The best laid plans of mice and men…
First of all, please help me in keeping this a secret. Do not let my immediate family in India know of this for another 36 hours.
Second, let me share with you something that I had not made public for a few weeks. You probably recollect my trip to India to see my parents from mid August. Well, my plan to see them next was Dec end. In fact, the daughters wanted to come too. Excitedly, I started the process of getting all passports renewed and new Indian visas stamped around the end of Sep. (still waiting the daughters’ visas).
In the middle of all this, my dad decided to have a brain stroke. His right side is paralyzed and he cannot speak!! To cut thru the last four weeks quickly, after a long stay in the hospital in Kolkata, my brother has successfully moved him back to home in Kalyani. He and the entire family supporting him are going thru a very tough adjustment process.
Thru all this, my brother, who is quarterbacking all the ground level realities there has been actively dissuading me from coming to India right now. He is worried that this might disrupt our December plans (and he would rather we all go to see my dad in December). He also thinks that at this juncture, I might add more work for my mom than actually be helpful. (She is undoubtedly going to worry about what I am going to eat). Finally he thinks, I should preserve money during an “off year”.
All good points. Except, a week back, Sharmila and I discussed and I decided to override my brother. So, here I am – at the familiar Atlanta airport international terminal again – headed to India to be with my dad hoping he can recognize me and say a couple of words.
Regarding my brother, while I am sure he is going to be very happy seeing me, I have also prepared my excuse codes…
(*) I will be landing at my parents place on Diwali day – the biggest festival day in all of India. I have not been with my family for Diwali since 1985.
(*) Saturday is “bhaiphonta” for us. I am not sure if there is something equivalent in the Western world – but this is where sisters celebrate their brothers with all sorts of ceremonies. (For college goers, this is like an anti-Valentine Day. If the girl tags you as her brother, you have pretty much reached the End Of File on that budding relationship đ ). Anyways, my younger brother always goes to my sister’s house for this celebration every year and sends me pictures. Guess who is showing up this year?
(*) My brother and I have not had a drink together for way too long đ I have to say thanks to him for the inhuman effort he has put in for the last four weeks.
I have my doubts if I can achieve much more than be with my dad and more importantly my family who are having a tough adjustment period getting used to a semi-invalid patient. But, if I can, highest on my list is visiting a couple of teachers from my early school days and say Thanks to them before I lose my chance. Most of them, I have not seen for 40 years or more.
Soooooo…. we have a deal, right? No breathing of this trip to my family in India. In fact, I am blocking them temporarily on Facebook so they cannot read this either…
safe travels friend.
Welcome to India. Hope your dad will be able to talk with you. God bless him and you too.
all the best wishes, Rajib!
Happy nd safe journey
All the best. God bless you. God bless Kaku too.
The best plan. Dad will be v happy to see u…. Ans safe journey..
Who are you again?
Wish you all the best and safe journey.
Safe journey Rajib and there is never a better time than diwqli to be with family. Best wishes to your dad as well
Go with luck!
All the best and have a safe trip
Safe travels and have a wonderful time with your family !!
God bless you and your family Rajib.
All my best Raj! You are always there for others no matter what! You won’t regret making the trip and how special it will be! Safe travels my friend!
Have a nice trip! Hope You can achieve all your goals there… Hope You Daddy is better soon! Cheers
Safe travels, Rajib. I hope your father is feeling better soon. I know your jokes and your smile will brighten his spirits.
Safe journey Rajib. I will wait for your next post .
Safe travels! All the best for your Dad!!
All the very best and have a safe trip Rajib da! Praying for Mesho’s quick recovery!!
Safe travels Rajib! Praying for your fatherâs recovery.
Best wishes for Mesho, enjoy Diwali with your family. Have a safe trip.
Hopefully everything will be fine!!! Safe travels!!!
Good luck
Safe travels Rajib..
Good luck with your family, Rajib. Hope your time together is fruitful and happy.
Hope your father recovers and you get to communicate with him. Be strong
Go where the heart is. Happy Diwali.
OMG… hope Jethu feels better…
Happy Diwali..
Safe travels
Wishing your Dad well. I am sure your ppresence will be the tonic everyone needs.
Safe travels and cherish your time with the family.
Safe travels and speedy recovery for Meso
Safe travel…hope you see Mesomosai in a better health
Hope Jethu will recover soon, Durgapore/Ranapratap during Kalipuja has lot of old memories, have a safe trip
Sorry to learn about meshomoshai’s stroke. Wishing you all the best, Rajib.
Safe travels and a very happy diwali to you and your family Rajib. Wishing your dad a speedy recovery.
Sorry to hear about mesho- wish him a speedy recovery
Sorry to hear that!
Hope your Dad will get better.
Safe travels and God speed RR… how old is your dad?
79
Have a safe trip
Have a safe trip …. enjoy bhai phonta and praying for a speedy recovery
Hope your dad will get better soon
All our best wishes for your Dads speedy recovery. Have a safe trip
Feeling very very sad !
Safe travels. Hopefully everything will be ok by God grace. Best wishes for uncle and speedy recovery
I am very sorry about your dadâs stroke. Iâm sure your brother will be happy to have some assistance- all the best for your dads recovery.
I realize you already know this, but you will never regret time spent with your dad, no matter the circumstances. I made two visits to see mine while “between opportunities “, and am so glad I did since they were the last we had together.
Best wishes for you Dad Rajib! It is great that you are going to be with the family on Diwali.
Happy diwali dada to you and entire family.
Safe travels and hope your dad feels better soon. Enjoy Diwali with your family they will surely be happy to have you back surprise or not. Thanks again for the lovely wishes.
On Diwali wishing your Dad quick recovery and a pleasant stay for you.
While this copy reads good, I can understand the worry and stress you must be going through. As I said before more strength to you and yours.
Keeping Kaku in my thoughts and may whatever is best happen to all of you.
God bless you and your family. Dad’s are precious – am glad you are making this trip
Hugs and best wishes!
Hoping for a speedy recovery for your dad! It’s awesome that you’re able to be there to be with your family. Take care.
May your dad recover quickly.
Godspeed your mission my dear Rajib! Wish your father, your family and you will spend a peaceful and supportive time together.
Wish your dad a speedy recovery!
Dear Rajib – Sending my best wishes for a speedy recovery for your dad- Have a great time with Dad and Mom!
Safe travels, Rajib, and wishing your dad a very speedy recovery!
Wish your Dad a quick and full recovery.
Safe travels and prayers for your family
Prayers for your family – safe travels
Best wishes and hope kaku’ s recovery is faster with both you brothers and family by his side
Oops…What did you really mean by “No breathing of this trip to my family in India” ? – only parents and brother ? or sister included also ? đ …oopsie…
Gotcha… It has been a couple of minutes….Truth is that I was just kidding..:-) . Create more memories – I know you will..
All the best dada!! We will pray for your family. You set the bar so high of how to deal with this tough period. Your every step is learning stepping stone for so many of us.
Get well soon Kaku, pray to god…
Safe travels, and best wishes for your dadâs speedy recovery.
Have a safe travel Rajib. Wishing uncle a speedy recovery. Best of wishes for the family.
Sorry to hear about Kaku. But if you are in Kolkata let’s meet
Goodluck Rajib and hope your dad feels better soon! Safe travels..
Mesomasai nischoi apnake dekhe taratari bhalo hoye jaben. Bhaiphota o enjoy korun.
I’m certain you are doing the right thing Rajib, and you will know it as soon as you get there. Sincerely, all the best for your dad and family.
Best wishes for your Dadâs speedy recovery
Wish your dad a speedy recovery
Travel safe
Thinking of you and your family!
You have a safe trip and we are praying for kaku to recover soon
Hi Rajib , Have a safe trip to India. Pray that your dad makes a speedy recovery. Happy Diwali to you and your family.
praying for Mesho. Have a safe trip.
Hello Rajiv, have a safe journey and pray for the speedy recovery of uncle….
Sorry to hear that . Wishing your Dad a speedy recovery!!
Safe travels Rajib and may all your wishes comes true. “A stitch in time saves nine” – good decision taken jointly by Sharmila and You!
Praying for you and your family!
Safe journey Rajib and prayers for your dad and the rest of you.
Wishing him a speedy recovery. Safe travel.
Safe travels and I sure they would be delighted to see you
Dada tumi India esecho vaihfotai thakbe.Ami chor da ke phone korechilam pisemasai akiracom ache na
wishing your dad a speedy recovery
save travel
Michael, I was just thinking about you when your message came thru. I am at Frankfurt airport!! Everything good on your side?
Everything good! If you next time in FRA let me know. It is a 40 minutes drive from where i live . C u soon
Wishing Kaku to get well early…..Welcome home Rajib…..happy & safe journey…
Have a safe trip, Rajib, and all the best for your Dad’s recovery.
Hereâs wishing your dad a speedy recovery.
Boss!!!! Such feelings for mom and dad is really very hard to find.U really am a icon for all those NRI s who leave abroad and never even bother to wish their mom and dad Subho Bijoya.I have seen professors of US universities who did not even know his dad was dead for more than 4 days.This ill fated father stayed all alone and died a lonely painful dead and we only came to know about the situation when foul smell started coming.I myself being into business do lot of travelling both national and international and find thousands of NRIs who doesnt even know the names of their own cousins.But as bcos at d end of it we all all r Indians and more Ryan that humans we should really learn from what ur doing.Keep it up bro!!!! We really love u !!!!Last tell me anything if I can b of any help!!
Rajib, Sorry to hear about your dad. Hopefully he will regain majority of the functions.
I think you made the right choice!! Good luck, have fun and prayers for your family!
Your decision is correct. Stay blessed. Pray to God that Kaku gets cured at the earliest. Pls inform if I can come of any use
Have a safe flight. Enjoy the Diwali with your family and Bhaiphota with your sister. âī¸âī¸
So sorry to hear of your dadâs stroke. You are a good son for going…Iâm sure it will mean quite a bit to your father. Have a safe trip!
Wish your dad for a speedy recovery…
Saying a prayer for your dad
Rajib,
Your father will be in my prayers for a speedy recovery. Enjoy this time in the bosom of your family – your caring and love will give them great strength.
Wish your Dad a full recovery.
Sending good thoughts your way! My Mom had a series of strokes and it is a really hard adjustment for everybody but it can get better!
Pray for your father’s quick recovery. Take care.Happy Diwali
Roy Rogers- so proud of you! And happy that youâre heading home for celebrations, even in trying times! Wishing speedy recovery for your Dad, and wonderful homecoming! Happy Diwali!!
I wonât breath a word. I hope all goes well with your father; I know he will be thrilled to know your there. Safe travels.
Presence counts more than presents. Safe travels
Hope jethu gets well soon
The best Diwali gift for Mesho would be to have you by his side this year! Every moment spent with ur family will be precious…
Wish mesomosai a speedy recovery
Kaku akhon kemon aachen? Kotha bolte parchen? Right side narachara korte parchen?
Ekhono pouchhoi ni
You sounded like a complete man!
Wishing Kaku a steady recovery n stability
You are so inspiring, Rajib. Hope you have a wonderful time with your family and your father stabilizes.
Kaku r khobor ta jene kharap lagche bhogobaner kache Kaku r sustha jebon kamona kori. Happy dewali. Sabai ke nie bhalo thakis.
Have a safe journey. Enjoy Deepavali with your Baba Maa and others.
Rajiv, have a safe and enjoyable trip. Sorry to hear about your Dad’s stroke. My mom had a stroke 2 years ago and it was a pretty tough period immediately following, but she has made a remarkable recovery. Happy to share any learnings from that experience if you’d like. Wishing you and your family a Happy Diwali and your Dad a speedy recovery.
Have a safe trip and good health to the fly. Is fly not on FB……