Dreams

2008

I just realized that I have not written for quite sometime here. I probably was busy cooking and writing about them in my food blog.

Well, I did have few thoughts that I wanted to write about, but now when I think, I do not seem to recall. If it was possible to capture thoughts at the moment they trespass your mind and transfer them to blogger instantly, that would be great. I know, cell phones and similar devices are there - but a more "mind-to-blog" kinda device would be great !

Anyways ... I received few Indian Cartoons through emails today and I could not help but chuckle. The spontaneous thought was 'pictures speak louder than words'.

The first one is an Indian Lady singing a classical song. The rest is evident in the picture.
In India, it is very common to have milk delivered at home by the Milk Man. This picture captures a very funny scenario.
Enjoy the holidays !

In my professional life, my biggest prerogative is to set the priorities right! And I believe that priority has a very significant role in personal life as well. A sense of priority, if inculcated in kids, will enable them to make better decisions and will help parents, avoid the all so 'energy sucking' arguments, with their kids.

I have seen a girl abstaining from eating for 3 days, finally her guardians give in to her demand of Rs 18000 cell phone. She was still in school. I have seen arguments between parents and their kids for reasons like attending a late night party to buying 'that sexy dress' and from getting hairs colored 'red' to teachers reporting of 'bunked' classes. I am very much sure that these are common-place examples. While, in most cases you would want to accept a child's desire but at others you know better, and would like your child not go the path.

I am no expert - neither do I know, as yet, what works the best. But, I would want to tell all kids out there - 'know your priorities'. Next time, when you want to go out with friends and your mother does not allow you to - do not fret and fume - instead, just remember your priorities.

The moment you realize that your un-granted wishes are no ways related to the priorities you have set for this phase of your life, you will not feel dejected. You will not be charged with negative energies (read rebel, emotional stress, withdrawal etc) but, you will be focused to out grow your potentials and live up to your priorities.

It is up to the parents to sit with their kids, early on, and help them set the priorities in their life - and of course, set a good example by introducing the 'P' for priority in their life styles as well!

"ALS forced them to answer
impossible questions...with possibility
-- private peril...with personal faith"

This is the phrase that gets my attention on the home page of Charlie Wedemeyer website.

So many times, I have heard friends, family members and even myself ask this most vulnerable sounding question "Why me?" We usually look around and feel "No, I do not deserve this. Then, why me?" Of course some problems test all our "grit and hold" and unsettle us. And it takes a huge amount of patience and faith to get past the problem.

Today, when I read the story of Charlie Wendemeyer in San Jose Mercury News, it became so obvious -".. pain and suffering is inevitable. We're all going to experience it. But misery is optional". Charlie, a full of life active football coach suffered from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a disease that degenerates the body and is known to kill fast; while he was still in his thirties. Today, after 30 years, Charlie is well alive - and not just alive, he and his family is a living testament of the fact that faith and love can win over everything!

I am touched by the character of Lucy, Charlie's wife. When Charlie announces his disease to his wife in 1984 and explains the plights of living with it, Lucy says "We would rather have you like this, than not have you at all." And she did that! Also, worth mentioning is the fact that inspite of such a tough situation at home, the family survived well! Their son is a Stanford doctor and daughter runs the Charlie Wedemeyer Family Outreach, raising money for ALS families.

Indeed, hats off to the family. When I hear now someone say that they are afraid to commit, I think they better be. Not because, of the silly feeling of being trapped or loosing personal space - but because it takes a lot of sacrifice and responsibility to raise and keep a Family! Say "I do", only when you are ready for this level of commitment.

Thanks "Mercury News" today, for not telling me of yet another road accident or rape or a murder .. but strengthening and renewing my sense of faith.