Do You Have a Lighthouse to Sail Through a Stormy Night?

We always have something going on or bothering us—whether it’s family, work, money, relationships, or even the simple everyday tasks like laundry or a dirty sink. As humans, we tend to find something to keep us on our toes. Some days, it can feel overwhelming, and we need something to hold on to.

I was at Cape Cod last weekend, and a visit to the beach reminded me how much we all need a lighthouse—something to remind us what life really means. Lighthouses are often located in extreme places, bearing  harsh weather, fierce winds, and wild waters. Yet, in stormy conditions, they guide us with their steady, shining light.

As moms, we always have an endless list of things to do. From preparing for IEP meetings to finding a new therapist, reading about the latest treatment options, a new approach or adding yet another book on IEPs or disabilities to the mix—these are in addition to the everyday concerns of family, work, and managing the household.

With all that going on, who has time to think about themselves? But that’s the gravest mistake we moms make—forgetting ourselves. Someday, something backfires, and it’s overwhelming. The idea is to prevent that from happening. That’s why Desi Moms Network was built: to create a circle of friends who remind you that “you” matter.

Before you dream for your child, find your lighthouse (or even several, for different storms)—someone who will guide you with their shining light, help you weather the storm, and navigate you safely to the shore.

Hope you find your light house and be the one for many.

The Federation for Children with Special Needs hosted their annual gala. The theme was “Imagine” in celebration of their 50th anniversary—50 years of supporting families. I couldn’t be prouder to be associated with this organization as a board member.

For the evening, I wore an Uppada silk saree. While most people wore grey, black, or dark blue for this black-tie event, I enjoyed my bright orange and green, embracing the perfect colors for fall. 

With some of my lighthouses 

Every year I donate Indian cooking lesson for the fundraiser. Such a joy - every year a new family gets a taste of Indian cuisine. 

Sunset on CapeCod Beach 

and said lighthouse

Thank you for being my champion.

I have always had amazing people in my life. They empower, uplift, encourage, and inspire me. And when I am lost, they become my guiding star. These people come from various age groups.

I always talk about my village, which includes people from all over the world, and my local saree group is one of them.

My Sareepact year was my first encounter with the saree community, and it changed my life.

When I started the Desi Moms Network, I was creating something I didn’t have. It grew bigger than I could have imagined.

Last month, a magazine published my story, and I got to wear two beautiful sarees for the photoshoot—one for the cover photo and one for the story inside the magazine. My local saree group made a big deal out of it and wanted to celebrate.

We have all been friends for a few years now. This community is something different. I would have not met many of them if not for saree love. And now over the years we have become integral part of each other’s lives. 

A saree sakhi from India, who is here for a while, got to be part of it.

So, we reintroduced ourselves to her, sharing different aspects of our lives in the form of questions.

We all learned something new about each other. I am grateful for all the love, care, and gratitude I get to learn from each of them every day.

A Tussar for the evening.

We are often too quick to judge people based on their social status, qualifications, and caste.

 Thinking a change would do me good, I traveled to Sacramento to visit one of my Amma’s colleagues, who was visiting her son. Although the purpose of the trip was different, after spending a few days with this simple household, I returned with new insights.

My mother’s colleague is a simple woman in her 60s. While talking to her on various topics, I came to realize how grounded and sorted she is. Her stories and life philosophy were not what I had expected.

At 17, just after finishing high school, she got married. She wasn’t considered attractive by her caste and community’s standards, but because she had studied science in high school ( very rare at that time), her forward-thinking husband chose her for her qualifications. He supported her through her undergraduate and master’s degrees. She taught middle school, raised four children, and kept advancing her education. I can only imagine the backlash her progressive husband must have faced, as he was very hands-on in helping around the house so that his wife could achieve her dreams. She taught math and Sanskrit in middle school, worked as a PE teacher, and eventually became the NCC (National Cadet Corps) in charge for our girl’s school. 

With hard work and a simple lifestyle, they managed to save money and educate all four of their children, who are now all well-educated, employed, and married.

Her husband passed away unexpectedly 12 years ago, and her world collapsed. She didn’t know how to function without him, as he had been an equal partner in every aspect of their lives. But despite the challenges, she remains progressive in her thinking and is proud of her daughters-in-law. She respects the boundaries of their household, following its rules, and does whatever she can to support her son, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. She told me they chose their daughters-in-law based on their qualifications and education, not on their looks. There was no dowry or financial exchange in the marriages, and her love for her daughters-in-law is evident.

Even after all the hardship in her life—widowed at the age of 54—she continues to live fully. She goes for walks, practices music (she’s learning to play the piano in her 60s), reads, watches Pakistani dramas, and helps with cooking and cleaning. Another thing that struck me was her attitude towards money. She supports families in her village who are in need, donates to charity, and says, “All my kids have plenty. I’m just supporting those who aren’t as fortunate.”

Despite her savings, she has no desire to buy expensive saris or jewelry. She is content with the land she has in her village and the house she owns in town. She lives simply, maintains an optimistic outlook, helps others in need, and moves forward. If I hadn’t spent this much time with her, I wouldn’t have discovered the secret behind her hearty laughs. She truly is content, and I believe that’s what makes life easier for her.

She always looked up to my parents, feeling grateful for their advice and support, and she deeply misses my mom. My mother was her guide and mentor. When she lost her husband and later when she was retiring, Papa helped her with a lot of paperwork and provided advice when she needed it most. 

A silk saree from her closet, which I agreed to wear just to create a memory, marked my first step toward being content and resisting the urge to add yet another saree to my collection.

A mere sight of Cetaphil can be a trigger.

 My trip to Sacramento was meant to be part of my healing. The family I’m visiting is from my hometown, and the mother, who is here visiting her son, was a colleague of my mom’s for years. I wanted to spend time with her to reconnect with a side of my mother that I didn’t fully know.

The son and his wife used to live on the East Coast, and during one of his mother’s visits, they came to our house. Since then, we’ve stayed in touch. During one of our phone calls, they invited me to visit, and I accepted.

After lunch, I settled into my room and went to the bathroom for a quick freshen-up. I’m sharing the bathroom with the mother, and the first thing I noticed was a bottle of Cetaphil sitting on the counter. I didn’t know what to do, and before I realized it, a sinking feeling of missing my mother terribly washed over me.

That simple sight transported me back to thoughts of my mother and her eternal love for this particular cream. It was a constant on my shopping list for Amma—her favorite. Just last week, I was talking to my sister about our next trip, and she reminded me, "Don’t bother buying Cetaphil this time—Amma's cupboard still has a couple of them."

How do certain objects become symbols, connecting us to the people we’ve lost? The Cetaphil on my bathroom counter never made me feel lost like this.

I couldn’t help but think, what is it with moms and their love for Cetaphil?

Lake Tahoe 

The Balaghatis in Sacramento

Loved hanging out with her in the city 

What kind of traveler you are ? I was a solo traveler this weekend.

 Last weekend was one of the busiest weekends, the unofficial end of summer. As a family, we usually avoid traveling during these busy, long weekends. But by Saturday evening, I was itching to go to Boston. I knew thousands of new students and parents would be all over the city, and driving and parking would have been a nightmare. So, I decided to let the guys rest and took the train to Boston. The $10 weekend pass is the best thing for Boston travel.

My day began with a very pleasant train conductor who was joking with folks, playing with young kids, and greeting everyone with a kind smile.

For a change, which is becoming a norm now, I didn’t have any set plans. I decided to just go and enjoy the day in Boston.

I took the train (Fairmont line—for the first time in 25 years in Boston). Limited service over the weekend, and I didn’t want to wait another hour for my usual train.

So instead of Back Bay, I went to South Station. Instead of having breakfast on Newbury Street, I decided to go to the North End. I started walking from South Station, with a tiny detour at Seaport, Boston Harbor, through the wharf, Aquarium, Christopher Columbus Park, Union Wharf, to Theo’s Corner for breakfast.

I walked through Salem St, Hanover Street, and hung out in the water fountain area, where lots of young children were playing in the water, and parents were relaxing. Rose Kennedy Greenway is such a beautiful place to spend time.

I walked around Hay market, Faneuil hall, Government center area, Downtown crossing, theatre district.

From there, I went to Boston Common and saw students from a dance group performing K-pop. It was so much fun—they danced like there was no tomorrow.

The Public Garden is another fun place to be, with lots of visitors enjoying boat rides, street performers, a balloon man, and many simple pleasures of life.

I took the train back with more than 7 miles on my watch, with a happy heart and soul.

Pictures don’t do it justice—you should go and enjoy a sunny Sunday in my beloved city.