Blessings

Today we went to the hospital for chemo (Rohan's last treatment in this phase) and were there from 10:30 a.m. to about 1:30 p.m. This does not include the fact that we all had to hit the ground running when we woke up in the morning. So our hospital days pretty much leave room for little else, especially Arya.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned that on the days Rohan has chemo my parents watch Arya. However, it's been nagging me that I haven't written about how wonderful both of our families have been during these past few months. And so I'd like to take this week's entry to acknowledge each person's contribution.

Not only do my parents watch Arya when we go to the hospital, but they try to relieve me on other days as well. My father will come over twice a week for about an hour or so. During that time he will either take Arya for a walk or play Wii with Rohan or both. Sometimes both of my parents will come over at tea time, 4 p.m., and have tea and cookies with Rohan, play hot wheels or a board game. I know that they would balk at the idea of my thanking them. For them it gives them joy on two fronts: they spend time with their only grandchildren AND help their daughter. Outside of helping with the kids, my father has taken Ravi's old Audi to the mechanic and picked it up in order to get it in selling condition. If Rohan says he wants tacos or mathia, my mother is in her kitchen ready to deliver. They always remind me of a Khalil Gibran quote: "It is well to give when asked but it is better to give unasked". (I think that's the way it goes)

Ravi's mother has also been a wonderful grandmother during these months. She visits every Sunday afternoon. She comes and plays in the yard with Rohan if it is warm enough. Or she will play indoors whatever he wants. She also brings us dinner every week and makes sure there is something non-spicy for the kids. She lives further away but has also come to babysit when we needed her. One morning we had a very early appointment for Rohan so she came the night before.

In addition to my parents and Ravi's mom, Rohan is fortunate to have uncles who love him. Rocky comes every Sunday and plays with Rohan, rough houses with him, talks to him. My brother, Pratik, will come to play or will show up with a box of Rice Krispies, a bag of marshmallows and will make Rice Krispie treats with Rohan. I have noticed that Rohan enjoys the process of making them with my brother more than he actually likes eating the Rice Krispie treats!

My last unsung hero (for now) is my sister-in-law Suja. I thank her all the time because she has on occasion called me up to let me know that she is free on such and such a night to babysit in case Ravi and I want to go see a movie or something.

If children reflect the kind of care they get, then ours are on their way to being full of light and kindness!!