You Are in my Prayers

"We can't go back to school," one little boy told Rosen. "Our teacher is dead. Mrs. Soto; we don't have a teacher."


Six kids saw their friends die and I can imagine the trauma they must have faced as they witnessed the killing.

Dear Friends, fellow bloggers

I am one of the blogger who is taking part in observing silence for the innocent victims who lost their lives on Friday’s shooting rampage at Connecticut.  Like you we cried as the news reports come in. As a mother of two, it is really hard for me to imagine about how somebody can hurt those innocent 6 and 7 years old. Who supposed to be laughing at their Christmas gifts wrapped under the Christmas tree and long waited holidays? In the time of happiness we are mourning for the loss of these tiny angels.

Their life was cut short, their dreams were crushed. Those late night kisses and wonderful smiles when you pick them and light sadness when you drop them in the school is going to be missed forever to that little angel’s parents. Also to those moms, wife, grandmas, friends who lost their lives doing their duties as teachers and staff of Sandy Hook Elementary school.

We know that no words, no gifts, no act of service will ever take away the pain, but we, as bloggers and also parents collectively want those affected by this to know how close to our hearts they are

We love you; we pray for you, we are so heartbroken for your loss.

To honor the memory of the lives cut short, we choose to step away from our blogs and computers today to celebrate the gift of life and those we love the most, our children, families, good friends and community. We’re holding our kids little tightly, reaching out to neighbors and giving thanks for the moments we have together. Thank you for stopping by today, we hope you will join us in remembering, praying and gathering close. We wish you and your families a safe and blessed holiday.

Chota Bheem's Return Gift

Chota Bheem is the two-year-old child, grandson to my sister, who keeps me busy with his innocent chatter.

“Don’t call me Hyerank, I am Chota Bheem” he says whenever I call him by his real name.

The kid is smart, having mastered all the puzzle games on his ipad, sliding his tiny hands on the screen with efficiency. He watches all the TV cartoons with interest; his favorite show is ‘Chota Bheem’ and he identifies with the protagonist.

All the kids are smart nowadays especially those who get lots of attention from their families and at play groups.

There are theme birthday parties held regularly where these kids seem to have fun, a big banquet hall, or an area around pool is selected as a venue. The parties are celebrated on a large scale where the parents and helpers are also invited. There is separate area of the room reserved where all the helpers are grouped together and are served cuisine that is different from what other guests are offered. The helper will be offered only ‘Tang’ drink and one samosa while the other guests will enjoy a plateful of assorted delicacies.

“With 50 children there are 50 ayahs, the party becomes too expensive” complains the host.

Today Chota Bheem returns from one such fancy party with a return gift, guess what? hmmmn-

A fish bowl

During my growing up days, the return gift did not exist. It used to be small party with just wafers, cake and biscuits. The return gifts were introduced in the birthday parties during late eighties, but it used to be a small souvenir or bag of assorted goodies, but live fish bowl? Need I say more?

The fact is that kid is amused and watches with interest as the black shiny fish swims in the small glass jar.

“What will you name your fish?” I asked equally amused.

We start the naming game, with everybody suggesting and prompting him, soon the rare name is decided and now the fish is called ‘Chawal’

It’s Chota Bheem’s duty to see that ‘Chawal’ is comfortable and fed on time.

 Happy to share this post with group of Marathon Bloggers who promised to blog daily during the month of December.