It is minutes after midnight and activity at 101 Trowbridge has settled into a low hum...the warming toil of heaters and the playful trickle of raindrops on the roof. Anyone who walks into this home of Rahul & Palak feels compelled to stay. Each corner is an inviting nook. Each room reverberates from the laughter and delight of the evening before. This house breathes love.
What a fitting place for our brother to focus on his rejuvenation. And what a blessed place for us to commune, dine live & laugh as we walk this journey with him.
In the last week a number of loving hands and cheerful faces have filled this home. Last Saturday, Haren Mama (in from Pune, India) and Keyur (cuz from NYC) made the journey to Boston. Haren Mama's quick wit and constant laughs are the best kind of healing love for Alpen. Thankfully, Haren Mama returned safely to India only a few days later and could report to Bhabi (our grandmother), Jyoti Mami, Mahendra Mama, Ila Mami, Nilay Bhai & Dhruvi Bhabhi in Pune how well Alpen & the family are doing.
Later a delegation of the Chicago family appeared on the scene--hands full of quick fix desi khana, board games and puzzles. Many of our bellies have delighted from fanciful flavors of Kailas Mami's cooking--and she pulled out all stops in creating healthy, germ free & finger licking meals for Alpen & all. Bipin Mama came chock full of stories and interesting political and economic debates---enjoying the company of Alpen, Rahul & friends that come home during their time here. When Puja wasn't playing hard to get with Harvard(!) she was getting Alpen hooked on a very dangerous habit....puzzle making! She brought home a 1000 piece puzzle that kept Alpen & Vivek up many many nights during the course of the week. Needless to say, these industrious (and slightly obsessed) men conquered the task. See below:
puzzles are puzzling!
the finished product
one of the mad scientists
I arrived to Boston on Nov 20th and in my few eventful days here, this is what has transpired:
Alpen is doing very well. Sometimes he needs to preserve his energy and sleep, but his appetite is increasing and he is taking up more tasks and projects during the course of the day. He is spending the day reading, watching programs, and listening, playing and singing music. He also peands a lot of his day hearing from each of you, catching up on what is going on in your lives and gaining strength from your love and attention.
1) Alpen was visited by an old friend visiting from abroad. Ashraf Casseim is traveling the US, speaking in various cities about his work for poor people's human rights in South Africa. He insisted on coming to see Alpen and, as we all know, felt so welcomed by Palak & the crew that he felt compelled to stay, talk and be together right up until his flight out of Boston.
Alpen's Dear Friend Ashraf all the way from South Africa
2) Dear friends in Providence, RI Srilakshmi & Nitin Mitta (acclaimed tabla player in the US and India) lent a pair of tablas to Alpen. They heard that Alpen likes to play and were so kind to help ease Alpen's longing for the tabla by sharing theirs.
3) Our loving Mami's (aunts) in India (Ila & Jyoti) have been seeking the blessings of our Jain temples as well as Sai Baba to protect and bless our family. We are grateful that their travel & commutes to these sacred spaces were completed safely and we know we are enriched and fortunate for the good vibrations they are sending our way.
4) Cousins Chintan and Shilpa came by with vegan, homemade, melt in your mouth yellow cake brownies with chocolate fudge icing. They were specially prepared so that Alpen could enjoy them! Seriously guys, how do you do it? We are waiting for the "Chintan & Shilpa Sweet Treats Show" on the Food Network! We know it is coming!
5) Jessica conspired with Amtrak to steal Mom away to Jersey City for a couple of days. Mom, as you can imagine, has been tirelessly devoted to keep Alpen & this house fed, healthy & happy. We are happy that Sir Rohan (our family's youngest fearless toddler) wants to check on her and make sure she is holding up OK.
6) The Shah/Sakhuja Sanitorium is in Full Effect! For those of you who have not been here already, there is a fool-proof operation for keeping Alpen germ and disease free including masks for visitors, strict food preparation guidelines, and careful attention to our hands and mouths. If you have questions before coming to visit, feel free to get in touch.
7) Last night, myself, Alpen, Palak, Rahul enjoyed and Italian/Gujrati fusion dinner with Ravi Uncle & Rohini Aunty (Rahul's parents), Vivek & Aarti including a dessert after-party featuring carrot cake, ice cream sandwiches, and Chintan & Shilpa's left over cupcakes. The eating is in anticipation of the upcoming Thanksgiving/Thankstaking holidays where we hope to cook, feast, and laugh even more!
Food, fun and laughs are what fill Alpen's heart and replenish his reserves for the next day and the next phase of this journey.
Although we do not believe in thanking our family--I have deep appreciation and admiration for each of you. By chance, some of us are related by blood. But it is a much higher power that we are *all* in Alpen's life, and that he is in ours. I give thanks for those unnamed forces for bringin (and KEEPING) us together.
Wishing everyone safe travels and good times in the upcoming holidays. We have much to be thankful for and much to share.
Love from the Cambridge Kitchen Table,
Sushma
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