Meet my heroes- Part 3

The ‘MODA’ effect

   While our home country India is under the ‘MODI’ effect for three years now, our home in US was under the ‘MODA’ effect for three months. What is this MODA effect, you ask? Well, it was the shower of positive energy originating from my very own ‘MOM’ and ‘DAD’. This brings us to the third part of the heroic series - featuring my ‘parents’ who were nothing less than ‘GOD’ in disguise. They say parents know anything and everything about you which makes it absolutely easy for them to manage you in any type of situation. 

    

   Normalcy to the highest level was the theme of their three month stay, where they refused to entertain any of my sympathetic tears or pitiful cries. All they knew was their girl will bounce back to life, come what may. So much so they even shouted at this poor girl (not complaining, just trying to cash on my ‘Make hay, while the sun shines’ theory, yet again)

     According to California local news, there has been drastic loss in the Milpitas Farmers’ Market Sales. Thanks to two missing buyers who have gone back to their home country. These two buyers were my very own Mom and Dad who bought the best of local produce every Sunday. This has made me believe that send my parents to any part of the world and they shall be able to shop well. 

   

    Healthy cuisine, variety of dishes and unique preparations formed the end product of this shopping spree that ensured a happy appetite. But again, they did not do it for the C monster, they did it because that is what parents do. They instill sense and discipline into you, no matter what your age is. Their shouts seem so natural and usual, making you realize that they are the only ones who can point your mistake with anger, yet love you selflessly like nothing happened.

   Through my blog I would love to challenge all the researchers in the world. Get us the answers to two questions –“What are parents made of?” and “How can someone shout at you with love?” Satisfactory answers to these questions will truly lead the researchers to Noble prize as these are some tough things to crack. Coming back to the ‘MODA’ effect, when God was distributing packets of ‘sympathy’ and ‘pity', I am sure my dear parents were busy buying oranges and cilantro at the Farmers’ market, because they lack these two aspects in every form. 

  

    They ran the jurisdiction of this house in a normal manner, refusing to entertain any of my complaints. Whenever ‘C’ decided to play a little havoc, forcing me to complain or whine, they ignored it with a cool approach. This ignorance was not to discourage me, but to discourage ‘C’ and drive it away.

    The other happy members due to their visit are our refrigerator and cooking range. They are excited to make new friends such as broccoli, spinach, papaya, watermelon as these are now part of our little family (sorry bottle gourd- but you will not get an entry anymore). From broccoli stir fry to spinach varieties, ‘puran poli’ to ‘jowar bhakri’ my mom’s magic made wonders in the kitchen. It was not just my Mom who ruled the kitchen, my dear Dad deserves some credit too. His pasta, noodles and popcorn kept him in the competition.

   MODA effect left behind loads of happy memories, making us realize that we can always find light even amidst dark clouds. From playing cards where surprisingly my Dad won each time to savoring picnic lunches in parks, from driving all around town because their son-in-law needed coffee to watching serials and music programs on television, from agreeing to my demands of spicy food for bad taste buds to accompanying in adventurous long-drives, they participated in every aspect with enthusiasm and energy.

       Though I am appreciating them so much, I have one small little complaint. Thanks to them I have forgotten how to shop for groceries. Even our local Indian stores nearby were so used to these frequent buyers that they have refused to entertain me without them!

    Their short visit has granted us lot of ideas for a disciplined routine. Organizing our house frequently with convenience and making useful changes for our betterment are some of the lessons that shall stay with us for a lifetime. Though I am able to thank them for their normalcy today, I must admit that it was difficult back then. I did go through my sessions of fights and complaints with them, though they were so right on every front. When they spoke about disorganization or indiscipline, it was absolutely easy to find reasons. But maturity is when you realize that life is what you choose it to be. Their stay, attitude and approach has taught me one useful aspect- We can either choose to soak ourselves in self-pity and use situations as a shield or we can choose to find a way out and radiate happiness.

   Coming to the conclusion of my post. I was totally confused, shocked and amazed whether to take it as a compliment and show my teeth or consider it as a sarcastic comment when my Mom said “You are a fighter-cock since birth, I am sure you will fight this trouble too!”  Only your Mom can say this to you and yet get the first ‘Good morning’ message from you with a smile.

P.S: Dear Parents – Thank you for the MODA effect.
Sorry for any negative effect and apologies for not seeing you off at the airport- it was not easy and it will never be!
Also, that grocery complaint was serious, hope you find a solution soon.

Dear Nephew- Better send me some good gift, I have returned back your grandparents to you. 

Meet my heroes – Part 2

The coolest trio

   After my hubby-the great, it is time for the next hero as promised. The only difference is this post will not feature one single hero, but a group of three. I believe these three are not just my heroes. Owing to their good looks and smart features, they can appear as real actors and actress on screen someday. Before I continue this introduction and increase the suspense, let me get straight to the point. I am talking about a beautiful elder sister Ms. P, extremely handsome brother-in-law Mr. S and dashing nephew Master. Y. This SPY team are the coolest set of individuals along my treatment, converting hot chemo to a cold mojo!

   I strongly suggest that they must change their middle name to ‘Cool’ as these three are the most flexible, easy-going, non-judgmental, carefree class of individuals. Though Mr. Y is just a toddler yet, his innocent and easy vibes make me extremely happy. With their short yet happening stay, the SPY team sowed seeds of my treatment. Love, care, smiles, laughter, kindness, happiness were all poured in great quantities, while these three hurried around with their short trip.

      As this cool trio initiated the course of my treatment, I was convinced of a cooler course ahead. After their trip, the shower of love and care continues with frequent video calls, though Master. Y has started showing some attitude lately. Thanks to today’s gadgets, Master. Y is confused about the screen he should look at. I am having a tough time, while competing with Tom and Jerry as one smart phone shows my face, while the other tablet shows these cartoons. No prize for guessing my little cartoon Master. Y chooses those cartoons over me! Unless I start acting like either Tom or Jerry, I definitely stand no chance.

     Back to the main purpose of this series. Why do I call them as heroes of my treatment? Normalcy and non-judgmental treatment are the two central reasons for it. Whatever happens, their normal behavior is still the same. Hair or no hair, Master Y does not alienate from his moushi (aunt). I always wonder how this little kiddo recognizes me perfectly on a small phone screen.

     Ms. P does not let anything bother her, while she is busy exercising her right to dominate. C or no C, she has chosen to discard sympathy and pity in trash; while she is interrogating her younger sister about food, work, diet, shopping, clothes, make-up, restaurants, movies, in short everything and anything under the sun. With her strong inclination towards cosmetics and desire to decorate my face, I will not be surprised if one day she asks me before the treatment, “Have you applied make-up?” 

     Her positive attitude, faith and easy-going approach are all I need to move ahead. I am sure the gift hamper for the ‘Best elder Sister’ in the world is a ‘mansion full of perfumes’, hence my Ms. P is going great lengths to bag it. She definitely deserves it for all the love, care, attention and concern sprinkled over me. I hope she gets those numerous perfumes someday to keep her completely occupied. At least it will mean less interrogative sessions for me.

    If Master Y is fan, Ms. P is cooler, then by that logic Mr. S is an air-conditioner- coolest of all. A happy-go-lucky man with a smile and solution for everything, Mr. S is a perfect brother-in-law. After all he is the only one I can team with against Ms. P. With a common target to talk, tease and complain, bonding between with Mr. S has helped my course of treatment.

    How could I afford to be sad and down during the treatment, when this SPY team gave me a ‘treasure-hunting’ exercise at Walmart. While I was running from one aisle to another for their list, even monster C must have given up! I am secretly hoping and eagerly waiting to see a fight between Mr. S and Master Y for the same little toy car as both father-son seem to love it to the core.

   Now, since these three attractive individuals have great scope to be featured on-screen, let me use the theme of ‘scenes’ to feature their ‘heroic’ acts. I knew I could not allow C to hold me down or trouble me much, when following scenes were happening in my life.

Lights, Camera, Action!

Scene 1, Take 1:

(Ms. A and Ms. P on video-chat)

Ms. P: “Go to Dennys. Eat pancake.”

Ms. A (On face): “Ok”

            (In mind): “But why? I do not want it and monster C does not seem to like it.”

Ms. P: “Buy mascara, eye-liner, do some make-up.”

Ms. A: (On face): “Ok”

               (In mind): “Oh sure, will it scare away the monster C, then why not?”

Ms. P: “Go to Walmart, Toys r us, Bed bath and Beyond.”

Ms. A: (On face): “Yes, Yes, sure.”

               (In mind): “Someone please tell her, shopping is not a form of treatment.”

Scene 2, Take 2:

(Ms. A and Master Y on video chat)

Master Y: (excitedly) “Moushi, moushi, moushi, moushi!”

Ms. A: (Drops the sad face) “Yes Y, How are you? I am fine. I love you.”

Master Y: “ I am phine, I lo you, Bye”

When such funny conversations brighten me up, I am convinced that the SPY team is doing their job well. Wait for more heroes and their heroic acts in the next part.

P.S: SPY team, you must plan a visit soon. Not because I miss you, but our kitchen does ;) Ms. P and Mr. S can cook, while Master Y can play with the utensils!

Meet my heroes

    

     This next blog topic will be a series of posts featuring my heroes. I am sure you must be wondering what all will go into the list? Am I talking about heroes on screen who entertain us with their performances or some real-life angels who inspire us with their deeds? The answer to both these questions is in the negative. My heroes are members of my support system.

      People who are standing by me like solid rocks, while I am punching the lymphoma monster one cycle after the other. These strong pillars have refused to accept any defeat and ooze out positive essence like flowing river. All they know is one can never give up. Hence their urge towards normalcy makes this entire episode as just another phase of life. So much is the inclination towards usual life that their arguments, fights and shouting have not changed too. While I thought this ‘damsel in distress’ status will give me some hidden advantages, I was absolutely wrong. Each of my heroes have refused to treat me any differently, forcing me to be back on track as soon as possible.

   One single post will not do justice to all those who have been a part of this journey. Hence I shall feature one hero every passing week. Again the aim is not to garner sympathy or demand special attention from my readers. The purpose is to thank and celebrate their presence in my life. You do not know what you have till life throws some unexpected situations your way. I am sure none of these closed ones would expect such appreciation in the open, but then again it is my unique way to reach out to their love and care all this while. And while you are sending your wishes my way, kindly sprinkle some love on these heroes too. They are absolutely special in every way.

 In no particular order, this series will talk about my people. I shall refrain from using their real names, yet their relationship will speak for itself. My initial plan was to enlist them in this post, but I feel we all can use a little surprise. Stay tuned with me as I reveal one hero after the other.

   If you are expecting a boring thank you speech or long description of every person, let me correct you before it starts. My idea is to use some humor and spice it up as we move post to post.

  While I would have loved to start this series with my super-hero parents who gave me this gift of life, it will be too difficult to do so at this point of time. After a supportive stay of three months as they shall be traveling back to their pavilion in a few days, it will be easier to talk about them after they leave. So, let me start with my local superhero hubby Mr. N.

    There is no doubt in the fact that it is extremely difficult to appreciate your spouse openly. So before I start my words, I should congratulate myself for such a big heart! On a serious note, we often take our people for granted hence taking my hubby for granted was nothing unusual. It is only after my doctor appreciated his care when I realized that he deserves few good words.

  Call him Mr. Foodie-partner-in-crime, Mr. Know it all, Mr. 30 running on 90, Mr. Doctor in disguise or Mr. Alice in wonderland, this super-hero is my pillar of support. A strong headed person who believes everything happens for a reason, he seems to know everything. While struggling with the news or working towards the solution, all his energy was focused towards the theme ‘normalcy’. So much so that our usual husband wife nagging did not stop even for a single day. His desire to take our life just as before ensures that nothing can come in the way.

   Though our arguments are just like before, I do have an added advantage to swiftly play the ‘C’ card as and when needed. Depending on the situation, as his reactions turn from sympathy to pity or irritation to consideration, the outcome is totally worth it.

  

   If there is one thing about him that has truly helped me all this while is his ‘love’ for food. With his love for recipes, ingredients, perfection, taste and varieties, I was excited for the ‘dinner’ part of course. Though it would have helped if he actually prepared these dishes for me, his suggestions and ideas did the trick. And the habit of taking ‘Master Chef’ credit at the end kept things the way they were. Never did I get the benefit of false praises though I would have loved to. As he refuses to display any amount of sympathy or pity, I am grateful to be just the same. Though I must admit, I am still recovering from the shock that my 'Pav Bhaji' was the best he has had so far. 

  

    From his efforts to growing plants in our pots to growing hair on my scalp, my scientist is working on everything, thanks to the freely available knowledge on the internet. Whether it gives any results is a ‘wait and watch’ job, (when I last checked, we are expecting honey dew melons, coriander, saffron and cherries all in the same pot) but his ideas and thoughts are truly entertaining. Forcing one spoonful of Chawanprash right in the middle of a video session with my little nephew is his style of turning into a ‘useful’ husband.

      Preference to choose restaurants, cuisines, hang out options and movies are some of the hidden advantages at present as I get to command like a queen. After all there is a reason why the thought ‘Make hay while the sun shines’ was born.

     Another hilarious experience worth sharing is the rendezvous between my doctor and hubby-the great. Ignoring me, while Mr. N manages to grab the spotlight upon himself, their talks about travel, food, medicine or anything under the sun always dominate our sessions. As I sit quietly without any attention as desired, I cannot help but thank my stars for a funny husband like mine. Normalizing every situation and being positive is his way of dealing with the stress, while he waits for an opportunity to laugh at me or laugh with me. Either way it works for me to be next to a hero. You know you have to be normal and back in pink of health to express anger when husband says “How does this t-shirt look on me?” or “Do these shoes suit me?” right while I am dealing with post chemo trouble. Leaving my irritation aside, I wonder why does his fashion status demand so much attention all of a sudden. 

    This weird, funny, unusual yet usually expected behavior is what I want from Mr. N as we walk along the path.

  Stay tuned for the next heroes as the list is long.

P.S: If you want to be featured as a hero too, positions are open! Give me some Maggie noodles, carbonated beverages and coffee (as these are banned under Mr. N's jurisdiction) and I am all yours ;) I surely know how to make hay while the sun shines.