Milestones

We measure our lives based on these, we are guided by these, & we change with these sometimes. Your first steps, your first words, then for the longest duration in between its about how much you scored, how many you scored or how much you made for your self and your next generation but there comes a time when you truly start living for yourself.

My dad turned 60 a few weeks ago and so I promptly tucked my son into my arms and braved the long journey to India with him alone. I've been fortunate to travel back and forth to India once every 6 months from the time I moved to the US considering most NRIs are known for their rather infrequent visits because of visa issues and sometimes their personal preference. Me, I am a sucker to go back every 2 months if I could. Hopefully in the long run I don't have to do this and will move back permanently. Friends and family say that will change with time.

This trip was very important to me. I wanted to be there to see my dad turn 60, I wanted to see my dad's twin who has been battling cancer for the last year but has been recovering at a steady pace say 'F$#@ you Cancer,' I wanted to see my son and nephews bring the house down, I wanted to see the friends that stood by me through my worst, I wanted to relax and make a trip that was about me not bothering myself with obligatory visits throughout your "India trip."

Who knew I'd do all of that and more. My mom, the busy ant, is always on the move, always eager to create something and so this time around, she revamped our simple terrace into a beautiful roof top garden with part of it in beautiful red tiles and part of it with terracota floor. As I lay on the terrace in the night I slipped back into childhood memories of sleeping on the terrace as a family and gazing at the stars. The night breeze was the best way I could've kickstarted my vacation.

Getting on the selfie bandwagon with my brother and cousin in an auto

Like most people, I was eager to celebrate my dad's 60th by throwing him a surprise party or something to that affect and call his friends in Tirupati and follow the usual format of a milestone birthday but I am glad none of that materialized because the next week had some much more to offer. My dad's childhood friend, a few aunts, uncle, cousin, niece, my brother together showed me the best time I possibly ever had on Tirumala. Our suite was up and chatty by 5 in the morning every day with my son taking the lead. It started with his jet lagged self just tip toeing about to see all the fans run and me right behind him reciting some nursery rhymes to keep him engaged. There is so much fun in useless banter with family and I had a few days of that.

Few things I am thankful to my husband and god for:

1) What a son we made! 24hrs of journey with a 2 yr and I felt the pinch for probably an hour. Parents of toddlers know how lucky I got there!

2) What a crazy set of parents I have: My dad bought a cruiser bike to mark his 60th and my mom re-designed the entire terrace and converted it into a roof garden. They plan to bring a home solar power system as their next project to keep them busy.

All in all it was one of the best trips back home. I miss being with my family, I miss the cacophony/euphony depending on how you see it, I miss the haphazardness of HOME!