gate of my bus. The bus had just left so it was waiting time for me.I was checking for the timing of the next bus,a mature voice interrupted,' It's after about half an hour honey.' I turned around, a young lady with black short hairs, and beautiful eyes smiled at me. I said,' Damn it!!! that too, if there is no traffic, hopefully the bus will come on time.'

As i was standing behind her, in a few seconds, I saw, she was also carrying a shopping bag exactly the same I was!!!!! So i immediately asked her,' Did you do shopping downstairs?' She said,'yes, I bought some winter coats, they were good there and added you know, yesterday I went to Macy's and there is an extremely fantastic sale of footwear....you should really go...oh!! what did you shop honey?' And she curiously started looking for the stuff, i showed her. Wow!! you really have good taste.I was flattered by her appreciation...

I asked her,'What's your name and Where do you stay?' She replied,'Am Rose and I get off at the last stop of the bus, it takes me about an hour to reach there by this bus.' She asked ,' Where do you work?' I told her my name and said,' I too travel long about an hour in subway and about half an hour by bus to go to my college.' I continued asking her,' Where do you go in city?' She said,' I am a receptionist in a famous Hotel in the New York City, working there since last 22 years.' I appreciated it. She in an informative tone added,' I never travel by subway.' I inquired,' Why?' She said,' When i was young I was robbed twice, ...while traveling for my morning shift at around 6 a.m, they threatened me by knife, so i gave my purse and jewelery and just ran , from then onwards I prefer taking a walk or a bus.'

I said,' Its really horrifying.' Listening to her accent, I said,' Are you Spanish? She replied ,' Ya, I am.... but we are from Ecuador, its a small country in South America,the equator straddles through it.' I told her,' You are really having an impressive personality, European features with beautiful black hairs.' She smiled and said,' Actually my father was from Spain, and now I take a lot of care of myself at this age of 48 yrs, I eat more fruits and fish...and avoid red meat...haaaa!!'

I said,' Have you tried Indian food? it's spicy.' She said,' No, I have never, moreover I cannot eat spicy things at all!!!!' I was a bit astonished, as in the cosmopolitan city, most of people try Indian food and they like it. Then ,' What do you know about India?' By the time we were in Bus and were happy to share adjacent seats. She said,' I love Indian Music and Indian Cinema.' My jaw dropped,' Wowww!!!!! Its great...how do you understand the lyrics, language...do you know Hindi?' She explained,' You know everyone back home in Ecuador is a great fan of Indian Movies..We follow the translated subtitles to watch the movies, and Indian music is just the best in the world, all the songs are translated in Spanish.....I like the soothing, calm notes of various instruments played by them.'

She told ,' I always wanted to visit India. I admire the outfits too. I meet lot of Indian guests residing at the hotel as a part of my job. Once I saw a lady wrapped in a beautiful saree , her jewelery was mind blowing..... she had lots of servants taking care of her smallest things.' I said,' She must really from an aristocratic Indian Family, I too wonder who she might be?' Only a handful people in India can enjoy this lifestyle and luxury even today.

'Hey, Priti you surely come with your husband to my home, I will cook some Italian pastas for you.' She said. ' Surely, Rose..we will come.Do you have a family?' I asked. She replied,' My husband expired 2 years back, I stay alone, but take care of my sister's family, her husband is very sick, they cannot make their ends meet, so I help them financially, if I bring grocery for myself I bring it for her too, I give all my overtime money to them....you know I believe God gives me more when I help her.'

I just saw out of the window , my stop was about to come. I said,' Hey, Rose bye....see you again.' I came home.Enjoying the hot masala chai, listening to some Hindi song on my Netbook.....I admired Rose,the responsible sister she is!!! today I realized the pivotal role of Music....its universal... surpassing all the barriers created by human beings...the melody of it strong enough to revitalize our preoccupied minds and raise it higher to the divine spirit we all long for!!

A Simple but Ambitious Lady - Linda

It was around 2.30 p.m, I was standing second in the queue,for the bus.Unfortunately the bus was at 2:55 p.m and i had to wait. I opened the textbook I was carrying and started reading...!! A middle-aged lady, with a short haircut,just ahead of me, looked at me and asked,'Are you a student?' I smiled at her and said,' A teacher is always a student.....' She was happy to know about my field.She spontaneously asked,'What's your opinion on Mr.Obama's Health-care reform?' I was startled and said,' I am new here, so don't have much experience of health system in USA, just have heard about Mr. Obama's policies in news,saw lot of uproar in public about it, but truly speaking don't know anything about it!!!' I asked her,'What's your name?' She replied, 'I am Linda, am a social worker in New York City Hospital' I said,' It's great!Can you please enlighten me about the Health System in USA and Mr. Obama's policies.' She said,' Actually I am also a certified Massage therapist and have my own Clinic in Manhattan, as well as my work as a full time social worker makes me to interact with many patients...but in my opinion, I am not in favor of his reforms.' and she started to share her views...!!!!

Suddenly there was flashing of the headlights and the bus approached the gate.Ms. Linda was carrying a beautiful bouquet in her hand, I complimented her and asked,' Do you stay in NJ?' She said, ' No, I stay in one of the boroughs of Manhattan, I am visiting one of my client so am travelling.' We made ourselves comfortable in the front seats of the bus. I asked her,' When did you come here?' She laughed and said,'You know I never knew much about this country, when I came here from Philippines i was just 20 . I had done my graduation in Social Sciences, so joined a college here to take a degree. I started working as a part-time in a massage clinic, later on developed interest in that and did a course in that too.'

I said,' Its really nice, so you must have learned Anatomy too.' She said,' Yes,initially it was difficult for me, but it helped me.' She further added,' You know, as a social worker I interacted with lot of geriatric population, most of them suffering from Alzheimer's disease,after a few years, I thought may be massage therapy help them along with medicines and did a research on this at the university, you will be surprised to know that the patients showed positive improvement in their symptoms and are doing well!!' I was happy to know this. She added saying,' You as a human being should always be in the company of books and keep on thinking....'

I asked her,'Are you married?' She smiled and said,' Who will marry with a social worker, I have dedicated all my time in solving the problems of people who don't have a place to stay, food to eat,who even don't get the basic necessities of life......' She stopped and added,'But i did had a boyfriend long back, but we couldn't continue, I guess he felt more insecure by my ambitions...????.' I asked her,'Was he a Phillipino?' She laughed aloud and said,' All Phillipino males are afraid of me, so none of them, came near me....'

I asked her,'When do you, work as a Massage therapist?' She said, 'I enjoy doing that on Saturdays only , and on Sundays I take an off.' She joyously said,' The art and science of Massage is great, my patients are young people to old...affected by sedentary lifestyles or chronic illness tired of all medicines and who come to me, as a last resort,I on the other hand am stressed throughout from Monday to Friday working as the social worker, so working as a Massage therapist only on Saturday.....really acts as an antidote to relieve my stress too haahhahhahahahah!!!!! I said,' The change of job and ergonomics must be really helping you!!' She said,' I will be settling in Philippines after my retirement and have a dream to open a beautiful Spa center there.' I could really feel the confidence radiating from her face through her words...I had to get down from the bus as my stop was approaching...

I bid her good bye, crossing the zebra lines at the signal, I thought how difficult it must be for Linda to cross all the obstacles in life on her own, but it's the parable of her sheer determination , ambition and confidence that can take her to the pinnacle of her dreams. The insight to raise oneself as an independent humanbeing while growing in the diversity of society is what makes her exceptionally Professional!!!!

The Speaking Tree - with the thin short Lady yet strong and determined!!!!

'Hey Lalit, I saw an Indian restaurant on my way to the hotel.' I yelled entering in our hotel room in Toronto. 'Wow!! that's great. We will check it out for today's lunch.' he said. We refreshed ourselves and left for lunch. “Buffet for $10, Take out for $ 7”!!!! was the advertisement outside the 'Speaking tree-Indian Restaurant'. We entered the Restaurant. There came a lady thin & short, she greeted us. She took us to the buffet, there was a big queue. We got our way to the delicacies. There was everything from paneer recipes to different salads, kulchas, rottis, parathas, rice, biryani, spicy indian pickles, papads, desserts. Being a vegetarian, I was just happy to relish them..!! Lalit too was admiring his chicken tikka masala.....!!!! We then started arguing as I wanted to have food in the restaurant, but he wanted to have a takeout as the restaurant was too crowded. (Never mind it saved some money too heee!!!!)

Having the food in our hotel room, we were so impressed by the food that now we unanimously decided to visit the Speaking tree again. After a couple of days, it was our time to leave Toronto, we took our baggage and decided to have our lunch at the Speaking tree, before going to the airport. This time, when we entered the lobby, the lady thin & short again greeted us. She said,' I remember you, a couple of days back you visited us so did you like the food?' I thanked her and said, 'The food was delicious. Why is your restaurant so empty today?' She said, it’s the weekend, the other days lots of people from downtown offices come for lunch.'

We then took our lunch and made us comfortable at the place near the glass window. She then brought for us hot, freshly prepared kulchas. Wow...!!!! it was a great time again. I looked at her and asked, 'Are your chefs from India?' She replied,' Ya, of course we hired them from India, so we can serve the authentic food here. From which part of India are both of you?' We said, 'Maharashtra, so we speak Marathi.' I asked her, ‘What's your mother tongue?' She answered, 'We are Tamil. I came here two decades ago after my marriage. My husband tried different business, now since a couple of years we are having this restaurant business in a partnership. With God's grace it’s going well.'

I told her, 'Your restaurant is in good location too, so this might be helping you.' She said ,'We pay a lot for renting this place, so I am all the time here to take care of things personally, as my husband is busy with lot of other things.' I saw just outside the window and said, 'What a huge Children's hospital is right across the street, I am amazed. 'She glanced and said, 'I just remember the bad days in my life when I look there. 'I was surprised. She added, 'I have three kids, my third baby girl who is 7 years now, was diagnosed of Acute Myeloid Leukemia, when she was one year old. I used to sit all the time in the hospital waiting for doctors, once they come then admitting my baby, they would pierce her hands and legs collect blood, and the process would go on..... Her condition was becoming worse, and we were running out of money, the one thing which is good here, is that the government spends for the health benefits, but it too has some limitations. My girl needed a bone marrow transplant and we had no money for it.'

I just wondered looking at her, ' How did you manage dear?' She looked at me, smiled and said, 'Then the hospital included her in a special health care plan, but now the doctors here were so detached, we used to ask them what are they actually doing with the treatment. No one used to answer us, I guess they were experimenting with her, but we had no option, we could neither take her home without treatment nor we could see her being a guinea pig in the hospital, I was just a crazy mom, I forgot everything… my other two kids, my home, my cooking nothing was worth in my life, I became an internet bug and studied each and everything about childhood leukemia... I gained some confidence with knowledge, later the doctors told us about the scheduled bone marrow transplant day..!! And till today my girl survives on this treatment....... It’s just a miracle for me.'

We both were short of words seeing her courage and strong will power. We exchanged warm greetings and left the restaurant. Then I looked at the Children's hospital again, my perspective was changed, my thoughts were more intense, my mind was more worried of the countless children and their families playing a tug of war with destiny, the one with the stronger fate wins. Sometimes we think we are so powerful, I realize that it’s just an illusion!!!!

Dr. Sheikh-Lots to learn each day in his dreamless slumber!

It was a cold afternoon, I was waiting outside the bus-stop near my college. Few people were standing all covered with coats and caps, protecting from the chill. I saw a fat, short man. I recollected, he too works at my place. I had heard him talking to others at work, but I could hardly understand his speech, it was very slow and broken....I found it boring . I was more desperate for the bus, so I asked him, 'At what time is the bus?' He slowly lifted his head, said in a monotonous voice,' We just missed it.' I told him, ' I guess we both work at same place,' I introduced myself and asked,' May I know your name?' he said in a slow, energy less voice,' Dr. Sheikh'.


He asked me,' How long are you here?' I told ,' Came recently.' He did not show any expression, so I repeated again. He told me,' Will you please come on my left-side, I can hear better.' So I did. We could now see the bus, waiting at the signal. The next moment it took a turn and stopped in front of us. Dr.Sheikh asked me to board first. I sat, now saw him, as he was struggling a bit while walking. He sat next to me. I started the conversation, but realised that I was sitting on the wrong-side again!!! After about 20 minutes we got down at the stop. Now, i waited for him, we walked slowly all the way, climbed to the subway platforms. Luckily the subway came, we boarded it... now he immediately asked me to sit on his left-side, before someone else grabs the seat!


He removed his cap. He opened his bag, took his lunch box, and started to eat the sandwich. He told me,' I cannot withstand hunger, my sugar levels fall immediately.' I asked him, ' What happened to your right ear?' He said,' Do you know acoustic neuroma?' I said ,' ya, I read about it in ENT. Its tumour of nerve cells that connect ear to brain .' Continuing his explanation,He said,' I was diagnosed with it, was operated by the best surgeon in city 20 years back.' I said,' I never met anyone with this condition, it means that the disease has a good prognosis, you are still able to have a good life after the operation.' He said,' Ya, sometime back, I suffered from stroke, so my lower-limb is weak, rest all is good.'


The subway was running as usual. We were now, comfortable at conversation. I asked,' Sir, how much time do you spend in travelling?' He said,' About 2 hours.' I asked him,' How long are you settled here?' He said,' Actually, I am from Egypt, I did my medicine from there, went to U.K in 1964, worked there in many hospitals. My wife, learned to cook many Indian recipes, as there were many Indian families staying in our neighborhood. Its difficult to get a work permit there, so came to USA in 1977. Since then, I am a Family practitioner here and associated with many medical schools.'


I could guess from the gray hair locks, that he is in his seventh decade. I asked about his family. He said, ' I have two kids. My son, who is an attorney ,now is married happily. My daughter is in Israel.' I asked him,' Is she married?' His face,suddenly became more serious. He said,' You know, she has hurt me a lot.' He continued,' She was my most lovable kid!! We had lots of family friends, we never put restrictions on our kids....may be she had some friends in school, she completed her law and was working in a prestigious firm in city. One day she came home, called everyone in the family and said,' I am converting my religion.' We were all shocked, couldn't believe what we were hearing. We tried a lot to explain her, rethink her decision, but all in vain. She was stubborn and had made her mind. She then left home, job everything and now is settled in Israel. She got married there too. I have not seen her, since long.'


I felt sorry for him. I asked,' Why are you working so hard?' He said,' I cannot sit at home. My wife is busy too, she is the head of geriatrics association in our town. So we have busy weekends with all different programmes. I have joined a part time management course too.' He continued,' Its a correspondence course, but I agree that now a days,the process of learning has changed,so am finding it a difficult course, but trying to cope-up, hhaahhah!!!'



'The next stop , is Times Square-42nd street, transfer is available to...bbbababbabllalall...' came the recorded announcement. We geared to get down, as the station approached. Dr. Sheikh was the last to come out. I waited for him. We slowly climbed down the stairs, he bid me good bye, as he was heading to catch another subway, travel an hour before he could reach home.


I too was walking on my way home. Thinking of a person, whom I perceived to be slow,boring, energy less and tired.....now was changing the shades from an undistinguished to a distinguished personality!! A 78 years man ,in spite of health issues and wrecked mind by close ones, was passing each day with lots of perseverance and determination. His each movement was as calm as a child in a dreamless slumber. I just felt pity of myself, to judge him wrongly!

AKEMI- Bright and Beautiful

On my way to the gym, a familiar voice stopped me,'Hey, how are you?' .'Ya, I am fine, ' I climbed to the stairs of my neighbour 's apartment Mrs. Akemi. She was looking after her two grandsons, playing around. 'Saw you after, so many days, are you busy?' she asked. 'No, not really.' I said. 'Oh, great, then why don't you join for a lunch tommorrow at my home?' I thought for a while and said,'Its great.' 'I know you are a vegetarian' She said.She asked futher,'Do you have fish and eggs?' I said..' No, please!' Oh...then ,'Do you drink Milk?' I said ,'Yes'. I told her, I too will bring Chappati and Indian Bhaji/ Curry. She was happy to know that. Then I bid good-bye to her, confirming the lunch time as 12:30 p.m.


Doing my workout, I was just pondering its really very difficult to have a vegetarian/ nonvegetarian criteria....Milk too is an animal product, so are many as derived from it. So the argument about what to eat and what not to eat, is just difficult to solve. Moreover its an individual's perspective to the phrase,'Thou should eat to live, not live to eat.'


The next day, I rang the door bell of Mrs. Akemi. She opened the door, ' You look nice, today.' She greeted me, then introduced me to a fair, thin lady her daughter Hayate. I told her,'I would serve you Chappati hot,' and demonstrated them the method to make it. 'Oh!! it looks nice, is it similar to Naan?' asked Hayate.'Not totally,' I said.


We sat for the lunch.,'Do you pray in Hindus.' she asked me. I said,' Ideally yes, but we don't rigorously follow it.' So we prayed and it was a peaceful moment before we started to eat. The dining table was decorated with different vegetarian Japanese recipes. I started to taste each of them. The beans soup, a beautiful looking small wrap of cucumber and rice (Sushi), mushrooms with garlic sauce, boiled broccoli with pepper and salt, fried okras, onions and carrots dipped in rice flour (Like indian bhajjis). Everything was just perfect. I just couldn't resist using thin beautiful chop-sticks, but later on preferred the forks!!! 'Hey, How to eat this Chappati and the vegetable?' asked Hayate,' You can make a wrap of vegetable in the chappati and have it,' I said.'Wow!!your Indian food is so delicious, we like it!!'came their reply. I was relieved. The Japanese cold tea served, instead of water was the best soft drink i ever had!


The little grandson, suddenly started crying. 'May be, his sleeping time'. said his mother.Mrs. Akemi gave me a big, fat, brown, thick album from the shelf which was overloaded with books, She said,'You can see it, till I make him sleep.' Sitting in a reclining chair, I was amazed to see the photographs of pre-school children playing games, performing dance, balley, dramas,different gymnastic games, camping, visting parks, aquariums, celebrating Mother's day......now my mind was full of infinite questions....!!



Then came Mrs. Akemi.' You are just a wonderful person, how did you manage to do this?' I asked. She with a smile which exaggarated, the wrinkles on her face said,' I was a Principal in a Missionary school ,at Colorado, we catered a child who was 100days old to 5 years old, their parents worked in different parts of world, so we were their care-takers 24 by 7. We had more than 150 children, a dedicated teaching staff and caretakers.' 'Its just a herculean task' I appaluded. ' Moreover, I could read only happiness and joy on the face of each child in the snaps, I just wondered how is it possible parenting all those children so well???


She smiled and said,' I am a nurse by profession, I worked in Japan, but after I came in USA, 36 yrs back, with my husband, I couldn't practice nursing, as my English was poor and to appear for exams, we didn't have enough money.I was more interested in doing some religious work, so slowly I became an active member in my church and the work grew leaps and bounds.' I asked her,' Was your husband fine with it?' She said,' Ofcourse, he was very supportive. You know I lost him 18 years back, due to sudden heart attack, but he is still with me.' I was just surprised by the last statement... she continued saying,' He has guided me, since then.. we believe in eternal and true love..I see him, when I need him, he advises me, I can feel, he is patting on my back.' I said,' I am not able to believe this, its just impossible.' She was confident and said,' We all have a spiritual eye, but gradually we all are losing it, its my own true experience.'



I just didn't know what to say, like any science graduate person, its difficult for me to believe this, but I do respect her intimate feelings which were TRUE. I asked her,' What are you doing now?'She replied,' I am working for United Nations, doing humanitarian work in South America. I have visited North Korea too, its a real communist country, where you can just think of FREEDOM, in your mind, can never enjoy it.' She continued saying,' I was staying in a hotel, there was no ventilation, so I switched on the ceiling fans, but they were not working, I called the hotel manager and asked him to do the needful.' He said,' No, I cannot do that, during ,the bright day light the government switches off the electric supply of the country, to save energy and is available only during night.' So that's the reality in other parts of world!!



Suddenly came the cry of baby, he just woke up.....now she is a busy grandma, the whole day. Thanking her,I told,' I shall leave now.' On her insistence I packed some of her delicacies for Lalit too.


Opening the door of my home, I realised my mind too has opened to lot of avenues, I never thought of ! A simple lady with her beautiful mind has changed the life of so many people.That's what behind her Japanese name-Akemi=Bright and Beautiful stands for.There are many factors which bring people together, but I never thought 'FOOD' is one of them. For me, now it stands for fostering a beautiful relationship with other human mind!!

John - An interesting simple man!

I woke up at 5:30 a.m, my luggage was all packed. Was happy to go home and meet Lalit after 4 days. At 6:30 a.m, got a call from the front desk, 'Mam, your cab is ready.' I said ,'fine...' Checked the room for the last time in the 10th floor of the Intercontinental hotel, in Cleveland and locked the door. Settled the payments at the front desk and moved to my cab.

'Good Morning, have a nice day Mam' was a confident voice of a smart, fair looking cab driver. 'Thanks and wish you the same, do you know where to go?'I asked. 'Ya, he said,'To the airport.' I smiled and said, 'For a change, i would like to go to Greyhound bus station, do you know where it is?' , 'Yes, Ofcourse...' came the immediate reply.

The car was good...but i don't remember the name of the model, as am bad at it! He asked me, 'From where are you Mam? I said ,'Am from India. Oh...did u come all the way from India to Cleveland?' I replied ,'I stay in NJ, both myself and my husband work in NY city, came here for a confernce.Oh!! good, he said.

I asked him,' How long are you here?' He replied, 'Since 22 years, I came here to study, but have not completed it till now???, so am driving the cab. When I came here , it was a good city with booming Steel industry, now everything is quiet and standstill, no jobs so lot of drug dealings in young generation and prostitution too...... but you stay in a city, which is too fast!' Yes, I nodded. 'From which country are you?' I asked . He said, 'I am from Morocco.' I was a bit confused and asked him,' Where is it exactly situated, is it in Europe or in Africa?' As if he knew, he instantly said,'Lot of people are confused about it..Monaco is the wealthiest country near France...I am from Morocco,one of the poorest country in Africa, so I landed here.'

I told him, 'I visited the Cleveland Clinics and was amazed to see the huge investment done, in the healthcare sector here...but somehow after talking to the staff here, felt some negative vibes..as if the hospitals are only for rich and wealthy. There was lot of attitude in their behaviour too.' He said,' You are good in reading minds,Mam...No poor can get treated there, Here people, will treat a street dog or a cat....but not a humanbeing, if you don't have an insurance.Neverthless, this clinics are the largest source of employment in Cleveland now, so that's a positive point of them.'

He continued saying,' You know, I learned one thing here, when I was in college, I joined English Classes, I hardly had any money. One of my friend took me to a cafeteria, we were standing in the queue, when his number came he took his food,paid his bill and sat on his table, I was surprised,Oh!!! jezz, if you are not paying for me, why did you invite me, I am poor, I cannot afford this, that day I learned its a different culture my boy!! Later on, when i purchased a sandwich and offered a half of it to my friend, he said,'Why, you don't want it?' I said, ' Its not the way, I want to share it with you.' I was just amazed to know, how true he was!!

Ohh!! the station has come.' I mourned.He said. ,'Please give me a change Mam of 15 dollars,' I said ,' I need to open my baggage for a complete change, so we went to the trunk, i gave him 17 dollars with 2 dollars tip, as always insisted by Lalit to give a tip(But I know this was less than what Lalit's calculations say!).' He saw that, I finished all my change and said,' Oh!! you please keep this dollar back, and pick a popcorn or something to wooble, at bus station and he compelled me to take the money... I had some Indian food with me, I asked him ,' Do you like Indian food, he said,'ya' so I gave him the packet of Bakarwadi, from Chitale bandhu, he saw it and said,'Its sweet.' I said ,'No, its spicy'.He innocently asked, 'Do you have something sweet?' I was happy to give him , Rajgira laddus and some besan laddus made by me....., he said,' Thanks, Mam, I will have them when i feel hungry during day, as I am in car all the time.' I complemented him saying,' It was nice time with you, i would have like to interview you, but sorry for the lack of time!'

Standing in the queue for the bus, I was thinking...I just didn't ask his name?? So I am calling him as 'John, an interesting character,' I accidently happen to meet.But when I googled the country Morocco, I was surprised to find it as a Muslim religion following country....so may be his name might be different...but for me, he is a hardworking man ,working from 5:30a.m to 10:p.m, each day to earn his bread and butter... in a country which is culturally contrast to his, but now his own!!He just stands distinct by his simplicity and honesty, understanding others.... is what to be a good humanbeing afterall!

Janet…ACHES & PAINS

One fine morning, I was waiting on the bus stop, close to my home. My eyes were searching for the thin location of the bus, at the end of the street…Oh! God…. its not visible. I sat on the black welded metal bench . To my surprise an old lady, white hairs, not dyed?? with the wrinkles on her face and a black bag approached me.
‘Honey, are you waiting for the bus?” I said “yes”. She immediately said, “You just missed the one, 2 minutes ago, and the next will be after 45 minutes.” She sat beside me, on the same black bench.

She then told me, ‘I stay down the street, near the tunnel, usually I take a walk, but on Monday I prefer the bus, so I know the timings’. I said, ‘Oh! Then I have to walk all the way down the street for another bus.’ But then I was too lazy to leave the black bench. I sat beside her, she immediately said, ‘You know….I have a pacemaker and seven stents in my heart. My doctor is very nice and I get a call every 2 months from my hospital regarding my wellbeing. I visit her every six months .’ I just wondered, ‘what might be her age?’ as if , she read my mind, she said ‘I am 88yrs and my husband is 92 yrs, he is a Diabetiologist. When we have to go together I leave early and he leaves later, and catches me at the same time, I have to run with him, when he walks……so I prefer walking alone at my pace.’

She continued, ‘I have lots of grandchildren and great grandchildren too, I have their pictures with me,’ She opened an album from her black purse, showed, ‘Look she is Alice…a chatterbox, she is…he is the baby…on and on,’ I could see the happiest moments of her life, with them all.

A couple of old ladies came across, Janet’s friends from the hospital. She introduced me to them, they appreciated my patience to sit and listen to her..! They then left exchanging warm wishes.

Janet said, ‘My parents were from Poland, but am raised in USA, My husband is from Italy, so my children are half Polish and half Italian.’ I asked her, ‘Did they ever visit their countries? She was sad, said, ‘whenever I planned ,Poland always had some political issues, so couldn’t, my husband always planned to take me to Italy, but it was never put in action….so am here all the time.’ She continued telling, ‘My husband drives a lot and we go to Florida, Virginia…and a lot of places on long drive.’ I was spellbound to know the efficiency of a 92 yrs man!!!!

I asked her, ‘Where you working, when you were young?’ She answered, ‘Ya, I was working as a caretaker for sick, I retired when I was 80yrs…as I suffered stroke, while on work.’ I just wondered, why do we have retirement age??? A healthy mind and body doesn’t retire till last spirit!

She continued, ‘I was like a live wire, when young never took rest, had lot of friends, active in the church, and now I am like a turtle…hahahh!! My son has made a well equipped kitchen for me, where I enjoy cooking and my husband does all the grocery and laundry. I have a nice pool in my backyard too, where I can bask in sun!’

I asked her, ‘Have you tried Indian food?’ She thought a bit and said, ‘Oh! I love that flat bread (Chappati),’ and inquired about an Indian Restaurant nearby. I was glad as a new restaurant named ‘Amrut-The taste of India’ had recently opened a few blocks away. She immediately said , ‘Oh! I saw it, a couple of days back, when I went to my parlour. Will surely have a lunch there with my husband.’

Suddenly, the door of my bus opened infront of me, and I had to just board it, without a second thought. I wanted to hug Janet and bid here goodbye, but couldn’t do, it in hurry. I was just thinking all the way in my journey to college. What a lady, Janet is!! Really an inspiring life, there was not a single form of negativity in her act. She is living life fullest, with lot of love. I was surprised about her visits to parlour at this age!! One should really care for external beauty, but she has a beautiful mind too. I was mesmerized by this lady JANET—all my aches and pain!!!


July 8, 2009

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Our visit to Pittsburgh was the most memorable experience. We left our home at 8 a.m on 9th May 09, in our Camry.Lalit was happy to drive as the weather was good.There was lot of traffic on the freeway due to road construction work in progress. At around 1p.m we took a break at a restaurant in North Somerset. My Veggie burger was yummy and Lalit's buffalo chicken too!!. We reached our destination at Monrovilli at 3 p.m. Our Super8Motel was a cosy room with all amenities. We took nap, became fresh and left to meet Amita my friend from Mumbai.At her apartment in Pitts, we had a nice chat,tea..!! and then left for our city tour.

Pittsburgh is the city of bridges...!!Lots of them in the city. Each having its own charm and architecture. We first went to the Cathedralof Learning the most famous place in the city. Its a 42 floor building. On our way to university we were welcomed by tall, huge, green and big trees. When we entered the Cathadral its just amazing with the tall, unending ceiling. The carved old rooms and celings. With the benches and chairs for reading...students studying in a quiet environment.We went to the 36th floor by lift. The view from there was awesome!! The Cathaderal has completed 100 yrs in Oakland.The campus around is very huge. Lalit took a snap with the pitts PANTHERS..really a dark black one!!!

The Mellon Institute is just wonderful. It has magnificient pillars and steps....favourite spot for wedding snaps with the bride and bridemaids standiting and smiling!! We then went to the Schendler'sPark, which was lush green all around. The weather was now changing, it became cloudy. The beautiful rays of sun peeping through the clouds was an icing on the cake.

Lalit then drove to Mt. Washington...reached the top..but to our surprise couldn't find a parking space. So we descended and parked the car atUnion Square station. We then took the famous Dusquene Incline to reach the top. Its a historical form of mass transit uphill.One has to pay 5 dollar round trip fare to enjoy the ride. Infact its a routine mode of public transport till late midnight for people staying on Mt. Washington...really a thrilling ride everyday! The observatory on the top of Mt. Washington provides a bird's eyeview of the downtown Pittsburgh. The coincidence of sunset and the city just getting lit up is just amazing! We can also watch the calm Ohio river flowing through the city with the tall skyscapers on its bank.

We then came down by the Dusquene Incline to Union Square station which is just a small township with lot of restaurants and riverside view. The place were students can just hang out on weekends.The dancing fountains were thrilling and colourful. It was a fun time for kids and adults too. The music really makes you to tap your feet! We decided to Dine at Buca's Italian Restaurant. After a 45 min wait...we ultimately were happy to have the yummy raviliona and variety of pasta...!

Next morning on 10th May we woke at 7 a.m, dressed up in traditional Indian outfit for our visit to temple on Penn Hills. Its the oldest Sri Venkateshwara Temple in USA. The way to the temple is a bit in interiors, but luckily our GPS was smart to take us to the destination. The temple has a traditional Indian look and style in the interior. We attended the Puja..conveyed our prayers to God. The idols of God and Goddesses are very beautiful and decorated. Then we had food in the temple. It was just yummmmmyy!!! We tried all different types of rice from tamarind, sambar, pongal, curd and all just delicious for 2 dollars, just unbelievable!

We then left Pittsburgh with blessings from god and a mind full of satisfaction. On our way back saw the tall, huge windmills....reminding of Obama's GREEN revolution and energy alternatives.