From
New York City - John F Kennedy Intl (JFK)
New York City, NY
Departs: 7:00 P.M.
To
London - Heathrow (LHR)
London, United Kingdom
Arrives: 10:00 A.M.
I leave for London tomorrow evening on a Boeing 777. This time last week I had no other plans other than job hunting and taking a writing class - until I received a call Thursday afternoon, "Baa had a heart attack" (Baa is a common Indian word for Grandmother). My Mother flew out this passed Friday night and before doing so she told me "I packed your white salwar kameez" (white is worn to Hindu funerals). I was surprised at this but it made me understand the reality of what I might be facing when I arrive.
London has always been my second home. My entire family, with the exception of a few relatives, reside in England. Since I was a year old I have been spending summers there surrounded by a slew of cousins, roughly twenty aunts and uncles and a set of grandparents. Mornings would always begin with tea and biscuits. And every night without a doubt would consist of a big feast, with singing and dancing or old stories about growing up in Uganda. This is the first time I'll be going to England, wondering if I might have to attend a funeral.
I called London this evening, I heard chatter and laughter on the other end. The house in Forestgate was filled, everyone still up, probably drinking chai and gossipping. I heard my grandmother is doing better and she is able to faintly communicate. I haven't been back since college graduation, nearly 5 years ago. Though sudden and potentially inauspicious, I am praying this trip will take a turn and become a memorable reunion under accidental circumstances.
2 comments:
Here's hoping for a memorable reunion.
My best wishes for your grandmother and your family.
I really hope things turn out all right.
Thank you. My Grandmother is going to have an angioplasty this morning. Depending upon those results she will likely undergo heart bypass surgery. She's weak but still the tough woman I remember. We visit her everyday in ICU and she is still able to laugh at our jokes and respond to our questions.
Surprsingly my visit here has been quite enjoyable. While I'm not at the hospital I've been spending time with my massive extended family, including my cousin's children who I hadn't met. And it's exactly like old times, staying up late, eating, laughing, talking etc. As for the eating my family seems to think I have an eating disorder (mind you I am perfectly healthy for my height, but typical of Indian families to find slightly chunky physique as the healthy standard), so they are filling me with biscuits, scones and heavy indian food (and I eat it happily ;-)
I'm a believer in the power of collective thought. So to whomever reads this, please keep my Baa in your prayers.
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