smittenbyu: (relaxed)
The list of natural disasters is just getting so long! Yeeks!! Several of our members have been affected by the hurricane, earthquakes that have been happening. Closer to home, my colleague's son just started college in Puerto Rico. He managed to get flights back home for both times. While my colleague was sharing her stresses of trying to get her son out, I had to recount a story from my college days. 

Back in the 90s, I was in college in Hawai'i.  I lived in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. My grandmother lived in Bangalore, India. She discovered while reading the newspapers that a volcano was erupting in Hawai'i. She immediately called mother, since she didn't have my number at the time with the news. She frantically with so much concern tried to convince mom that she is happy to pay for my ticket to fly home right away. Mom, of course, called me. This was the days before google. I woke up that morning going, "what volcano?!" There's no active volcano on Oahu. Mom called grandma back and reassured her that everything was fine and not to worry. 

But poor grandma was never convinced. We all picture volcanoes to be like Mt. St Helens. But Hawaiian ones are not as dramatic and have been erupting for a long time now. In fact, I think the Kilauea is the longest erupting volcano in the world! So, when I did go to see the volcano, I remembered to take a picture and send it to grandma to show that everything is OK. Of course, it made her worry more that I was walking close to the volcano - clearly proof that I have lost my head! 

ah grandma! Love her.

grandma...

Apr. 27th, 2010 12:23 pm
smittenbyu: (distraught)
This week seems to have followed the theme on mothers. We received news that my maternal grandmother passed away a few hours ago. Her health had really degenerated the last few months. In a way this is the end of her misery. She was such an active lady and it must have been so tough for her to not even be able to carry a conversation over the phone.

A long time ago before the world of tags  I had written about her. I don't feel like writing. But yesterday evening, I saw her face in mother's and ajji (kannada for grandmom) just smiled at me and I could see the love just radiating through. My mom looks like grandpa. So that was odd I thought then... I had nearly blurted out then itself that she looked just like mom.

Dad called to share the news with mom. For quite some time I was hoping/thinking it's some sick kind of joke. But why would dad out of all the people do something like that. Mom is showing a strong face, but I can't imagine what she is going through.

She has decided not to fly back. She is also not getting any younger for her to fly there and back again later. Plus, by the time she lands the funeral and stuff would be over.

My sis also emailed me and asked me how she is doing. I think she is fine. Her biggest concern now is the light accumulation of dust on the picture frames. Apparently we should be dusting everyday! So, that is what she will be doing henceforth. Did I mention my mom is a perfectionist? 

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