The bhais are the lifeline here.. and it is so wonderful to see all of them always there for us. I on behalf of so many dependants on our wonderful life line, can write a few words of thanks..
Inspite of having so many troubles in their lives and most of their troubles are their husbands who are alcoholics,But,they are always smiling and doing their jobs in each house one after the other in an seemingly easy routine, zombielike no doubt but they do it...
I have a wonderful maid, all of 20 years "Work experience" with me, and by now she knows every cranny and nook in the house, she is well versed with the timings of each member of the house, and if the kids are late, she even asks "WHY" or if she sees one of them home, she will ask" Early?" she washes their lunch boxes and knows what one likes and dislikes...
My story all began one day when the previous maid decided to get married and went off she did try to arrange someone else in her place but our timings clashed and hence that was not to be, one day after some networking by my mum, who has a wonderful way with people she walked into our home for an "Interview" with her husband in tow.. shy, reserved and unassuming.. well dressed ,and it was an instant liking for me, you could say my desperation was taking over me and I could have danced all night for her consenting to my terms and conditions... back to 20 years, here she is a grandmother thrice over and extremely happy with the way her life has shaped up for her.. she too has an alcoholic husband and time and again I unburden my conscience on her and tell her not to give her money away, sweet smiles in order she says "What can I do he is my husband,"her son is a commerce graduate working as an accountant and three daughters of which two are married off, the third is studying to be a graduate and she is very happy that her kids will not take up after her, end of the day I am pleased too that I can see her life so beautifully shaped, I always have maintained that it is her kind, good and hardworking ways that her children are blessed .. I have seen this in my lifetime many a times and it is true..
What you sow, so shall you reap.

Rose Day was celebrated all over Mumbai yesterday September 22-2009, and I went with a group of sixteen people to visit the terminally ill cancer patients at Shanti Avedana - Bandra,
This has been my fourth visit in so many years, and the experience is just like it was the first time...
We had taken a group of school boys, so that they would learn to appreciate life and how each given day is a bonus.. The boys were quite a hit with some of the patients, and I could see a few of them looking in the distance,perhaps "Flashbacking"
Coming back to the day, the nuns are so dedicated and committed to the vows they have taken, with help from their assistants and all so pleasant and everhelpful..
I came back with a heavy heart but one thing was common with all the patients and their near and dear ones, -Acceptance, It is so easy to say,"Just accept, whatever comes your way," but do we ever do ? maybe the peaceful look on their faces, their joining in with our group who were singing action songs, party songs and of course spiritual ones, can teach the hardest of hearts-how to live a full life, of caring and serving, and appreciate each day with our loved ones ... the school boys were their jolly selves but somewhere deep inside of them I am sure the seed has been planted - To appreciate life