When you believe in what you do.

This post is a series of dinners I am organizing for special needs moms, a desi village I called .. please read here how it's all started.

The assurance in your karma comes in many form. For me it came in form of “absence of a tear” last night. It’s hard to believe but we were 23 moms in that room, we talked about our kids, our joy, our difficulties, our lessons, our regrets, our pride, our hopes and dreams and sometimes our disappointment but we didn’t shed a tear. We laughed, we smiled, we hugged, we joked, we held each other and decided we are there for each other no matter what.

It was a cold, breezy February night but an exciting one. We were meeting in a restaurant to share our life story with other moms, many of them never met before but felt have known forever.

We all are part of a bigger whats app group and have been talking on virtual platform. The group started by two worrier moms to share information. Slowly it became more than some group, it became our village. I wouldn’t call it a support group because the word doesn’t portray what we all are to each other. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” really defines us in a different way. It is our village to raise our children who have challenges none of us were trained to take care of.

23 of us came together with different upbringing, background, cities, socioeconomic status and lead totally different lives now but we all have something in common, the love for our kids and zest to make their world better every day. One of them talked about the severe medical needs for her child, the other explained the reaction of families and friends, one described what it was to raise a kid 25 years ago in a new country, someone talked about how difficult it is to navigate the system not only education but social or support, many of them shared some very private experiences. But one thing struck me is each and every one of them was so eager to help the other mom so she didn’t have to face the same thing. Someone offered to host a coffee in their home, someone offered information and knowledge they gained over the years, someone offered an ear to hear. Everyone had a story, a unique one and we all were in awe to each other. The time just flew and I could see how difficult it was for any of us to leave. We missed who couldn’t make it and had some more fun for them.

We made promise, to meet often and joke and gossip often. When I was driving to the venue I got a call that there wasn’t any reservation for us. Manager messed up the dates. But I knew in my heart that it will work out and it did. It got resolved and we had the best time. I know when you want to do something beyond your capabilities the whole universe come together to help you. Last night was one of those for me. I can close my eyes and hear those laughter and conversation, feel the happiness in the air and see the smiles. The feeling to assure togetherness, strength and support makes me hopeful. We are off to a good start. Moms please know each one of you are my hero. I am so grateful that you all are in my life. You have given me a purpose, you all reassure that what I am doing is right and much needed in your life and in mine.. Keep shining..

 Some of us were ready to face the world. Other didn't.. Its a journey, everyone's own..

two of these moms went to same school in India  can you imagine how cool is that? they met here just to discover their alma mater. Two more moms found out their parents live in the same area in London..

 but this picture so symbolizes what we wanted to do..

 Hold each other's hand and be there

A blue silk to celebrate friendship. Thank you 100sareePact to give me a medium for my stories.

#thankful #100SareePactandBeyond

 my phone is buzzing with messages and calls of gratitude, happiness, new found friendship and support. Please please if you know someone who needs help, let them know they are not alone. We are in it together.