Category Archives: Miscellaneous Musings!

Jain Song (6) – Simple Man Met Mahavir

Jain Song composed in 1984 -6

( Tune: Simple Simon Met a Pieman)    

Simple Man Met Mahavir  

Simple Man Met Mahavir
Going to The Forest
Says Simple Man to Mahavir
Let Me Test You Are Resolute

 

Says Mahavir to Simple Man
Show Me First Your Follies


Says Simple Man to Mahavir
Indeed I Have many Jollies

 

Simple Man Went A-bashing
For Mahavir to Whine

 

But All the Effort He Had Put
Brought In From Mahavir Shine
 

Simple Man Went To Look
If Mahavir had any Passion

He Hammered Nails In His Ears
Which Made Poor Man See Compassion.    

Pravin Shah

 

 

   

   

     

     

       

       

 

Jain Song (3) – Violence Violence Go Away

Jain Song composed in 1984 -3

( Tune: Rain Rain Go Away)

Violence Violence Go Away    

Violence Violence Go Away
Return Not Another Day
Little Brother
Little Sister
Little Children Want to Live
Jealousy Jealousy Go Away
Return Not Another Day
Little Brother
Little Sister
Little Children Want to be Free
Greed Greed Go Away
Return Not Another Day
Little Brother
Little Sister
Little Children Want to Share
Anger Anger Go Away
Return Not Another Day
Little Brother
Little Sister
Little Children Want Total Peace
Karma Karma Go Away
Return Not Another Day
Little Brother
Little Sister
Little Children Want Salvation
Pravin Shah

 

Jain Song (2) – Chandan Bala Holding Tears Down

Jain Song composed in 1984 -2

( Tune -London Bridge is Falling Down)

Chandan Bala Holding Tears Down

 Chandan Bala   Holding Tears Down
              Tears Down, Tears Down
Chandan Bala   Holding Tears Down
            My Dear   Lord – o –
Shaven Head and Tied in Chains
            Tied in Chains , Tied in Chains
Shaven Head and Tied in Chains
          My Dear   Lord – o –
Holding Bland Food in Her Hands
         In Her Hands , In Her Hands
Holding Bland Food in Her Hands
          My Dear   Lord – o –
Praying Mahavir Will Come Around
          Come Around , Come Around
Praying Mahavir Will Come Around
          My Dear   Lord – o –
Compassion Flows From Mahavir’s Eyes
          Mahavir’s Eyes , Mahavir’s Eyes
Compassion Flows From Mahavir’s Eyes
            My Dear   Lord – o –
Food Eaten Mahavir Says Soothing Words
            Soothing Words , Soothing Words
Food Eaten Mahavir Says Soothing Words
            My Dear   Lord – o –
Chandan Bala is Liberated
            Liberated , Liberated
Chandan Bala is Liberated
            My Dear   Lord – o –
Pravin Shah

 

Jain Song (1) – Raa , Raa , ParsvaNath

 Jain Song composed in 1984 -1

(Tune – Baa Baa Black Sheep)

 Jain Song : Raa , Raa , ParsvaNath

 

Raa , Raa , ParsvaNath ,
                Twenty Third Tirthankar
Teacher , Teacher , There are
                Four Jain Vows
One for Non-violence
One for the Truth
One for Non-possession
and One for Honesty

These are vows that
            bring great salvation.
 

Pravin Shah
 

Anguish for Shooting in a school

The below is a letter I write to a local Newspaper   (North Renfrew Times in Deep River, Ontario, Canada) – and this letter got published in their edition of Wednesday 19 December 2012.
The subject is the shooting at a school in Newtown, Connecticut, USA on Friday 14 December 2012 – where some 26 people were massacred – including 20 innocent elemenatry school kids.

16 December 2012

Anguish for Shooting in a school

I am anguished. So are many people in our community. My heart is really pained to see so many innocent young children killed recently (Friday 14 December 2012) at an elementary school (the Sandy Hook school) Newtown, Connecticut. Some 20 young   innocent children lost their lives – and their future is obliterated by a mad gunman.

The societal phenomena about periodic shooting that takes place at a school or an educational institution has become a repetitive occurrence in our lives in the Western societies but more so here in North America. It so happens that this occurrence is more frequent in USA   but also here in Canada we really are not immune.      

In recent Ottawa Citizen,   it was stated that ” The magazine Mother Jones has reported that since 1982 there have been ” at least 61 mass murders carried out with firearms in the country (USA) . It said in most cases the weapons were obtained legally.”

Here is Canada we have our own statistics.

On April 28, 1989 :   One student killed, one wounded at W. R. Myers High School in first fatal high school shooting in Canada in 20 years. The suspect, a 14-year-old boy, had dropped out of school after he was severely ostracized by his classmates.

On December 6, 1989 : Twenty-five-year-old Marc Lepine killed 14 women and wounded a further 13 people at the École Polytechnique at the University of Montreal in the worst school massacre in Canada”™s history.

On September. 13, 2006 : Kimveer Gill, 25, opened fire with a semiautomatic weapon at Dawson College in Montreal, Canada . Anastasia De Sousa, 18, died and more than a dozen students and faculty were wounded before Gill killed himself.

It always is tragic when a large number of people lose their lives, but it is worse when the deaths are of children.

Many lives are shattered. Happiness is lost for parents, grandparents and families at a time when all are   getting in the revelry of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour. This celebratory mood is now subdued by this killing by a madman.

As a grandfather, I find myself numbed and really cannot fathom as to what motivates someone to go on a shooting rampage. The world is getting a bit too lax in the discipline and also on the love and care of the humanity.

I believe that we all need to look into the mirror of our heart and ask as to what is wrong with ourselves and our society that our schools have become targets for “satanic ” attacks . The expectations and entitlements have risen so much so that any reduction (perceived or real) bring about disaffection. The disaffected people who are angry at the world seek out the vulnerable and thus schools are the easiest targets to take down large number of innocent victims.

I feel anguished that I am so helpless having no way to improve the society except to pray that the message of peace and love – appropriate for the season – is appreciated by all and adopted wholeheartedly.  

God bless the souls who are no longer with us.

Pravin Shah

Christmas, 2012

The following “Letter to Editor” titled Christmas, 2012 was compiled and sent to North Renfrew Times (Deep River) for publication. Also it was circulated to few friends to read the writing.

Christmas, 2012

The time rolls on and we are here once more to celebrate the Christmas holidays .

Some people are a bit annoyed that the holidays have lost its adjective ” Christmas” and have taken a new   adjective ” Seasonal “.   This is to accommodate many Canadians who are atheists , agnostics, non-Christians amongst us. For example I am a Hindu born in a Jain family.   Personally, I would prefer it still     be called what it really is – it is a ” Christmas Holidays ” .  

We all enjoy the festivities and to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ on this earth.   He was a   personification of divine attributes that lie underlain in a human soul.

He is believed to be a “saviour” by his followers.   This coming of Jesus was heralded and anointed by the three wise men from the East . The history of his struggles and ultimate crucifixion is well known and recited many times by his followers and others. He was arrested, tried and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged and finally executed on a cross.

The world learnt the lesson of love, fellowship and forgiveness from the message expounded by Jesus Christ.   The Roman Empire was at the time very mean & rough on the conquered and also on its own citizens . The injustices were very prevalent and Jesus came on this earth to open up a new understanding and divinity of human life.   This was not welcome by the Roman Authority as they were rather frightened by the revolutionary message of love and dignity for all.

So when the message started to spread, it took some years before King Constantine, the first Roman emperor, converted himself to be a Christian and proclaimed the tolerance of all religions throughout the empire.

The “Saviour” is unfortunately being mistakenly presented as he is only a Saviour for the followers of Christianity. This does not rhyme well from his message as when he proclaimed these divine messages, there was no labeled “Christianity” religion.   One can follow Jesus’ preaching without being converted to so called Christian religion.  

Most wars and destruction came by colonial powers and within the so called Christian nations during the Spanish War, 1st and 2nd World wars – many within the European continent and around the world were decimated. There was death & destruction. Jesus remained an anchor for many, individually, during these distressful times . His sacrifice and message of love and forgiveness, over the time, gave to the realization of justice, equality and racial harmony in many nations as well as codification of human rights .   Through many trials and retributions, the human race is slowly coming to mutual respect and love for the living. A spiritual thought which will carry us in this life and life after.

My family & I wish all a very Happy Christmas holidays and a Happy new Year.

Pravin Shah

My friend & bridge partner – Mr. Marcel Heming

Marcel Heming had been my friend and bridge partner since last 6 years – since when I retired (in 2007) from active work and he too had retired at that time .   He retired at a younger age -about 54 at that time while I was 67 when I retired.

Unfortunately , we lost my friend recently at a prime age of 59 . He did not wake from his sleep. What God has planned for us is unknown till it happens .

This is how death was announced by his family in the Valley Funeral Home (deep River, Ontario)   website .

—————–

Marcel John Heming

Suddenly, at Deep River on Tuesday, October 23, 2012. Marcel Heming age 59 years. Loving father of John Paul Heming of Ottawa. Dear son of Maria Heming and the late Herman Heming of Thorndale. Loving brother of Marianne Van Geel and her husband Adrian of Lakeside, Adrian Heming and his wife Cheryl of St. Mary”™s, Jim Heming (Nurdan Tokoz) of Kilworth, Ron Heming and his wife Helen of Ingersoll and Greg Heming (Sharron Fletcher) of Thorndale. Friends may call at the Valley Funeral Home, Deep River on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service to be conducted in the Chapel on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. Interment Deep River Community Cemetery. In memoriam donations to the Rotary Club of Renfrew County would be gratefully appreciated.

Marcel John Heming

Born: Wed Apr 22, 1953
Died: Tue Oct 23, 2012

Visiting

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Mon Oct 29, 2012
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Mon Oct 29, 2012
Location: Valley Funeral Home, Deep River

Funeral Service

11:00 AM Tue Oct 30, 2012

————————-

I wrote an eulogy (as a friend and as his bridge partner) but it remained undelivered at the funeral -due to limited time and it is always helpful and considerate to allow the family (especially his only son – John Paul)   to grieve and speak out his feelings for his dad.   He did deliver a very moving eulogy and spoke about his many memories and proud son to have a caring father.

Here is what I wrote – withheld for a while but now I have decided to publish it on my Web page.

Mr. Marcel Heming         –   Tuesday 23 October 2012

Hi

This is the day I did not expect or envision that I would stand up to mourn the death of my friend, Marcel Heming at his prime age of 59.

Why does he have to go away? He is such a wonderful human being.   This is a “verbatim” quote from my wife – who have had welcomed Marcel in our family circle and spent hours discussing worldly and personal issues with him.

He was younger than me. Many a times, over last few years that I have known him,   I have jokingly teased him for being my son – even though, most appropriately, he was like a younger brother.  

Marcel had a big heart and would go out of his way to be useful to all and anyone asking.

Here is a person who was always active and forthcoming to help out and participate in many a local activities.  Over the years , for local Engineering events, Rotary projects , RiverBank project or setting stage for Deep River plays and others, Marcel remained a very dependable partner in many of such activities in our Community .

Marcel is someone who participates and helps out in any Community project where his contribution is welcome/ accepted . He never looked for any reward from his participation.

Whenever   I am stuck or I need an extra hand , Marcel was always there to lift my burden – and always with a smile and camaraderie . He had an excellent mechanical and analytical mind. He was also very handy in using tools. He was proud to have been raised on a farm under difficult circumstances but that gave him all the good character of being reliable, on time and team work .

It is beyond me to describe the gap he has left in my life. When I retired in 2007 , I came across Marcel as a person – who also had just retired at about that time . It seems that we hit it off well from our first “pow-wow ” between new retirees .

 I had casually asked him about what would be his retirement activities and probed him about whether he would like to play bridge card game . I said I am looking for a partner and he thought that was a good idea though he did not know much as to how to play Bridge at the time . Mind you he was quite proficient in Euchre. But then we together learnt the Bridge techniques and nuances such that many times we did well together whether in the Duplicate bridge or Social bridge – winning kudos .  In fact last year , we were   only ” hair’s breadth” away from achieving the famous Deep River Rounding Trophy for the Duplicate Bridge.   Truly, in fact both of us were a bit relieved that we did not win the Trophy because the right deserving person (Mr. Ian Towner) clinched that.

I am quite at a loss as I think I have lost an excellent  partner and a friend with whom I have had spent many hours since my retirement – whether it was part of structured activities or otherwise just “to shoot the breeze”. Though we kept our own space and remained occupied with individual activities , we were with each other whenever we thought of doing things together .   There was   quite a bit of understanding   of each other’s life and family – we remained supportive   within the limits of proper etiquette between us.

What the fate has in store, one cannot fathom.  

This is the quirk in life that many have to face and with forbearance and the divine strength one needs to pick up the pieces and continue the life.

My and my family’s sincere CONDOLENCES to John Paul and the whole Heming family .  

I would like to end by quoting the following – from one of my friends Mr. Gerhard Fuerst ( an American – and a poet)

We can be supportive of each other!

It simply shows that with an attitude of resolve

and determination you can overcome adversity

and you can rise to the top! It does not have to be: sink or swim.

You paddle hard…you float  whenever necessary…and you master and overcome  

the waves coming your way! You make the best out of any given situation!

God bless Marcel and a happy journey beyond.

Pravin Shah

————————–

Here is the sequence of events he was found at his home –


1) Saturday 20 October 2012 – a tour/visit of the Murray L Moore Hydro Museum In Pembroke.

He was distinctly not feeling well .   Sat down at few places.     I asked him about that and also can I take him to the hospital. He said he is okay – just tired and then had a few minutes of snooze in the car and said he is feeling better and can drive back to Deep River.

When we came back to Deep River at about 4.30pm- his car was in the driveway – so it seemed all is okay . Being weekend – it was normal not to disturb anyone unless anything specific is needed . On Monday 22 October, after we came back from Ottawa ( by the way that day I lost my wallet in Ottawa) – his car was still there in the driveway . This is normal for Marcel. His telephone is not operative due to slow internet connection – only way one can communicate with him is through e-mails .   So I sent him an e-mail on Monday night -asking how is he doing ? No response.  

Next day on Tuesday, I stopped over at his house in the morning about 10.30 am returning from Town completing few errands . Rang the doorbell – no response . After I knocked on the   door – no response.   Sometimes Marcel do not respond if he had fallen asleep or gone for a shower.   Anyway, I thought I will see at Duplicate Bridge in the evening at Lutheran Church on Avon Road. When I arrived at the Duplicate Bridge at about 7.10 pm – I found that Marcel was not there. Everyone was surprised as Marcel is always punctual and also set up the room for Bridge playing . Marcel is the President of the Club – 2nd year running.

Everyone at the Duplicate Club was concerned . So I went away back to his house to find out what happened . Rang the bell, Knocked on the door – no response.   I got really concerned – so I went to the Deep River Police Station . Rest is history.

————————————————-

A Visitor comes to Town – My brother (Kanti) visited Canada

It was somewhat an exciting time in September, 2012  as my brother visited us here in Ontario, Canada (Toronto & also in Deep River ).

He arrived on Sunday 9 September 2012 and stayed a few days with his long time friend (Jayanti & his wife -Sushila) in Mississauga. He knows Jayanti since his childhood from Mombasa, Kenya.   My brother Kanti is my eldest brother .

Unfortunately he lost his wife (Kanchan) suddenly about 2 1/2 months ago – after married to her for more than 40 years. This is quite a blow to him as they were good companions. Now he is left alone in Kenya in the big house on Wambugu Road in Nairobi.

This leaves him all alone in that big edifice -as most of us ( from the joint family members) moved overseas (over the years) including his two sons (Shammir & Nehul). However he is definitely fortunate that his only daughter (Bansri) remained in Nairobi along with her husband ( Ketan)   and thus Kanti would have some support and family companionship available in Nairobi.   He is also fortunate that he has two grandsons ( Bansri”™s sons) who are now somewhat grown-up. The eldest  son ( Nikit ) who has now completed his University education in England is in Nairobi – working at his father”™s industry/business. The younger one (Akshay) is still continuing his studies in England but do go to Nairobi often enough to visit his parents, grandfather and others in the family.

Kanti is the eldest amongst us 4 brothers and 3 sisters. After Kanti is my brother Arwind – who unfortunately became a victim to a robber”™s bullet in his shop (store) on River Road in Nairobi, Kenya – a few years back . My younger brother, Suryakant,   is now in UK – retired .   My sister   (Sarla) older than Suryakant is still in Nairobi, Kenya and thus would remain a source of support for Kanti when he goes back to Nairobi after his visit to London . The other two sisters (Ranjan & Daxa) younger than me are in UK .


Kanti”™s visit to Ontario was part of his visit overseas after losing his wife to sudden illness and thus needed some diversion to get over the grief.   He is visiting his sons Shammir & Nehul and their families in London, UK.

Shammir and his wife Rina have two sons – (Ruan & Syan) . They are younger than pre-teens.

 

 

 

The visit of Kanti to Ontario coincided with  

1) my illness – I lost my hearing in my right ear -with congestion behind both the ears and being a bit wobbly on the feet. The   situation gone bad over last two months.

2) Further we were to go to Toronto at Sunir”™s place – to help them & support Shannon when Sunir was travelling to US on business (between 16 September & 21 September 2012) – for looking after Maya (our 1 year old granddaughter) in the morning & taking her & bringing her back from the Day Care facility .   We travelled to Toronto from Deep River on Friday 14 September 2012 .

3) We also were needed to look after our grandchildren in Deep River – Sitara ( 5 year old) & Sachin ( 3 year old) -Nina/Sunjay”™s kids during the week from 24 September to   29 September 2012 – as Nina was to travel to Niagara falls (on business – attending a pharmacist conference) on Thursday night – 27 September 2012 . With all this happenings – we manage to spend an excellent time with Kanti.

Kanti came over to Sunir/Shannon”™s place on Saturday 15 September 2012 to spend a day with Sunir before he flew off to US. We brought him from Jayanti’s home in Mississauga.  This visit resulted in Shannon being introduced to Kanti and vice versa but most important that Maya got familiar with her   “Mota Bapuji”   -(elder granduncle). During the day , Sunir & Kanti went out on a stroll to Loblaws on Yonge Street and separately he went with me to “Metro” Grocery Store and   a stroll on Yonge street .

Doug – Shannon”™s dad came over in the afternoon for welcoming Kanti.   All had great time until we took Kanti back to Jayanti”™s home late in the evening to spend few more days with his friend.

Then Kanti came over to Sunir/Shannon”™s place to stay over on Wednesday 19 September 2012.

He and Maya hit it off well together and in the morning Kanti joined us to take Maya to the Day Care facility and bring her back in the evening.   As Sunir was not around, this allowed Shannon to pursue her work at her hospital without any concern .

On Thursday 20 September 2012 – just before lunch time I took Kanti to Yorkdale Plaza – this is one of the largest shopping plaza in Toronto ( & of course in Ontario) . Here he also saw the “Rain Forest” restaurant – which has   ”˜jungle camouflage”™ with artificial animals ( elephants , monkeys etc) and live fishes in large glass tanks – for children to enjoy and get enchanted.   After lunch, we also went back there with Jackie for shopping for grandkids”™ clothing etc.

In the evening Kathy and Doug ( Shannon”™s parents)   came over to meet with Kanti . Kathy had not seen him before .

On Thursday evening Kanti & I took a ride on the Toronto subway from Lawrence W. station to Eglinton Station – to experience the Canadian underground railway and to know some other neighbourhood around Young Street.

 

On Friday 21 September 2012 – we (Jackie & myself) took Kanti for a view of the Niagara Falls . This became feasible as Shannon was only working till about 4.00 pm that day. Kanti had a great visit to Niagara Falls and watched water rushing down the falls from a nearby vantage point. He also got a run of the town & general ambiance. Of course he had been to NF earlier when he & his wife (Kanchan) had visited Canada in the late 90s.

While at NF, we visited our friend Shanti & his wife Kusum and their son Dinesh. These are our friends since we migrated to Canada in 1974 and settled in NF at that time .(Note: both our children – Nina & Sunir are born in NF) . Kusum had laid a sumptuous lunch for us and we had a great nostalgic visit and also for Kanti to socialise and get to know a bit more about the nuances of Jainism – from Shanti,

After our lunch we went to Niagara-on-the-Lake to visit Martha & Genero – our friends of many years.   Along the way, we stopped over at the Floral Clock and took a tour of the scenic route along the Niagara River. We also stopped a Winery shop and bought some local Maple Syrup. We refrained to buy local wine at this time.   Our visit to Martha /Genero as usual was very touching . Kanti also got to know them . After the visit we returned back to Toronto and had some time to play with Maya before she went for her sleep.

We travelled to Deep River on Saturday 22 September 2012 and on the way we stopped at Cookstown (on Hwy 400) shopping mall. This is an industrial outlet for many manufacturers.   We looked over specialist shops for a pizza cutter- that Kanti was looking for a special type of pizza cutter (for Sharmi)   but we did not come across the type that he was looking for. However he already had bought one in Toronto – normal type that most people use.  

However, Kanti did buy a pair of shoes for himself at the Cookstown mall.

After that we stopped over at Mattawa and met one of the Indian (Gujarati Patel) immigrant to Canada – who has a franchise ” Subway” restaurant . Narayan bought this franchise (in partnership with one of his friends) a couple of years ago from a lady (again a Patel)- unfortunately her husband who was running the franchise got killed in road accident and then running a franchise like this was a big responsibility . So she sold out.   However, Narayan and his partner friend did not quite   make it out together. recently he sold the franchise to another Patel and he is just working there now to help the new owner and remain in Mattawa for about a couple of years until his daughter completes her high school education.


After Mattawa we came to Mackey and there we exited to go to Nina/Sunjay”™s home . Sunjay had prepared a nice dinner for us – Nina was working this day but later she was home for the dinner.   Both Sitara & Sachin were excited to meet & know “Mota Nana”   (elder Granduncle) . They really enjoyed playing and be with Kanti.   Of Course, in the beginning they were a bit shy but once ice was broken – they would want to play again and again with Mota Nana .

After the most enjoyable dinner, we drove to Deep River and to gain rest for the night.

Sunday 23 September 2012

Nina, Sunjay & kids (Sitara & Sachin) came over (from their home in Mackey- which is some 26 minutes from Deep River by car) at lunch time to spend time   with  ” Mota Nana” – that is my brother. I am kids “nana” and Jackie is their “nani”. This is our Gujarati way of addressing the maternal grandparents.

After lunch – the kids had a great time playing with the adults and on their own   but more so with their ” Mota Nana”. Sitara played on the lap top (her kids PBS program & games) while her Mota Nana and Nana played bridge (card game) on the main computer . Kanti got to know about this venue of entertainment and also to be his brother doing some activity . This did help him to deflect from grief – at least momentarily.

Kanti also   spent time with Jackie & Pravin discussing and telling about our great grandfather”™s (Depar”™s) migration to Kenya – a few years after our grandfather (Dharamshi) migrated around 1910 and set up a shop (store) in Ruiru , Kenya   – a bit upstream (north) of Nairobi. More history was spelled out – describing the events and migration for our family from Ruiru to Mombasa & then to Nairobi where the family ultimately moved around 1957.

Later in the day, all went out walking in the neighbourhood and kids on their three-wheelers. All had great dinner together and much later around 10.00 pm kids & their parents went   to Mackey’ ‘ Kanti after playing few bridge games on computer also went to sleep.

On Monday 24 September 2012 – after breakfast – Kanti went to town ( actually Deep River is very small town) but Kanti went with his brother for the drive & saw where Nina works and also where Sunjay works. They drove to the edge of town – to the fenced boundary of the big employer (AECL) in the area. On the way he saw the Deep River Hospital and also the log cabin (which used to be antique store – from where Pravin/Jackie had bought a 200yr old solid Mahogany Chippendale dining table with “shield-back” chairs in 1986 – (when moving to Deep River from Mississauga). Kanti also went to Deep River marina (situated on the Ottawa River) and saw the lighthouse ( not operating now as new technology has taken over to guide the boat traffic on the Ottawa River).

At home he looked at the paintings of both the lighthouse and the loghouse that Jackie has painted many years ago.

Kids came home with Sunjay in the evening after school time   and had dinner together. They went home to Mackey about 8.30 pm.

 However Nina came over after 9.00 pm (her work finishes at that time) and had great “pow-wow ” with her uncle till almost mid-night.

 

On Tuesday Kanti joined the kids (& Nina, nana & nani)   to Sachin”™s music class in Petawawa (located at the Petawawa Civic Centre) . Sitara also joined in – skipping her KG class at McKenzie Community School building in Deep River   – and she participated in the music class.   The 3 adult onlookers also joined in some activities. Kanti had a great run of some musical activities – enjoying with all the kids in the class.     After the music class – all went to the children’s park – just there outside on the grounds.   Kids had a great time on the swings and slides . Kanti and other adults also had try out at swings etc – just having a carefree  fun time with family together.  

After the fun and frolic at the playground – all retired ( by car of course)   to McDonald”™s for lunch. After that we came home to rest a bit before dinner – at that time Sunjay joined the dinner – having come from his work.   They remained till late before going to Mackey.

Notes:

1) Nina   does not work on Tuesdays and Thursdays but other weekdays she works till 9.00 pm.

2) The   fall (autumnal) colours – plant leaves turning colours – all yellow, red and mixed – are fabulous . Kanti had a view of this “change of colours “.

3) Kanti enjoys playing bridge (card game) on the computer and he has already mastered the use of both the   computers (laptop and desktop) . He is no doubt a very good bridge player . He has the ability to figure out who has got which cards and plays accordingly. He has a sharp mind.


On Wednesday 26 September 2012 , Kanti joined us to Ottawa. Jackie had an appointment with an “arthritis specialist” at the Ottawa Hospital. So all of us ( 3 – myself, Jackie and Kanti) went to Ottawa . After the hospital visit – we went to the city (downtown) – saw the Parliament Building and the Hill , saw Rideau Canal , Fairmont Chateau Laurier – where we stopped for a “pit-stop” and then Rideau Mall – it was kind of empty in the evening – as most people from the city had gone to their homes in suburbs .   We also had a stroll at the Byward Market and then we drove back to Deep River . We were back at about 8.00 pm and soon after that Nina came over for her usual “pow-wow” with her uncle.

On Thursday 27 September, Kanti joined Pravin to go to Pembroke – which is a larger town near to Deep River where most big stores are located . Pravin had an appointment with an Otologist (an ear doctor) – who really could not help much except to say that this type of condition (losing hearing suddenly) occurs to 3   to 4 people in year and it is due to sensory neural problem. There is no solution except to wait out and see over the months if it gets healed.

Kanti   saw Pembroke – had a ride around in the car , and some visits to its malls and large stores like Walmart.   He also noted the unique  “wall murals” – for which Pembroke is famous for.   We retuned back to Deep River for lunch and then Kanti to spend time with the kids and Nina and family.

In the evening, Kanti joined the kids & Sunjay & their nani to their swimming class at McKenzie Swimming Pool. Their nana stayed behind at home.  

Nina had made copies of memory photos for Kanti to carry to London/Nairobi   – to remember his visit to family out here in Ontario/Canada.

That night Nina went to Niagara Falls for a Pharmacist Conference – taking  late night plane from North Bay. That day Sachin spent night at Deep River.

On Friday, time was spent in Deep River – driving out to see Lemure Beach and other places of interest in Deep River and then playing with the kids and chit-chat with family and for sometime to play bridge on the computer.

On Saturday (29 September 2012) – the kids had a gymnastic class in Petawawa. So all joined in and went with them. Petawawa is a military town (towards Ottawa) and it takes about 20 minutes by car to go there. Kanti got a glimpse of military facilities and he noted how freer it is here in Canada. After the gym class – all went to Military Museum ( after picking up lunch from McDonald’s for picnic) and had picnic there prior to going inside to view the exhibits. There were exhibits outside too – trucks, planes , tanks etc.

On Sunday 30 September 2012   –   this was the last day in Ontario, Canada – we had a long drive to Toronto ( some 6 hours of drive) and to Pearson Airport ( Terminal 3) . We left   Deep River at 10.00 a.m – stopped over about half way out on Hwy 11 at a Tourist Info Centre (Rest House) and had a picnic lunch. After that the drive was steady- stopping over for pit stops and filling gas en route.   We arrived at the Terminal 3 of the Pearson Airport at about 5.30 pm – at that time the checking desk was open . He got checked in and got airport assistance (wheel chair) to go in to the gate. The check-in was a cinch – no problem and the assisting lady was there to take Kanti inside.

That day Nina   was returning from Niagara Falls   and catching a plane from Terminal 1 (Pearson Airport). She could have met Kanti but it was not to be as it was felt prudent that Kanti better be inside near the gate rather than wondering out for long.

So that was the visit by Kanti   – with very many good memories  . The kids really were very excitedand became fond of him . Sitara would note that we have a visitor and Sachin would ask (often times) where is your brother – if he does not see Kanti (Mota Nana) around.

Kanti had a relaxed time and always was part of all the family activities along with having opportunity to see some parts of Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa   (Parliament Hill) ,North Bay, Pembroke, Mattawa ,Nina/Sunjay home, Sunir/Shannon Home, many of Pravin/Jackie”™s good friends – fall colours and Ontario Highways and great distances .

By   Pravin Shah       ( 15 October 2012)

Poem for our Granddaughter – Maya – 1st Birthday

Maya Jashoda Knights Shah – her 1st Birthday
                                                        7 August 2012

 

            Our dear Maya much playful

         Always able to go places civilly

         A ready traveller with aplomb

         Calm but witty with sparkles of teeth

         One year on this earth all playful

         Inquisitive   enquiring mind with pizzazz

         Plundering pantry and cupboards  

         Crawling cuddling sweet baby      

 

          Maya , this is your first birthday

         Your toddler days are very near

         Pretty soon running all over the house

         Our detective on the prowl

        Your first birthday is special delight

        Your Ba and Bapuji are full of pride

      Our adorable Baby,   cute from head to toe

      We wish you an incredible birthday !

 

Ba /Bapuji     – paternal grandparents