This year with the kids out of the house and me adjusting to life without them amongst other things has been challenging. Maybe some day I’ll tell you all about this phase in my life. For now, let me just focus on what I’m grateful for this year.
Day 1
I was in California for 10 days last month and had the most amazing time. Thank you for all the love and here’s to more good times with friends who are like family.
Day 2
I’ll get by with a little help from my friends. Thank you for letting me vent yesterday after a really difficult day and for reassuring me that this too shall pass. God has been good to me in the friend’s department. Thank you Reema.
Day 3
Dearest Anju, I don’t know where to start. You are the daughter every mother wants and very few are fortunate enough to get. I may not be the best mother but you’ve always been perfect. Thank you for choosing me and thank you for all the little joys you bring into my life, like the kitkat that popped out of your handbag the other day. I love you always and forever molti.
Day 4
Thanks for always showing me what’s possible when we trust those inner nudges and love ourselves completely, Kristen. And thank you for driving me to Mt. Shasta. It was magical doing this trip with someone who is so tuned in to energy. Until we meet again, keep smiling and radiating joy like you always do. I’ll be forever grateful that our paths crossed in this lifetime.
Day 5
Grateful for weekends to unwind, catch up on sleep, and do other fun things.
Day 6
Dear Papa,
I miss you so much today. The sound of your voice, your laughter, the little things you did to make me smile. But most of all the undying love and faith you had in me. Even at my most broken, you believed I was capable of great things. I love you always and forever. Thank you for sending Mercedes Benzs wherever I go and for reminding me that you are always there with me.
Day 7
It’s a sad week at work as it’s the last few days for so many people on my team that got laid off. But I’m so so grateful for this team of wonderful, extremely talented, empathetic people. I can easily say I’ve never worked with such a lovely group of people in my entire life. I’ve learned so much from them and I wish our paths would cross again. Wishing them all nothing but the very best in life. My heart is breaking a little as I type this.
Day 8
Thankful for food and everyone who has fed me over the years. Amma, Ganga, Mutasshi, Mutasshan, Sharma aunty, Kamala nani, Valliamma, Mini aunty and too many more to name. Thanks to friends who shared food and recipes over the years. Sivagami, thanks for your mushroom rice recipe. It pretty much has a life of its own now and has been passed on to so many many friends. May we continue to nourish each other’s lives.
Day 9
Big thanks to my brother Dinesh for the big big favor he pulled off for me. Thanks for making it in July when I was in Chennai. I made it to the US Dublin this fall, hopefully I’ll make it to the REAL Dublin soon.
Day 10
Thank you God for my good health, good genes, and a positive attitude. I wasn’t always like this but one fine day I made up my mind not to engage in negative thinking. It took a while to change the voice in my head but I persevered and now my inner voice is no longer my worst critic.
Day 11
Thank you, Dadima for all the blessings you’ve sent my way. I’ve found a wellspring of strength that I never knew existed. I’m positive that’s something you’ve passed down to me.
Day 12
The pets in your life teach you how to love unconditionally. So thank you Diana, Lucky, Max, Sparky, and Kulfi.
Day 13
Dear Vivek uncle,
I never thought you’d leave us so quickly. You could have stayed on to see your grand nieces and nephews come out in flying colors. Amma will miss your weekly calls to check on her. I’ll miss your voice, your encouraging emails, your infectious laughter. You were one in a million and we’re glad we knew you and got to spend so much time with you.
Day 14
Grateful for my bundles of joy. Both are in college now and the house doesn’t feel like home anymore. I said I’d gladly come to their dorms and be their roommates bribing them with home cooked meals and free laundry coupons they could avail from me. Both of them rejected my offer. Anyways, I’m glad they’re making the most of college life and doing what makes them happy. Love you both so much.
Day 15
I’m thankful for technology and the ability to talk and connect with people who live all over the world. I’ve taught virtual classes, had virtual reunions with my friends, and kept in touch with my family over the years.
Day 16
Thank you God/Goddess for everything. The good, the bad, the sad, and the happy. Even through the sad and the bad, you held me in the palm of your hands and never let me down.
Day 17
Thankful for Jaykesh, for being the big brother I never had. For all the laughter and support when I most needed it. Here’s wishing you happiness, peace, and so much love. Keep smiling and shining!
Day 18
Finally got to meet this lovely girl after 7 years. Shoms, I thank God for you every day. Thank you for driving down to DC just to meet me and for always being there for me. Love you and wishing you the very best always. The log house, Great Falls, and Indo Chinese food just elevated this trip to a whole other level.
Day 19
Thankful for these two lovable, goofy, caring friends from my college days. The last time the 3 of us were together was back in 2003! Thanks Sheena and Sheetal for spending a weekend in Chennai with me. Sheena, thank you for whisking us away from home and treating us to elaborate breakfast buffets! Was so lovely catching up with you in CA and seeing your beautiful girls. You have tons of patience, girl! Sheets, thanks for deep conversations about yoga and energy healing (lots of eye rolling from Sheena). When and where are we meeting next?
Day 20
Thankful for my dear cousin, Monisha. We reconnected 4 years ago and I’m so grateful for your love and support. Got to spend quality time with you and Mini aunty a couple of months ago. You’re an inspiration to me and I love you very very much. Here’s to more visits and good times together.
Day 21
She was my neighbor and friend in Boston who made the long winters more bearable with her warmth and friendship. Endless cups of chai, potlucks, and walks later, she moved to the West Coast. We kept in touch over the years and met a couple of times. Finally got to visit her in CA this year. Thank you for your friendship, Sivagami. You have no idea how much you cheered me up back when I was a young mom.
Day 22
I’m so grateful for the gift of writing and the ability to inspire and influence others. I may not have a million followers but if even one person benefits from what I share, I have fulfilled my life’s purpose.
Day 23
Thankful for your friendship and support over the years, Venkat. I’m so glad we reconnected a few years ago. Your parents and Sujatha are always a joy to be around with. Happy Thanksgiving!
Day 24
Grateful for the gift of healing and Reiki and for the unique experiences I’ve had. Makes me realize that there’s so much magic out there that’s unknown to us. Thankful for all the people who have trusted me and encouraged me over the years.
Day 25
My dear Hema, so grateful for you in my life. We spent a few months together in Frost but ended up being friends for life. Thank you for coming to Chennai to see my mom and me. It’s always so uplifting to be in your presence. Wishing you happiness, success, and lots of love. You continue to be an inspiration to me and many others.
Day 26
Dear Namami, you came back into my life when I most needed you. You showed me what I was capable of and believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. We may not talk often but you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you for all your love and support over the years. Hope we can meet soon.
Day 27
Thankful for my mom and her strength through difficult times. Wishing you loads of happiness and love, Ma. Hope to spend lots of time with you next year. My flying visit this year didn’t count!
Day 28
Grateful for my education, my alma maters (Good Shepherd school, WCC, and Madras University) and the myriad teachers who shaped who I am today. As I grow older, I realize that education is more than a list of degrees or skills and much more than what job you end up doing because of that. Education is the freedom to think independently and do what’s right no matter what the consequences are.
Day 29
Thank you Appu and Janani (and Poonam) for making uni days so much fun. For the endless laughs, sleepovers, and “combined study” sessions. Appu thanks for all the Bisi Bela Bath dabbas you brought for us to consume. Was lovely meeting you in Cali. Hope we can all meet in Chennai soon.
Day 30
And it’s a wrap! Grateful for the blessings that are yet to come. The people I’m yet to meet, the places I’ll go, and the beauty and miracles I’m yet to witness.
Punctuate Life 