"A New Year of Hope, Dreams, and Courage"

I recently came across Neil Gaiman’s New Year’s wishes, and I couldn’t have found better words. 

As Mr. Husband calls it just another day, the turn of the calendar does bring a fresh set of wishes, dreams, hopes, apprehensions, and concerns.

2024 has been a truly unique year. It’s been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. It has been one of growth and loss, learning, and moving forward.

Amma left us in just two days, and her absence feels like an ever-growing void. Yet, amidst this grief, I find peace and fulfillment. My work in special needs world has been valued and recognized in ways that reaffirm my purpose and passion.

As we step into this new year, I wish for everyone a spark of hope and the courage to dream big. I wish for moments of joyful craziness and happy madness. I hope you find the right words to express yourself, even when it feels difficult.

May everyone find people who truly understand, respect, and love them for who they are. I wish for everyone to have someone who walks beside them, holds their hand, and dreams with them—someone who fuels your fire, laughs at your silly jokes, find melody in your tunes, trusts in your instincts, believes in your aspirations, supports you in turning those dreams into reality and walks into fire for you and climbs the hills to be with you.

May you find the strength to chase after what truly matters, the courage to leave behind the pain of the past, and the resilience to move forward toward a brighter, better tomorrow.

Here’s to hope, dreams, and the courage to live them fully. If you feel alone please know you are being seen.

Neil Gaiman's post  - https://journal.neilgaiman.com/2011/12/my-new-year-wish.html

A Mysore silk saree for a saree sister meet up. 

As I wrap up my first day of 2025, I am determined to follow some routine and structure, tried some today. Including having dinner with my first support system.having friends over was such a great start of the new year. I cleaned the kitchen, loaded the dishwasher and now time to call it a day.

 

The Surprise Plus One- A Day of Small Miracles

Last weekend, a friend hosted a wedding reception for their firstborn. The night before, I asked Mr. husband, as I always do—knowing his usual response very well. This time, I also asked Anand.

To my surprise, I’m so glad I asked because he said yes! I wasn’t sure how to interpret this unexpected "yes." It was a lunch reception, so I double-checked with him in the morning, and his response was the same—enthusiastically, “Yes.”

I explained my connection to the host, mentioned that he’d meet some of my friends, and reminded him to be polite and respectful—greeting everyone with a hello. On top of that, I made it clear: no sweatpants and hoodies.

He wore a nice sweater paired with jeans. He asked for the address, set up the car with navigation, and had it warmed up, waiting for me when I came out.

When we arrived at the venue, he greeted everyone warmly, met people enthusiastically, and even made a small joke about being "Mom’s surprise plus one" for the day. My friends were so happy to see him—many met him for the first time.

He enjoyed the meal, wandered around the venue with his headphones on, listening to music, and posed for pictures. That was the biggest surprise! Those pictures will always remind me of small miracles.

He stayed as long as I wanted to, and when it was time to leave, he said goodbye to the people at our table and waited for me patiently in the car.

Later, since Mr. husband was out with a friend, I decided to visit another friend in the same town. It was a last-minute change, but Anand happily agreed. We both went inside, and he greeted them politely. While we chatted in the living room, he kept himself occupied, listening to music on YouTube.

It turned out to be such a wonderful day. My message to everyone is: don’t give up. Keep asking, because you never know when things will turn around.

A Kanjivaram for the fabulous day. Wishing the newlywed a wonderful life.

Learning, Leading, and Changing the Conversation and mindset

Years ago, when I was first asked to join the board of an organization, I had absolutely no idea what to make of it. One thing was clear: whatever I was doing with Desi Moms was making some noise. It was starting to change how the Indian community talked about disability and mental health.

People were noticing. Gradually, I began receiving calls from mothers who had been given my name by social workers, agencies, and even some hospitals. When I was initially asked if I would like to join a board, I was honest—I didn’t know what it entailed and wasn’t sure if I knew enough to make that kind of commitment.

Over the years, things changed. I now serve as a board director for few, helping with different point of view, voice and hopefully shape decisions and advocating for the needs of desi families. While I still don’t know everything, I am committed to amplifying their voices. Every day, I learn more about the system, services, policies, social issues, and causes. I am continually inspired by the people I work with and their dedication to driving meaningful change.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined the HMEA board. Later, when HMEA merged with Advocates, I chose to remain on the board. As a director, I contribute to discussions, help guide organizational goals, and support programs that uplift our communities.

This year, the theme of Advocates’ annual fundraising gala was “The Journey Continues.” Despite the rainy evening, it didn’t stop people from attending the event. The venue was beautiful, the program was inspiring, and the attendees were amazing. The gala was a success—a memorable night, 

I chose the sparkle of a Chanderi saree for the evening.

Gratitude in Life's Small Joys - Thanksgiving 2024

 Every year, when I sit down to write this post, I want to create something new and different. Yet, I always return to the small pleasures in life that leave a big impact.

There are many things I wish I could change or fix in my life, but at the same time, there’s so much I’m deeply grateful for. This Friday morning, I choose to focus on gratitude.

Early Thursday morning, a dear friend, despite having a house full of guests, sneaked out to bring me my favorite Boston coffee cake. She came simply because I had mentioned missing her the day before. I’m certain she woke up with the thought of me.

Another friend sent me sunrise and sunset pictures from their vacation. Someone else dropped off a box of biryani, just because.

I’m grateful for a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner filled with warmth and hospitality, a hassle-free family outing where we all enjoyed dinner together without any meltdowns. Thankful for Youtube, headphones so Anand could enjoy his time too while rest of us were enjoying our time together 

Even a tiny dog, knowing full well I’m not much of a dog person, made it a point to win me over. Though he started the evening hiding under the table, he eventually left everyone else to sit quietly near my feet as we chatted.

I treasure the small but heartfelt expressions of love and care: messages of gratitude, funny turkey pictures, and the appreciation people shared for what our mom’s network has done for them.

I’m thankful for my older son’s speedy recovery from his injury and for my other son’s enjoyment of his work.

Lastly, I’m grateful for this sunny Friday and all the little moments that make life beautiful.

A beautiful Kalamkari on Mangal Giri cotton from a dear friend’s boutique. This saree is a reminder of many things. I might be able to write about them someday but for now I am grateful for the weaver and then the artist who painted this saree. Eternally grateful for the friend to get this for me.

Gather and Grow: the NECC Gala

 The company I work for has been supporting the New England Center for Children, and this year I had the opportunity to attend their annual gala. It was held at the Intercontinental Boston, a stunning venue in the city. The event, called the Children of Promise Gala, had the theme Gather and Grow.

The atmosphere was inspiring. While most of the attendees seemed to be philanthropists rather than family members, it was heartwarming to see so many people coming together to support such a meaningful organization and cause. The silent auction items were incredible, with many families generously donating time at their vacation homes for the auctions with many other things.

I was the only brown woman in the crowd, which is not unusual, but this time I found myself wishing someone from Our Desi Moms Network was there too.There are few families in Desi Moms Network whose kids are in NECC. I saw a pic of a girl on a display table. It reminded me of how many families are out there struggling. Yet, it also reinforced my belief that if you seek help, the universe has a way of guiding support your way. 

Speakers were amazing so were the auctioneers. A Family spoke about their grown twins and how NECC change the direction of their lives. I was in awe witnessing the generosity of people and supporting an underserved community.

What is philanthropy for you? What is your cause. My mother didn’t write checks for organizations but she paid tuition for many students, paid her household helpers generously, and supported them whenever they needed anything. Her generosity knew no bounds. In many ways, I am her daughter. I don’t write checks either, but I help however I can, in my own ways.

The room was full of glamor and glitz and as always I ignored the dress code and proudly wore a kanjivaram Saree. 

Before heading out to the city. The sky was beautiful.

Virtual Connections to Real Friendships: A Journey of Togetherness

Desi Moms Network was built with a vision of fostering personal connections—face-to-face, being involved in each other’s lives, and creating meaningful bonds. This mantra guided us until COVID-19 hit. Like the rest of the world, we transitioned to Zoom, which shifted our philosophy. I aimed to make it a global community, and during that time, some mothers from far and wide joined the group and stayed.

Over the last couple of years, however, we’ve been returning to our original mission: connecting on a deeply human level.

This summer, during my trip to Alaska, I had the chance to meet one of the mothers from the group in Vancouver. I encouraged her to visit us in Boston and, after some persuasion, she agreed. Another mother from Virginia also decided to join the gathering. These two moms had been chatting online but had never met in person. The Virginia mom had visited Boston last year as well.

The reactions from their families, friends, and even husbands were hilarious—they couldn’t believe these women were traveling so far just to meet "strangers" they had befriended online. But what an incredible weekend it turned out to be!

We spent two days together, exploring, laughing, and having fun. One of the local moms showed them the real Boston, and the next day, the entire group came together. Twenty-three of us spent the afternoon singing, dancing, eating, and simply enjoying each other's company. It was heartwarming to realize that these women, who once didn’t know each other, are now there for one another through thick and thin.

The two nights we stayed up late, sharing stories and learning from each other’s experiences, were unforgettable. The Virginia mom, who is from Odisha, brought me a beautiful handloom saree from her state—knowing my love for traditional weaves. It was the perfect gift, and wearing it to celebrate our togetherness felt truly special.

This gathering was more than just a meet-up; it was a celebration of friendship, connection, and the strength of community.

  

I have been coughing for quite some time so got my health check up too.

My guests and another one from my town.The ride to the venue was fun. 

and the fun begins.

 The Saree and the woman who got me this one.

The host and the guests. 

Goodbye until we meet again. 4 AM :)