Report of 13 Dec '10
Hello from Chennai -
We are well and hope the same with you. I have enjoyed getting emails from people across the oceans and am grateful to all who have donated to the B. This is a lean season for us.
The Banyan continues to be good. I am mesmerised by the patient we rescued most recently from the streets. Ms. G speaks Tamil, Hindi and some English. I had not seen her for about 10 days (details later), and found her *more* emaciated, if possible. She was not, by any stretch, fat or even a healthy weight to start with. She's had some vaginal bleeding, and I am terrified that this may be indicative of cancer. I have asked for an evaluation and we will go from there. The social workers tried to locate Ms. G's family, and were unsuccessful. I have insisted that Ms. G sit in a chair for some time every day, and she does not like this - she'd rather lie down all day. One day, she tried to negotiate with the nurse and, failing that, turned to me and said something; I did not hear it and asked the nurse what she'd said. Ms. G said, "I said Babloo." "Babloo" is a pet name, or one of great affection, and I was touched and saddened: in a past life, Ms. G had probably Babloo'd a niece or son or grandchild, and now I was the recipient as her family was nowhere in sight.
The rains lashed the city last week and all but wiped out access to Mogappair. I did not take my car to work last week, but took an autorickshaw - a 3-wheeled cab. The auto driver had a tough time getting there, too. This happens annually: rains arrive, massive road damage ensues and then cars routinely go into workshops. Unfortunately, loss of lives due to hidden/submerged potholes has also happened. Scott, my civil engineer husband, says if the roads are laid down using best practices and no corruption in contracts (still an elusive concept here), they would last years. As of now, the roads last "year" - one year, until the monsoons come again. I had to work from home a couple of days last week as there was absolutely no way for me to get to work. When I got there last Thursday, the Banyan drivers urged me not to take my car out for a few days longer.
Scott told the boys of snowfalls in the U.S., that when schools would close and he'd stay home from work, I'd take the car out and head to work. He said he knew then who "essential personnel" were. I don't have the luxury of getting to work in extreme weather here, as the roads get wiped out.
We got together with my wonderful friend Joan and her family, to give thanks for her mother-in-law's life after she passed away early last week. Mrs. Pandian was a warm, loving, hospitable person and we have partaken of her legendary cakes and her hospitality. Joan's husband, Mohanraj, is also a really lovely sort, and, barring the solemnity of the occasion, it was nice to get together with the whole family. Patricia, Joan's very sweet daughter, sang a beautiful solo at the service and it was moving beyond belief.
A few events to celebrate: our dear friends, Kris and Gabe, welcomed daughter #3 - Gabriella Georgena; my long-time friend, Tori, welcomed granddaughter Hayden Grace. We are super glad to hear of these happenings! There have been other events to celebrate, too, undoubtedly, and I will hear of them.
Exam season is on for schools and my schoolgoing son, Navin, is attempting to study. Collegiate liberal arts education is very easy in India, and Naren does not have as much to study. He is in the annual pantomime staged by the Little Theatre, and we will see it later this week. Scott and I managed to get away to the beach, and it was nice to sit and talk. I got to talk to my father, too; he enjoys this season - the music and the bonhomie - and had attended several carol services.
It is very, very nice to be within talking/driving/reaching distance of the family. I remember thinking this as I sat at my mother's bedside and read to her and kissed her warm, beautiful face.
May the spirit of Christmas give you peace and family joys - whatever your family may be.
Unw -
R
We are well and hope the same with you. I have enjoyed getting emails from people across the oceans and am grateful to all who have donated to the B. This is a lean season for us.
The Banyan continues to be good. I am mesmerised by the patient we rescued most recently from the streets. Ms. G speaks Tamil, Hindi and some English. I had not seen her for about 10 days (details later), and found her *more* emaciated, if possible. She was not, by any stretch, fat or even a healthy weight to start with. She's had some vaginal bleeding, and I am terrified that this may be indicative of cancer. I have asked for an evaluation and we will go from there. The social workers tried to locate Ms. G's family, and were unsuccessful. I have insisted that Ms. G sit in a chair for some time every day, and she does not like this - she'd rather lie down all day. One day, she tried to negotiate with the nurse and, failing that, turned to me and said something; I did not hear it and asked the nurse what she'd said. Ms. G said, "I said Babloo." "Babloo" is a pet name, or one of great affection, and I was touched and saddened: in a past life, Ms. G had probably Babloo'd a niece or son or grandchild, and now I was the recipient as her family was nowhere in sight.
The rains lashed the city last week and all but wiped out access to Mogappair. I did not take my car to work last week, but took an autorickshaw - a 3-wheeled cab. The auto driver had a tough time getting there, too. This happens annually: rains arrive, massive road damage ensues and then cars routinely go into workshops. Unfortunately, loss of lives due to hidden/submerged potholes has also happened. Scott, my civil engineer husband, says if the roads are laid down using best practices and no corruption in contracts (still an elusive concept here), they would last years. As of now, the roads last "year" - one year, until the monsoons come again. I had to work from home a couple of days last week as there was absolutely no way for me to get to work. When I got there last Thursday, the Banyan drivers urged me not to take my car out for a few days longer.
Scott told the boys of snowfalls in the U.S., that when schools would close and he'd stay home from work, I'd take the car out and head to work. He said he knew then who "essential personnel" were. I don't have the luxury of getting to work in extreme weather here, as the roads get wiped out.
We got together with my wonderful friend Joan and her family, to give thanks for her mother-in-law's life after she passed away early last week. Mrs. Pandian was a warm, loving, hospitable person and we have partaken of her legendary cakes and her hospitality. Joan's husband, Mohanraj, is also a really lovely sort, and, barring the solemnity of the occasion, it was nice to get together with the whole family. Patricia, Joan's very sweet daughter, sang a beautiful solo at the service and it was moving beyond belief.
A few events to celebrate: our dear friends, Kris and Gabe, welcomed daughter #3 - Gabriella Georgena; my long-time friend, Tori, welcomed granddaughter Hayden Grace. We are super glad to hear of these happenings! There have been other events to celebrate, too, undoubtedly, and I will hear of them.
Exam season is on for schools and my schoolgoing son, Navin, is attempting to study. Collegiate liberal arts education is very easy in India, and Naren does not have as much to study. He is in the annual pantomime staged by the Little Theatre, and we will see it later this week. Scott and I managed to get away to the beach, and it was nice to sit and talk. I got to talk to my father, too; he enjoys this season - the music and the bonhomie - and had attended several carol services.
It is very, very nice to be within talking/driving/reaching distance of the family. I remember thinking this as I sat at my mother's bedside and read to her and kissed her warm, beautiful face.
May the spirit of Christmas give you peace and family joys - whatever your family may be.
Unw -
R
posted by Renu Weiss at
9:55 PM
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