A touch of “Heaven On Earth” – Christmas 2012 – Family Togetherness
Background
Christmas is a time when family and friends gather together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and/or the onset of holidays and welcoming the new year. Every year our family do get together in Deep River, Ontario – mostly at or just after the Christmas Day but before the New Year day.
As Canadians – even though we are not of Christian faith – we do celebrate the arrival of Santa and his elves during this time bearing lots of gifts for kids and adults. This celebration and putting up a Christmas tree was instituted the first year when we migrated to Canada -in the year 1974 – when our daughter (Nina) was born during December 1974 in Niagara Falls . Subsequently our son (Sunir) was also born in Niagara Falls during June 1979.
The family moved to Deep River, Ontario in 1986.
This tradition of getting together in Deep River was established in 1990s after both our kids ( Nina -our daughter and then our son Sunir) went away for further studies . Nina went away to Hamilton first and then to Toronto to complete her Pharmacy course. Sunir completed his Computer Software graduation in Ottawa and then completed a Masters degree course in Toronto.
After graduation, both Nina & Sunir established themselves in Toronto for their career – though subsequently Nina & her partner/husband (Sunjay) moved to Deep River area in 2006 and moved along to have a family – first our Granddaughter (Sitara) is born during August 2007 and then our Grandson (Sachin) is born during July 2009. Both Sitara and Sachin are born in Ottawa – Nina (along with family) travelling to Ottawa for delivery from her home in Mackey (near & west of Deep River).
Sunir however kept himself in Toronto, got married to Shannon. Subsequently both became proud parents. Maya – our Granddaughter – was born during August 2011. Maya is born in Toronto.
So there are now three(3) beautiful grandkids and they have livened up our Senior lives in retirement.
Getting together
It is a common belief that family time together will result in peace and progress. It also brings relief and sense of belonging – especially in the modern world when nuclear families are proliferating and when jobs and earnings separate siblings and take them away to distant places. So Maya came from Toronto to Deep River, Ontario on Friday 28 December 2012 to visit and celebrate Christmas and New Year Holidays with her paternal grandparents ( “Ba & Bapuji ” – her dad’s parents ), her aunt, Nina ( “foi ” in Gujarati language – her dad’s sister ), and uncle, Sunjay ( ” fuva” in Gujarati language – her ” foi‘s ” husband ) as well as with her cousin sister, Sitara and cousin brother, Sachin. Maya is just a baby of only a year and five months old and her cousin Sitara is four (4) Years older than her and her cousin brother Sachin is only two (2) years older than her. There is a two (2) years difference between the three (3) grandchildren.
Maya had been having a tough time recently having an ear ache due to cold and a touch of flu . This was compounded by her mom’s health from a touch of flu (mostly sniffling) and her dad having a cough.
The visit was a bit shaky as the flu could have kept them in Toronto but the parents figured that it was manageable with intake of medicine and taking as much rest as possible – before the drive to Deep River, en route to Deep River and while at Deep River.
The drive to Deep River was commenced on Thursday 27 December 2012 – with a planned break for a night en route in Huntsville and then come over to Deep River on Friday 28 December – about lunch time.
At Huntsville, Maya & parents stayed with her great grandparents ( her mom’s maternal grandparents) . Maya got coddled and loved by both her great grandparents and had a good night’s rest before driving (of course with her parents) to Deep River.
The three grandchildren here in Deep River – one (Maya) a visitor from Toronto and two from the local area (both Sitara and Sachin live at Mackey with their parents -some 25 minutes drive west from Deep River) but go to school (& day care) at Deep River . Their parents also work in Deep River.
Sitara & Sachin arrived with their dad at their grandparents home on Friday 28 December 2012 just before lunch to meet their cousin Maya as well as their uncle, Sunir ( ” Mama ” in Gujarati language ) and Auntie, Shannon ( ” Mami ” in Gujarati language) .
Thus the great getting together of the whole Shah family started on Friday 28 December 2012 and was to span over a few days – of holidays and fun – even while Nina was working during the holidays as Pharmacists are needed to be on duty. She however joined in after work – however late that can be.
Fun & Frolicking
It was kind of exhilarating that the weather behaved during the time the family was together during the holidays. The weather turn out to be normal winter temperature with no snow falling during this time – snow had already been on the ground (having fallen a couple of days before) providing a serene white blanket outdoors all over.
During these few days when the family spent together there were few moments which are etched in memory forever. These moments can be dubbed ” heaven on earth” moments as measureable happiness and joy is felt by all – each in his/her own unique way.
Friday – 28 December 2012
On Friday (28 December 2012) arriving from Huntsville, both Sunir & Shannon were a bit under the weather but Maya was in good spirit. Maya was almost at home with her Ba and Bapuji whom she had seen about a month before in Toronto.
She remembered them and their identifying title and called her grandma correctly “Ba” ” Ba” . She was hugged and coddled and just made comfortable. Both Sunir & Shannon managed to get some rest in the afternoon.
Soon Maya was joined by her cousins Sitara & Sachin who came about 4.00 p.m. with their dad, Sunjay – after their skiing on Mt Martin Ski hill . Both Sitara and Sachin took well with Maya almost instantly and Sachin immediately hugged her . So did Sitara.
They started to play with Maya and try to pass a couple of stuffed animal to her . Maya also explored the decorated Christmas tree standing tall in the living room. All three kids just melted in each other arms.
Both Sitara and Sachin also got coddled by their SunirMama and ShannonMami. This bond between the kids and their uncle and aunt is since the time they were born. Maya remained a bit aloof from her ” fuva” as she was enveloped by her cousins in playing with her.
The Deep River house was full with the three kids playing and making all kinds of frolicking roundabouts and sounds. They played with various available toys in the Living Room.
Both grandparents were thrilled to see the kids having fun together and mostly left them alone – just providing supervision where needed.
As grandparents we want to make the most of the precious family time we get to spend with our grandchildren.
Of course then all had dinner. The dinner was ” Ragda Patish” – A delicious Gujarati dish prepared by Grandma for the adults and special rice & yogurt curry for the kids.
Maya went to sleep about 7.30 pm – her usual time and after that Sitara & Sachin had an about an hour to play and getting coddled by their SunirMama & ShannonMami.
Sunir played with Sitara and went about normal horsing around and also coddled Sachin – lifting him, bouncing him up and down and just playing with him. ShannonMami read a couple of children books to the kids but mostly Sitara who always likes her Mami to read to her ( books of her choice normally around in her collections at the Deep river home).
Both Sitara & Sachin went back home to Mackey with their dad at about 9.30 p.m.
Nina came over to visit after her work just after 10 p.m. – her workplace (PhramaPlus) stays open late till 10.00 p.m during Christmas Holidays . Nina had a good ” shooting the breeze ” time with her brother (Sunir) & Shannon and went home to Mackey about 11.00 p.m.
Saturday 29 December 2012
On Saturday 29 Dec – all spent the day at Deep River and mostly remained indoors within home.
During the day Sitara played Board game with her Mama. All kids , Sunir , Shannon & Sunjay had gone outdoors (in the afternoon) in front of the house to make a snowman & play around in the snow. Maya was coddled by her “fuva” while playing and making snowman outdoors.
All had lunch & dinner together except Nina who was at work at lunch time but managed to join for dinner as her work finished at 6.00 p.m. this day -its being a Saturday.
After dinner, Christmas and Holiday gifts were exchanged and opened by the excited kids and adults alike. Many photos and video clips were taken – freezing the happy moments and 2012 family faces/features on multiple digital cameras.
Grandparents were just around –Grandma preparing meals and grandpa just helping around wherever possible either with kids or setting the table for meals.
Spending time with grandchildren is always fun – especially when the whole family is around. Regardless of what you do together, time with grandchildren is always fun. Whether you are teaching them something new or learning something from them, there’s a special bond between the grandchildren and the grandparents.
Sitara & Sachin had to be coaxed and pleaded before they agreed to get ready to go home to Mackey with their parents at around 9.30 p.m.
Sunday 30 December 2012
Sunday was special day as both Nina and Sunjay had planned to celebrate the family togetherness by having a family party at their home in Mackey.
It was special day as the celebratory meal was to be prepared by Sunjay – as Nina was at work till 5.00 p.m. Sunjay is a master chef – he has good culinary sense and can whip up very enjoyable testy meals for any occasion.
Maya along with her parents and her Ba/Bapuji arrived at Mackey in the morning around 10.00 a.m. Maya came in her parents rented car and her Ba/Bapuji came separately in their 2010 Toyoto Corolla car.
Sunjay prepared a sumptuous dinner meal which was supported by grandma’s addition – especially for a great lunch. A glass of wine led to “toasting” each other for best wishes . Both Sitara & Sachin also clicked their glasses with the adults – of course their glasses were filled with a mix of apple juice and water.
During the day Sitara spent time with her Mama – working to build the 3D Ginger Bread puzzle. She also played a board game with him.
Sachin & Maya spent playing with miscellaneous toys scattered around the living room and the kitchen area.
Maya was a free bird – running here & there . Getting into the blue big truck – being pushed around by her dad & also Bapuji. Sachin also played with his Thomas train toys.
Playing with young kids – is always exhilarating and joyful and to experience games, music, nature, reading, and other interests in conjunction with a curious young mind.
It was ” heaven on earth ” moment multiple times when enjoying a synergy between young and adults – all the worries and concern of adult life put away – however momentarily.
Again, many photos and video clips were taken on multiple digital cameras.
Maya was put to bed early around 8.00 p.m. while the other two kids stayed up for a little while longer. Their SunirMama & ShannonMami stayed the night at Mackey and the grandparents return back to Deep River around 9.30 p.m.
Grandchildren see the world ”” whether near or far ”” in special ways, and through them, grandparents rediscover the joy of visiting and spending valuable quality time with kids & grandkids.
Monday 31 December 2012 – New Year eve
Maya came over to Deep River with her parents after having breakfast with her cousins at Mackey.
She was cuddled, coddled and just loved by her Ba and Bapuji while she was getting ready for a visit to her dad’s friend’s family ( Nadia – who has 5 kids of her own) in Deep River. Maya has a great time with the kids during her visit.
In the meantime, Sitara and Sachin came over with their dad to spend more time with Maya and their uncle and aunt.
After Maya returned back -she and kids played with each other. Maya got a bath and Sachin just joined in the bath along with Maya given by his ShannonMami.
After that some creative craft time – all 3 kids were industrious making/decorating 2 Ginger Bread houses – led by ShannonMami & helped by Sunjay.
Nina joined in after work at about 5.00 p.m and all had dinner together.
After that Mistrys along with Kids went to Ron/Diane home to celebrate the arrival of 2013 – while seniors spent time with Sunir/Shannon at home as Maya went to sleep by 8.00 p.m.
By this time both Sunir & Shannon were well rested and feeling much healthier than when they arrived for holidays at Deep River.
A contentment in the grandparents hearts was visible and very sweet.
Tuesday 1 January 2013
Happy New Year. All wished an enjoyable and successful new Year to the family members.
Maya returned to Toronto with her parents – stopping en route at Huntsville (at her great grandparents home) for lunch break.
The family time together is momentarily over – all there grandkids had a ball of a time with lots cuddles , hugs and kissed along with gifts to play with and enjoy.
Prayers were offered by each grandparents ( nana/nani for Sitara & Sachin and on the other side Ba and Bapuji for Maya) for thanks to our Guardian Angel for a great and satisfying few days – sort of ” heaven on earth ” moment for now.
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Some Pre & Post – Holidays events
1) Thursday 27 December 2012
Both the Grandparents (Deep River version) were invited for pre-Christmas lunch at their Burmese friends’ (Kay & Zin) home . Hershi (one of the friends ) also joined in. Kay & Zin have two sons – one (Ken) is now grown up and is in the Canadian Navy. He was home visiting for the Christmas holidays.
Their other son – Thit – a teen turning about 18 and doing his high school at the Mackenzie Community School in Deep River.
Thit has obtained his airplane pilot license – having got training over the last year or so in Arnprior. His dad also has started the pilot lessons . He also bought a 4 seater-single engine plane – being parked currently at Arnprior Airport.
This shows how much a father loves his son – and support him in his endeavour to better himself – and which will remain for life time . There is an embedded fatherly instinct to see his son be successful and confident in himself.
Kay & Zin have also their parents – Kay’s mother and Zin’s dad living with them in Deep River. Zin’s dad (Joe) is a scholar and a linguist – especially for Sanskrit ( an ancient language of India). All had good time together – building bonds of friendship.
Ken- the elder son had brought gifts (he is residing in Halifax, Nova Scotia) – for each of our three(3) grandkids . That was a very nice gesture on his part and was appreciated immensely.
2) Thursday 3 January 2013
The Burmese friends came over for dinner on this fine day . Harshi – the other friend also joined in.
Ken came with his special dinner dish – bedeviled eggs – with special spices added. This dish is loved by all.
Every year Ken does make this dish . Hershi made a special Gujarati dish with Yogurt ( Danhi Vada ). Grandma (nani) made Gujarati dinner with dal , rice and Chappaati.
Both Ken & Thit love this Gujarati cuisine. Kay also brought a couple of enchanting salads and other dishes.
Unfortunately, Zin’s dad and Kay’s mom did not come – it was cold outside and they did not feel risking health.
However all had a great meal and camaraderie and enjoyed the company to warm the hearts.
3) Wednesday 2 January 2013
This day Sitara & Sachin travelled by car (starting in the evening) to Toronto with their parents and to spend the night in Huntsville – a break in travel before proceeding to Toronto. They will return after a week away from home. It is planned to be back on Wednesday 9 January 2013.
They had gone to London ( Anjali & Avak family) , to Niagara Falls & to spend some time in Toronto)
Their going away after a great family get together (just a couple of days before) left a kind of void (a sort of mini Empty Nest feeling) in the grandparents’ (kids nana/nani) hearts- as the absence of kids’ laughter and play for a week was kind of difficult to bear. It was for a week but felt like they were going away much too long.
4) Saturday 12 January 2013
Sitara wanted to spend the day with her nana/nani – so she requested her mom. Sitara then came over with her mom ( who was working this day in Deep River) – spent the day with her nana/nani. Sachin did not come as he was still sleeping when his mom left home for work. Sachin remained home with his dad.
Sitara then in the afternoon joined her nana/nani to a prayer satsang at Ushaben’s home – where chanting to Gods was being done (aided by the Art of Living disciples from Pembroke) . Sitara enjoyed playing (as accompaniment to the satsang songs ) along with other kids – the Indian musical instruments.
She then went home -her mom came over after work at Ushaben’s home to pick her up – after having dinner.
5) Wednesday 16 January 2013
Sitara’s KG teacher (Mrs. Cox ) came over to nana/nani home on the evening of Wednesday to borrow the “Snoopy” ice & ice cream maker ( this is a toy ice machine – which makes real ice and ice-cream) . This toy machine was bought many years ago when Sitara’s mom was a young girl – for her amusement and learning . Also used for Sunir’s fun too when he was growing up.
Mrs. Cox wants to use this machine at Sitara’s KG class on Friday – to demonstrate making of ice and ice-cream. OH ! how items saved and kept well – can be useful after many years for the children of the original kids.
6) Thursday 17 January 2013
Sitara went to Ottawa with her parents ( & Sachin) for her annual allergy check-up . It was a very cold day ( – 20 to – 25 degrees C)
They also used the day to enjoy the “Winterlude” happenings in the Capitol.