US Diary (10-Oct-2023)

Those who have read my previous blogs might wonder how I write the exact time of happenings and why. I have a habit of looking at the watch frequently. To me, to be punctual is very important. My father, from my childhood days taught me the value of time and to do my duties in time. There is a proverb which reminds us of the same, "A stitch in time saves nine".

My late husband OPR Menon was very particular about keeping time. He was an officer in the revenue department. While in service, he was determined to reach the meeting or programme venues at least five minutes before start. His official driver sometimes pleaded to wait saying, "Sir, nobody including the organisers will be there when we reach. We might even have to open the hall, find chairs and wait for them". OPR would reply, "I don't mind doing it. I must reach there in time. Slowly others will follow". He continued this pattern and gradually things changed, and others followed his path.

Bhagwan Sri Krishna declared in Bhagawad Geetha that He is "KAALAM" meaning "time". Time as we all know never stops. It is running steadily and what is done is done. We cannot undo past. Likewise, what is ignored or neglected cannot be regained. To me, wasting time is awful and injustice to one's own self. So, pay attention, time is precious.

I was feeling lazy today and that made my thoughts wander which led me to write the above. There is another reason too. While video chatting with my niece over the phone, I noticed that she was wearing a wristwatch with a big black dial. It suited her beautiful complexion. She lives alone in a house in Europe since her husband passed away. Her children got married and live in their own houses.  She explained the reason for wearing the watch always. She has some health issues and the watch she was wearing was a smart watch. Both her children have so much attachment and concern towards her. Her watch is connected with her daughter's mobile phone and it can alert her daughter by sending messages on time, in case an emergency arose in  her house. Today, I learnt that smart watches could serve other purposes too, besides knowing the time. Almost all functions of a mobile phone are available in a smartwatch.

 It made me think of another incident that happened in Washington DC. While sitting in the hotel lobby, we found two small children, hardly three years old in appearance who had lost their way and were running about, frantically searching for their parents. One of them got off the lift, while the other one stood crying. It was a pitiable sight. We alerted the hotel lobby staff, and I was relieved when they took care of the children. I felt confident that the children will be safe and will be handed over to their missing guardians for sure. This can be assured in this country. When I knew that watches can send alerting messages to our dear ones, an idea came to my mind. Why not we make our little ones wear such watches to protect them from losing their way. Now let me come back to the original subject, the importance of time consciousness. We need to teach our children to be punctual in all walks of life. It will definitely help and lead them to success. We need to educate our children about the value of time, from childhood onwards.

Immersed in thoughts, I lost track of the time. It was already 5 O' clock in the evening. We hurried to the car and proceeded to the ground for the usual evening walk.  Although I prefer to sit in the car, on second thought, I opted to sit on the bench situated at one side of the sidewalk and complete writing this blog. "Ms. Margaret A. Dukes, donated this bench", said Preetha pointing out to the small metal board affixed to the bench which had her name along with the writing "Walking with friends, Pandemic recreation, started March 2020". What a small world. She is known to me as "Marge" (pronounced as Marj) a senior citizen of this country. 

I would like to add a few additional details which I should have included in my 28th Diary. I had met Marge at Vini's house (Vini is a friend of Sree and Preetha) where we had assembled for a get-together, some days ago. My son had introduced her to me, and we spoke for a few minutes. She seemed equally friendly with youngsters as well as elders, a good friend of my children and well-wisher of Indian friends known to her. Prema, mother of Anu also gave me company at the party. Prema is from Kannur and is living in US for the last few years after her husband passed away. There were about 30 invitees at that party. Vini and Joshi were the hosts. It was a potluck party with so many delicacies. After eating brunch, Anu, Joshi and Sree sang a few songs. The ladies then posed for a group photo. Bidding good-bye to the host and thanking them, we left for New York City to meet our relatives, Mrs. Lakshmi Menon (Ammu) and Dr. V.A. Menon, a famous cardiologist who has settled down in Chicago after more than 50 years of service. They were visiting their grandson Arjun who is in high school. Arjun's parents Santhi and Hari were away in India for celebrating "Sathabhishekam" (84th birthday) of Hari's mother. Jay Kumar, son of V. A. Menon, who is a social entrepreneur was also there. We had a good time and after having dinner with them, we left for NJ bidding farewell. Although there was heavy downpour on our way to New York City, the rain had subsided by then.

By the time, I finished writing this much sitting on that bench, Sree and Preetha had returned from their walk. We then drove back home and watched a movie, ate dinner and slept peacefully dreaming for a beautiful tomorrow.