Dear Mom, This Is How You'd Tell My Story - Anand as a guest writer on Moms Blog

 Wait... did I really write this? Nope! 😄

Anand decided to tell the story of his concert adventure by pretending to be his mom.

His observations of our family are surprisingly accurate—and hilariously funny..

Every word below is Anand's, written with his wonderful sense of humor and attention to detail. I'm so proud to share his writing with all of you.

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"Next Stop: Citizens House of Blues. Five bands playing near Fenway Park, one of Boston's many sacred lands. Tickets for the Summer School Tour officially sold out" - some commuter rail, subway, ferry, or bus announcer.

"Does someone want to tell me, what is going on?" — 2005 by South Arcade

Let Anand answer that. Another concert outing in Boston. After two days of Boston Anime Con, and a Comic-Con adventure in Springfield, MA, Anand is back to attending concerts. Yes, in his point of view, concert outings are very rare in our family, especially if it's just one concert outing a year. This one took place at—I can't believe I'm saying this—the Citizens of House Blues venue…near Fenway Park and Wahlburgers. I tell you, Anand was just lucky to hear that five months ago. February 23rd, 2026 was when I got a text about another concert venue…while we were stuck in a big snowstorm. Was Anand serious about this concert? Yes, he was! So, of course he'd put it in the family calendar.

Unlike his first solo concert outing, this one was very different. This concert was the Summer School Tour, which featured four other bands who were also performing at the Citizens House of Blues, not just South Arcade: Honey Revenge, Winona Fighter, Games We Play, and Chase Petra. I know nothing about these bands. Neither does Anand, but he loves South Arcade, since he saw them on October 15th, 2025. This concert outing also happened nine days before his 26th birthday, which might have been a perfect and early birthday present before we would go to Wahlburgers on the 16th. He requested time off from work on both Tuesday and Wednesday, knowing it'll be a nightly concert and he'd come home very late.

Anand kept us up to date with his schedule. We also discussed backup plans if the concert ran late. The Citizens House of Blues closes at 10pm, and the last train from South Station to Franklin would leave at 11:55pm and Anand would arrive at 1am, but he would know nobody would be awake to drop him home. At least, until Mr. Husband told Anand that I'd be able to pick him up from the station.

Anand took the commuter rail from Franklin to South Station in Boston, the Red Line to Park Street, then the Green Line to Kenmore. The original plan was to do his 90-minute walk to Fenway Park, but that plan was scrapped, due to rain. Unlike my last trip to Boston for the Fourth of July firework show, Anand just wouldn't take a train back home. Thankfully, he did bring an umbrella with him to the concert, though Anand had probably too much anxiety.

Despite the last-minute challenges, Anand managed the rain and bad weather in Boston by himself. He ate at Wahlburgers, charged his Apple Watch and phone at Panera Bread, and finally settled into the concert venue around 4pm.

While this was Anand's first visit at the Citizens House of Blues, backpacks were not allowed, so Anand could not bring a change of clothes. Only see-through totem bags, which Anand had to buy before leaving on Tuesday. Of course, as with many concert outings, Anand knew exactly what he'd expect: large crowds, loudness, people jumping, dancing, singing, and inadvertently bumping into each other. Totally normal in concerts, like Anand always says.

After the concert venue ended, Anand safely got out of the concert, drenched in sweat, and FaceTimed me. The amount of joy on his face was just priceless, probably because he knew he'd have such a great night.

He boarded the Green Line from Kenmore to Park Street, the Red Line to South Station, then safely boarded a train home to Franklin. It was nearly midnight when Mr. Husband brought Anand home, but hey, if he says he had a great night, there's nothing really to complain about. After all, Anand knew a lot more of what to expect after his second concert outing and based on his first solo concert outing. This sixth stop of his "Open World Expansion Tour" definitely means a lot to him. He may have been tired and sleep-deprived the next day, but at least Anand has his newest video game that he finally got working after the Fourth of July weekend, fitness at home, and his skill coach to keep him busy until he goes back to work. Fingers crossed Anand doesn't attend another concert that will end at midnight during weekdays. I certainly don't want to go through that again. All parents out there would agree.

If We Don't Tell Our Stories, Who Will?

 I was invited to a governor’s meet-and-greet. My first instinct was, I don’t have time for this.

Then an activist friend sent me a note. She has a child with a disability, and she said something that stayed with me.., she said that small meetups or fighting for your rights at the local level doesn't always make enough of a difference. You really need to be politically active, make your voice heard, meet politicians, and help them understand the realities of our lives. That's the only way to create some waves and bring about real change. Her words made me pause. Maybe showing up was just as important as the work I was already doing. So I decided to go.

The co-host invited me as a community leader, and when I went there, I realized how unusual it is for Indians to be part of these kinds of events.

As I see it, only a very small percentage of the members in my group are even eligible to vote here. Some families have green cards, but most are on work visas.

People spend years—sometimes decades—with their lives revolving around visas, renewals, job changes, status changes, waiting for the next approval, waiting for stamping dates, rushing to India for visa appointments, all while managing demanding jobs and raising children with disabilities.

When I was talking to the governor, that's what I shared with her. With that endless cycle, worrying about aging parents in India, raising children with disabilities here, and simply trying to keep life together, the average Indian family barely survives. They don't have the time or energy to follow the political environment or become activists for social or political change.

That kind of involvement requires both time and inclination. But I think many immigrant families get stuck in day-to-day survival.

As I listened to the stories shared by families that day, none of them were from India. Yet every story sounded familiar. Their struggles were different in detail, but so similar to the stories I hear from our own families.

We all want a better world for our children. We ask for the support they deserve and a better quality of life. But what are we doing about it? Or perhaps a better question is: what can we do about it?

How do we make our voices heard? How do we help lawmakers understand our stories and remember this population—families who may not represent a large voting bloc today, but who deserve the same opportunity to live with dignity and support as everyone else?

I almost skipped that meet-and-greet because I thought I didn't have time. I came home wondering if, perhaps, this is exactly where our community needs to be—telling our stories before someone else decides they don't matter. 

A kosa silk for the evening. Wish I had taken more pictures.

It Takes a Village... Even at a Water Park

 Planning anything for Desi Moms Network can be tricky. With families raising children with disabilities, so many things are unpredictable. 

Neurotypical families can plan outings weeks in advance. Our families don't always have that luxury. Things can go downhill without any warning. Plans can change in an instant.

Yet I keep dreaming. I keep planning.Because our families deserve these experiences, too.

Last year, I dared to dream. For the first time, I organized a group trip to Canobie Lake Park. It was a wonderful day and a huge success. But I also learned that the park was simply too big for our group.

This year, I wanted to try something different. So I chose Water Country in Portsmouth NH as our end-of-the-school-year celebration.

Planning started almost two months ago. The Water Country team was very helpful with all the questions, logistics and a group discount, but what meant even more was knowing there was someone on their team looking out for us. 

I picked the last Sunday in June, hoping for a warm day. Had spots for 115 people. Two families had to cancel, two families from the waiting list happily took their places, and we were ready for a fun-filled Sunday.

The park opened at 10 a.m. Some families were waiting when the gates opened, while others arrived later. But timing didn't matter. Everyone came ready to enjoy the day. 

One improvement from last year made everything much smoother. Our contact, Vicky, emailed each family their admission tickets ahead of time, so we didn't have to stand at the entrance waiting for everyone to arrive.

She also reserved a large picnic area for us—more than twenty five picnic tables surrounded by trees. That space became the heart of our day.

More than 115 people dropped off their bags, unpacked lunches and snacks, and came and went throughout the day. It became our meeting place, our resting place, our "Where are you?" place, our "Let's have lunch together" place, and sometimes simply a quiet place to take a break.

For most of these families, this was their very first visit to this water park.

Watching our village come alive was the best part of my day.

There was always another family to cheer someone on. Another child encouraging a friend. Parents took rides with their own children, with someone else's child, or alongside another family. Nobody felt alone.

It was laughter, splashing, cheering, and giggles everywhere.

The happy photos and smiling faces will tell the stories of the day. The children were completely exhausted—but almost none of them wanted to leave when it was time to go home.

The weather couldn't have been more perfect—not too hot, not too cold.

Some days, despite all the uncertainty, everything simply comes together.

Today was one of those days.

It reminded me once again that we are a village. And when a village shows up for one another, beautiful things happen.

it wasn't just a day at a water park—it was a day where no family had to do it alone. 

Pandey's left home at 8.15 AM- hour and half drive and someone was ready to have fun. 

My partner in crime - we were there right on time to welcome families. 

The Team

Vicky, We are so grateful for all your help.

The dad gang, I heard the stories of dads asking one another in wave pool - are you are Desi moms group :) so many families met each other for the first time.

41 Years of Service, A Lifetime of Impact - Diane you will be missed !!!

How do you sum up 41 years of legacy in one evening? The farewell evening for Diane was a true testament to her personality. The passion, compassion, empathy, and drive to serve the disability community are hard to capture in words

I witnessed how amazing that legacy is over the last few years while serving on the Advocates Board. At every board meeting, I learned something from Diane Gould. She has dedicated 41 years of service to Advocates, including 13 years as CEO and many years before that as COO.

One thing I heard repeatedly from everyone was how humble, calm, and genuine she is—even in the midst of a crisis. No matter what challenges came her way, Diane never seemed to lose her composure. She guided the organization through turbulent times with an unwavering smile, attention to detail, and an incredible ability to work with anybody and everybody.

Diane is one of the best listeners I have ever come across. When she is with you, she gives you her full attention and genuinely wants to make you feel heard and understood. That is something I would love to take away from her example.

As a board member, I always found Diane approachable and collaborative. She listened to everyone's ideas, carefully considered different perspectives, and then made thoughtful decisions. I noticed in every meeting how patient she was, even when there were many opinions around the table. She always seemed to find the right words to answer difficult questions.

Her farewell party was filled with laughter, tears, gratitude, and praise. People from all parts of the disability community came together to give her a standing ovation. Speaker after speaker shared stories about her leadership, kindness, and how she was always there when someone needed her.

The most remarkable thing was that every person said something similar: Diane is truly one of a kind.

Diane, you will be deeply missed. I hope you enjoy a well-deserved retirement. In the meantime, the rest of us will learn how to carry forward the values and spirit you brought to Advocates every day. 

    A Kanjivaram silk for the evening—a gift from a family in Desi Moms Network. The evening shower cooled the temperature, so I could wear this beautiful saree as a tribute to a woman whose legacy we will cherish for years to come.

This Is Where I Belong - Unified theatre program

Last night, the Hopkinton Unified Arts Theatre Program put on another outstanding show. More than 20 performers with disabilities took the stage, supported by 10 dedicated volunteers who helped bring out the very best in them. Dressed in red, white, pink, and black, they performed around the theme Put a Little Love in your heart.- https://www.hopartscenter.org/adaptivearts

One of the songs performed was This Is Where I Belong, and as I sat in the audience, I thought it was the perfect title for this blog. 

The program is directed by Libby Litt, who has been leading Unified Theatre for many years. We learned about the program last year and joined the session that began in October. After just a few weeks of practice, the group presented its first show in December. Anand quickly discovered that he did not feel comfortable being a performer. Singing and dancing on stage were not for him. But he found his own place in the program—as an Associate Director. He happily helped Libby with backstage preparation, administrative tasks, and anything else that needed to be done. He is incredibly proud of his title and takes his responsibilities very seriously.

After a short break, the next session began in March, and last night was the first show of the season. Anand could hardly wait. Not because he wanted to perform, but because he wanted to be there, helping, organizing, and being Libby's right hand. I am not sure what he loves more—the Unified Theatre program or Libby herself.

But this story is not really about Anand.

It is about every young person who stood on that stage Last night.

They learned the lyrics. They practiced the songs. They worked together as a team. When the music started, they gave it their all. The audience cheered them on every step of the way.

They looked beautiful, dressed up for their special night. They were smiling, shining, and enjoying every moment. what touched me most was that every single one of them looked happy to be there. They belonged.

A tremendous amount of credit goes to Libby and the volunteers. From selecting songs to rehearsals, from backstage support to helping performers feel confident on stage, they created an environment where everyone could succeed. Their patience, encouragement, and dedication made the evening possible.

As a parent, I cannot express how grateful I am. Whether a child is singing, dancing, helping backstage, or serving as an Associate Director, programs like this give our kids something priceless—a place where they are accepted, valued, and celebrated.

Tonight, as I watched Anand enjoying himself and watched all the performers shine, one thought stayed with me:

This is where they belong.

the amazing volunteers

See the background pic