School Reunion

Goosebumps and gratitude... The two words that came to my mind today!!
A group of fifteen people in their mid-thirties discuss what the others are doing, where they are staying and what's going on in each one's life... 
Are they strangers?? Yes, because they are meeting after 21 years...... No, they have known each other as young, innocent, vulnerable and sensitive school-going kids who sat in the same class, sometimes on the same bench... They have studied together, waited for each other while copying the notes, helped one another in exams, practiced for the class plays together, shouted the same answers, competed in the race for the best ranks, played kho-kho and dodge ball together, shared the silly jokes of childhood and early adolescence, enjoyed the best lunch box of the day and went home together at times!! They have grown up together during the most vital formative years when the minds were just like plain paper and acquired the basics of learning and building character.
After 21 years, what you find is the adult versions of those youngsters, the wonderful ladies and gentlemen who went around the world to find a footing for themselves and a career, living happily now and enthusiastic to share their stories, joy and delight with the classmates who meant their world few decades ago!! The shy girl is now a mother of two and managing a lot of things at a time... The calm boy has become a Businessman; the talkative guy is now venturing into new and untouched arenas!!
Few wrinkles, grey hair here and there and the extra spectacles to go through the menu are just signs of adulation. Maturity and decency integrated into the minds with the age and experience leave the group with huge respect and gratitude for the school that has been instrumental in moulding their lives so beautifully!!

My Pets

This time it is love birds. Though we started off with the guilt of having caged beings as pets, we were totally convinced that if we set them free, these colorful and eye-catching birds would fall prey to the other ones.
Opening the small door of their cage, cleaning the remains, arranging food and water for them is such an awaited activity of our routine!! In return, they keep chirping away throughout the day right from the sunshine till our lights go off!
The best thing is even my youngest son can participate in caring them and guess what....the tiny birds learnt to repeat his name!! He is all the more excited to be with them!

RIP Mavayyagaaru!!

I might have been in the illusion of getting situation under control while boasting about budgeting and sourcing the demonitization period.... but, things were put back into perspective when the reality of how fragile life could be, has hit us hard a week after posting this!!
Sudden demise of a dear family member(my father-in-law) has pushed us into the need to overdraw amounts much more than the limits set by demonitization. But, no one left us time to sit and despair over the financial crunch while we were still grieving the loss.
As Robin Sharma states, 'The second stage of self-realization occurs when you understand that the world is full of good and positive people who are enthusiastic to help you..'
The great work, helpful nature and deeds of my father-in-law started pouring back as enquiries whether we needed change, followed by bundles of cash in usable denominations in exchange for electronic transfers!!! We started believing in the statement.
Paying homage to such a great person helped us recognize the strong network of support (not just financial but also emotional, psychological and spiritual) he has left us with and also enabled us attain the maturity in terms of self-realization.
Proud to be a part of his family!
May his soul rest in peace!!