When there is love peace and happiness are not far behind. Love is such a solid glue in my life. It binds all my relationships, strengthening them and makes life worth living. The past couple of weeks have been busy and I have not kept up with blogging as much as I’d like. But sometimes, real life takes priority and there were a couple of crisis situations we were all occupied with at home and that is where the title of this post comes in.
Love Peace and Happiness
Hospital care and more than that, the good old run around to organize things and then trying to keep things together, including our heads is taking its toll. But love keeps our act together. One of my dear friend’s daughters unexpectedly met with an accident while returning from college. She was walking back home with a friend in a quiet residential area when a speeding motorbike rammed into her – causing multiple fractures and loss of blood even as she was rushed to hospital by onlookers. And no, they did not catch the guy.
For three days, it was touch and go. Thankfully, she is recovering, albeit slowly and has been advised complete bed rest for a couple of months after which there will be a review. It is three weeks now and we are doing all we can to ease the process. Still, it is not fun for a lively, active girl to lay on her back in bed. Because of the severe hip injury and multiple fractures she is not allowed to turn on her sides. The silver lining is friends visiting and calling. Even so, it is a tough deal.
I am trying to do my bit by handling the family’s shopping, lending my shoulders, pep-talking and being the laughter generator – but that eases the pain only to an extent. The actual suffering must always be borne by them. I also pray. I bribed God. It all feels good up to a point. What we all really want is for her to get up and get going again soon.
Luckily, I haven’t quite returned to work yet and with Vidur also on vacation, I am able to hang around at my friend’s place. Presence is so much more important than presents. Also, she is eager to hear all about our recent, unexpected trip to Toronto and loves that I am a shutterbug. I have over 1500 photos to weave stories for her and hopefully, she’ll be up and about long before I get anywhere near the middle of that bunch of pictures.
Happiness equals friends
Talking of Toronto, let me tell you the story of how that came about. The original plan was to make a short trip to Kodaikanal as my cousin has a timeshare thingy there and has been asking us to use it for years. We figured that now was a great time as any, what with the sweltering heat in our city. We seemed to be sweating our life away. My nephew studied at the International school there and would spout its merits every time he visited – which used to be once a year before he went to the US.
Kody, as we fondly refer to it is a lovely place and a great destination in summer. It is also located close to Madurai, which is a beautiful city to visit. My maternal aunt used to live there and I have fond memories of summer vacations combined with temple trips with my Grandmother when we used to transit through their place. Ah, those were the days!
So did I take up my cousin’s offer? No.
And why? Because Sury was due to visit Canada for a conference at the lovely BANFF Center in Calgary. We joked about all of us going. And as I chatted with my friend who lives in Toronto – she insisted we visit and the idea was born. I thought, we’re unlikely to go on a holiday for the next couple of years – at least, not longer than a 3-4 day trip – and least of all a trip abroad – so why not grab this chance?
We carpe-d le diem exploring options and finally decided to make it an almost three week trip. Rather than look at tour packages we were now contemplating a trip abroad. Once finalized, we had to move quickly to get the visas, the tickets and so on.
I was worried about not being able to keep up with the AtoZChallenge 2013 but thanks to my friend, I aced that.
“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness didn’t know where to shop” Gertrude Stein.
However, it wasn’t an easy decision to go on this trip. Besides the expense, there were a whole lot of deal breakers to deter us.
- My father in law’s surgery was scheduled for April 3 and we had no idea how it would go. If he didn’t do well, we’d have to cancel. But his progress was good, and we went.
- Our condo is undergoing civil repair work. If our house was scheduled during the second half of April, it would be really tough if we weren’t around. But our turn is scheduled for sometime in May – so peace on that front.
- Vidur had enrolled for classes scheduled to begin in April – but we learned they would commence only at the end of April, so that was okay.
- I was injured and had my own woes with a slowly recovering foot, but I managed to finish most of my shopping online. I would have been miserable if I couldn’t have. Why, i was even worried about being able to get footwear on!
But Universe unfolded quite nicely. As things turned out, we did leave as scheduled. Off we went to Toronto for a glorious couple of weeks. The best part, besides meeting my best friend, who we stayed with, is I also got to meet and spend happy hours with three more close friends who happen to live in Toronto. After a fabulous time that went by too quickly, we returned home to India on May 2, pleasantly jet lagged. More about this trip over the next few weeks – so please stay tuned!
“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.”- Martha Washington
And that is the truth. Of course, now that we’re back, we still have to deal with all these things, and then some. But where there is love peace and happiness rush in. We all know that the little things are really the big things!
We haven’t ruled out that trip to Kodaikanal, though, since school reopens only in the third week of June. So look out for a post on that in the future!
Life is good!
Now here is what I want to know:
Will you join me in finding as many reasons as possible to smile with happiness today?
Because if we risk nothing, we risk everything!
Great reads this week
David Steven’s 7 killer mindsets for thriving in your mid life – he packs a magic punch in a short post
If you are dealing with anger and frustration, read Professor of Possibility and Positivity – Victor’s post to be inspired; you will love it
Suzie Cheel’s BEach Inspirations – pure joy!
♥
19 comments
Hi Vidya,
Thankyou for this “Happy” posting full of all the vital ingredients for living a full Life …. and thankyou for kindly including my post.
Be good to yourself
David
Life Coach. Listener. Solution Finder.
David Stevens recently posted…7 Killer Mindsets for thriving in your Mid Life
You are such a dear friend to all Vidya: we’re blessed to know you, and your friend is very fortunate to have your company, support and compassion. And of course, I’m so glad that the stars aligned to permit your trip to Canada. Take good care of yourself as you care for so many others. Hugs, Kaarina xo
Kaarina Dillabough recently posted…Why Are You Doing It?
Thanks Vidya for sharing the good and not so good. Glad to hear the your friends daughter is doing good. i shall say a pray for her.
Glad that everything worked out for your trip to Canada. Beautiful place it is.
You take care and again thanks for sharing with us.
Debbie recently posted…An Open Letter To Mother’s And Mother’s To Be
Hi Vidya,
This is a terrible thing to have happened to this girl and I’m sorry it has been so hard for her and her family but she lives right? It could have been much worse. They are lucky to have you to help them so much, and I’m sure will enjoy your wonderful photography!
I love the quote you ended with: “if we risk nothing, we risk everything!” What is life without risk?
Stay cool my friend!
Lori
Lori Gosselin recently posted…What are Your Favourite Summer Activities?
I will keep your friend’s daughter in my prayers. It is a sad thing to behold when someone gets inured. I am glad you liked your trip to Toronto. Isn’t it amazing how the universe unfolds in just the right ways.
It is true that happiness is determined by our disposition. Very true. Great use of the wonderful quotes. I enjoyed the post.
Hope you are doing well and look forward to hearing more about your trip.
I hope your friend’s daughter recovers soon, Vidya!
Roshni recently posted…How Indians deal with picky eaters – and then there’s our method!
Hi Vidya,
You just never know when things can change to turn your world upside down. So glad to hear everyone is okay. Recovery time can be pretty tough on the whole family.
Even when things are not so joyful in our lives, we can always find someone who is far worse. There was 3 young girls who had been kidnapped in the US and finally got free the other week after 10 years for one of them. I cannot imagine the terrible time they had being a prisoner in that guy’s house. So whatever we go through, there is usually someone else would gladly trade places with us. That thought makes me grateful for the few obstacles that I endure, as they are nothing in comparison.
My cats make me smile each day, the sunshine, the freedom, and so many more things in life.
Mary
Mary Stephenson recently posted…Failure Teaches What Is Really Wrong
I hope your friend’s daughter is recovering well. What a good friend you are. Looks like you had a nice holiday.
Suzy recently posted…A Place in the Universe
Wishing your friend’s daughter a speedy recovery and since laughter and happiness are good for the soul Vidya…it’s a bonus and a blessing that she has you in her world. I loved the statement presence is more important that presents. Wonderful.
Love Elle
xoxo
Elle recently posted…Why Loving Yourself Changes The World.
Sounds like you are busy VIdya. Glad you were able to make the trip to Canada and hope that your friend recovers soon. I’m sure that appreciate all that you are doing for them. Love your message of love, peace and happiness. Take care
Cathy Taughinbaugh recently posted…Are You the Parent of an Addicted Child Who Needs Resources?
I have discovered that being present in the moment is the key to peace (for me, anyway). True peace, not la-la rainbows and unicorns or anything, but just that calm, true feeling.
It is hard for us to live in the moment (I wonder why that is?) but the more we do it, the more we can feel at peace…in my opinion.
Good article.
Chris recently posted…Symptoms of a Panic Attack
Hi Vidya, thank you for this happiness and peace post and I love your imagery and you quotes- Sending healing energy to you friend’s daughter- sounds like a long recovery.
Thank you for including my Beach inspirations- that made my heart sing 🙂
Take care and have a relaxing weekend
namaste
Suzie xx
Suzie Cheel recently posted…BE Listening
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s daughter, Vidya, but glad to know that’s she recovering.
Your Toronto trip working out is quite a story – but it’s amazing how once we decide something, and think positively about it, everything falls into place! It must have been a lovely time to visit – not too cold and yet cold enough for it to be different!
Looking forward to seeing some of those many pictures you too! 🙂
Corinne Rodrigues recently posted…How Do You Handle Emergencies?
Hi Vidya, My goodness, you had so much going on! Equally here, we have had some shocks and surprises that were not welcomed, but we are also trying to roll with it and look for the opportunities in the turmoil. For there is reason behind what happens, though we may not know what it is just yet. Lot of love and healing to you and your extended family of friends.
Julie Barrett recently posted…Negativity, Boxes, and Just Plain Fun
Vidya,
I’m so touched by all your kindness helping this young girl in such a painful situation after the accident. I’ll pray all goes well and her bones knit up perfectly. I was hit by a car in my twenties on my bike so I have had a little taste of this, but it seems like her situations is far worse. I’ll have her in my prayers.
Sandra Pawula recently posted…Three Essential Elements of Personal Power
Glad to hear your friend’s daughter is healing well and recovering Vidya. I’ll be praying for her too.
So happy to hear how the universe made this Toronto trip happen. And looking forward to reading about your Toronto adventure and seeing photos from your trip.
Great post Vidya I really like it specially this quote
“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness didn’t know where to shop” Gertrude Stein.
Thank you so much for these useful tips .
rachid recently posted…100 Impossible Quotes With Pictures To Inspire You To Challenge And Conquer The Impossible (Part 5 of 10)
What a heart wrenching story. I will keep you all in my prayers.
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