Your wish is my command :)

Every birthday in a sense has been the same.  Receiving calls from loved ones, gifts from the close ones, and blessings from the elderly. I thought why not make this b’day more purposeful and different by doing something meaningful for others. Since the time Mom passed away I have always been wanting to do some good deed for cancer patients but never found the courage to face them.  I thought it is high time I let go of my inhibitions and at least do my bit, however miniscule it might be. Though my initial desire was to meet cancer inflicted children and spend time with them, it did not work out on the dates and time suitable for both of us.

I then decided to contact Make a Wish Foundation, an organization which fulfills the wishes of children with life-threatening conditions. I told them about my desire to do something fruitful on my b’day by fulfilling the wishes of as many children as possible within a specified budget. The ever cheerful and helpful volunteers of Make a Wish got to work and identified 7 children whose wishes could be fulfilled within my budget. Their wishes comprised of owning a cycle, video games, remote car, gift hamper of toys,  cricket set, a mini TV etc. Mundane things of everyday routine that we take for granted are a luxury for them.

They were called along with their parents to the office of Make A Wish on my b’day. They arranged for a cake for me for my b’day. I cut the cake with all the children (unfortunately one of them could not make it). 

I then distributed the gift articles to each of them, the cycles, video games, toys , cricket set.

 

 In the end each of them  were told to dip their hand in colored paint and endorse their handprint on a chart paper. This paper was then given to me as a souvenir by Make A Wish.

 I don’t think I have had a more memorable b’day. To see the look of pure unadulterated joy on the children’s faces when their wishes were getting fulfilled was a delight. A day well spent. :)

A House we called a 'Home'

May 2, 2006 was the day we shifted to this beautiful house on the 15^th floor. The best and striking highlight of the house was the view. Every room faces the sea and every morning I have been greeted by the tireless sun , turning the sky from an orangish hue to bright blue. Even today , after 6 years, when I stand in my balcony watching the sun rise, I feel I fall in love with this scenic beauty all over again. 

The best time was the monsoon. We could literally see the clouds rising over the sky and the rains approaching from far and then all of a sudden there will be a huge rainbow looming above, enveloping the sky . 

The nights when the moon is bright , we could see the reflection of the moon in the sea – a breathtaking view.

This house has been very special to me. My uncle always tells me to not get emotionally attached to the place where you stay as it will be difficult to let go. But it is easier said than done; as it is not just a house with a few bricks put together. It is a ‘home’ filled with so much beauty, love and unforgettable memories. We are today shifting to a house which is on the third floor. We may not get the same picturesque view but as someone once told me , it’s the people who make a house, a home. And that’s how we move on.

(All pics - Courtesy - Shrinivas Sankaran :))