I refer to how kaveri (age 11) who in a little over three years has matured mentally, physically and socially. It is, of course, a very significant stage in life.
Kaveri (age 11) today with her mum Chandrika at a wedding of a member of the extended family in the village
As you can see she now almost as tall as her mum (age 29?).
I’m proud of her and the little help I’ve been able to be.
Early days, just a little girl, shortly before her eighth birthday.
On reflection, she’s always been quite ‘together’ for her age.
Off to school with her auntie (aka sister)
She’s just about to start her third school since I’ve known her. I’ve promised that Manjula’s Mysore will continue to support her education up to university and maybe beyond.
The house hosts her presence in every room (and outside).
Sowbaghya and I have kept the Bed and Breakfast as she envisioned it and even have a library named after her.
Our children’s and education section.
Our guests love meeting her. she even gets mentioned in our guest book
images of MAnjula and Lucie decorating the fan switch!!
At least once a year I bring out this image in memory of my beautiful MAnjula. It’s just for a few days. I started by cycling her around Mysore, at other times she’ll be in the memorial garden we created for her in the park or resting in our drive. Otherwise she’s stored in the Garage.
Unfortunately, you can’t please all the people all time. Some people you never can.
My insensitive neighbour complained that the image of MAnjula was outside and should be indoors. It’s a Hindu rule. I know there’s no such rule or if there is it’s often not followed. People remember their loved ones with posters around the streets or images in the newspaper.
He represents the brahminical elitism that can sometimes rear its ugly head (read your ‘games people play’). He’s even complained about the boys and girls sitting on the park benches that I’ve installed. It’s as if the Firangi (foreigner) is responsible for people’s behaviour. His prejudices are mildly entertaining but we generally ignore him.
PS
As AI tells us on the internet
The saying “Guest is God” (Atithi Devo Bhava in Sanskrit) is a core principle in Indian culture, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and treating guests with respect. While the saying is rooted in tradition and spiritual significance, the reality is that it’s not always a practical or realistic expectation, especially in modern life.
It’s May and we’ve just celebrated Kaveri’ birthday.
She’s now 11 and she is a star
The past month’s activities included: seaside holiday, skating, swimming coaching and summer camp.
KaverI is now at her mother’s and we hit the uncertainty of whether Chandrika, her mother, will change her school. Kaliyuvamane the alternative residential school she’s attended for two years has helped her grow socially, intellectually and physically.
We can make either options work but the residential school has had the continuity that her home will not provide.
I worry that it maybe beyond Chandrika’s ability if Kaveri is shifted to the day school but we’ll do our best.
Meanwhile
I’m relaxing in Manjula’s Memorial Garden and toying with the idea of revisiting our memoir.
A new summer school holiday activity — Button Masala.
Incredible creativity and innovative design from cloth, button and rubber band!
A great addition to the swimming, summer camp, reading, storytelling, crafts, skating, seaside, badminton, cycling, TV and phone that’s become a staple of Kaveri’s school holiday
A really cool event presented by the creator of Button Masala —Amuj Sharma and supported by Sri Vidya MR of the Anubhuti Trust.
Billet Doux, it’s hard, there’s no respite. Squeaking Kits, half the time biting instead of sucking, I keep nipping out for a break.
I’ve explained how it happened and to ensure it’ll not happen again she needs to stay home until the kittens are weaned and she can then have the op.
She’s managed wonderfully looking after the six
Instinct and what she learned from mum has worked. But she’s not got how it happened and how to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
Am I expecting too much? My English not clear?
I’ve started restricting her so she can’t get out of the yard. Or so I thought. Today, second day running she’s legged it again. It must have taken her a nano second when my back was turned.
This is not good.
So new tack
Less of a prison ….
Next I’m going to change garage into a Palace for a Queen (within reason) and as the kits get older, only allow supervised access to the yard. Makes it sound like a prison?
Step Father and teenage son are having a conversation. They’ve recently come together as the guy married his mum.
They’re bonding. Talking about how the father tries to manage challenges himself and not let them in to help.
He doesn’t want to feel a burden to them but it has the opposite effect as they then worry about him.
That’s a trigger for me.
That rings bells.
I’m too independent and realise I could have shared more with MAnjula, that in turn that helped me miss that she did want to be a burden through her illness and all it entailed.
I’m sorry MAnjula. You were never a burden. I love you and would manage anything for you.
I freaked out at you for not taking your tablets. That was about my worries, stress feeling powerless to not be able to help you from deterioration.
There’s so much I would and should have done differently.
Maïlis has been with us now for almost two months. She’s really got into Mysore, become part of our little community and created a wide range of exciting experiences for herself.
I was invited by her wonderful new friends Pravallika and Cade to visit and find out where they’re learning to carve.
At this family workshop they’re famous for carving significant statues and especially Rama for the new Ayodya Temple
But there was a great big surprise waiting for me.
Maïlis as her very first project had carved our Lucie in stone
How wonderful is that?
Just one month ago Lucie gave up, she’d had too much after managing so well with a painful hip and difficulties with her kidneys. She was strong and brave and her gentle friendly nature had helped her connect with thousands of our guests.
… and a cat
A fantastic image of our precious family member which now has pride of place in our upstairs lounge.
Me and MYCycle 