Void Thoughts

We got back from our three-and-a-half-week-long trip to India this Monday night. We’re still recovering from the jet lag, but it’s almost manageable now.

My younger one is still waking up around 4:30–5 a.m., but I don’t think there’s a fix for that—he actually enjoys waking up early. Still, by 5 in the evening, we’re exhausted and try to resist going to bed until at least 8 or 8:30 p.m.

I expect we’ll be fully adjusted to Arizona time by next week.

We had a great time catching up with everyone during our visit. Although visiting relatives isn’t always my favorite activity, there were some genuinely lovely moments.

My husband’s grandmother gave us a scare when she suddenly became unresponsive. Thankfully, she felt better the next day and was able to eat and talk like she usually does. Still, it was hard seeing her lying in bed all the time. She was always so active, always busy with chores around the house. I can’t even begin to imagine the discomfort and frustration she must feel, not being able to move about as she once did.

My mom also had an episode of dizziness due to vertigo. The reluctance to take medicine on time is, I think, a condition with no cure.

We live so far from our families. I wish they understood that being away is not as easy for us as it may seem. I wish they would take care of themselves, without needing reminders. Taking care of oneself is one of the best gifts we can give to our loved ones. We don’t always realize that, do we?

Our kids had a wonderful time with their cousins, though they didn’t quite enjoy the mosquito bites.

It was raining a lot in Kerala while we were there. The sound of rain—how beautiful it was! Monsoon rains in Kerala don’t pitter-patter; they pour down with the unrestrained joy of a toddler who just got a new toy. The sound is nothing like what we hear here in Phoenix—so loud, so intense, and it goes on for hours. It reminded me of my childhood—going to school in the rain, soaked to the bone, resigned to indoor play. I don’t remember enjoying the rain much back then, at least not like I do now. Still, the sight and sound of it made me smile, then and now. Nothing else feels as melodious.

We also spent four days in Dubai with my sister and her family. It was delightful to spend time together. Our kids had a blast. I’d say Dubai carries a little piece of the world within it—so many malls, so many architectural wonders to explore.

In the end, even with the apprehensions I had about visiting India, the trip was a pleasure, and returning home feels just right. I’m glad we were able to make this trip, and grateful to be back.

So, tell me, how have you been?